on NOT being an expert
We've all heard about it, yes.
Zen mind, beginner's mind, right?
Ha! Easier said than done.
But let's think about it a bit.
Let's consider the possibility...
I would imagine that many of you have your own children or have had the ability to be in the presence of small children. Children have a natural tendency to be curious, uninhibited and contain a zest and enthusiasm for what we may currently refer to as "everyday occurrences". If a child has been encouraged to explore and investigate, the child is most likely not going to be concerned with what other people believe they "should" be doing, saying, or thinking. Children also don't seem to have a filter for "common sense" (what a relief!) Children have a natural sense of optimism. Who doesn't need a bit of this?
All of these characteristics I've mentioned are what the zen masters refer to as "beginners mind". Try it out. It isn't easy. Lose all inhibitions just this once and play (for crying out loud). Empty your cup of expert-ness (just for an hour) and see what else might want a turn spending time there. Be quiet. Listen to what that wee voice inside your head (just for a day) has to say. See where it takes you. Did you know that when we practice beginner's mind, we are more likely to have the ability to be guided by our intuition?
Zen mind, beginner's mind, right?
Ha! Easier said than done.
But let's think about it a bit.
Let's consider the possibility...
I would imagine that many of you have your own children or have had the ability to be in the presence of small children. Children have a natural tendency to be curious, uninhibited and contain a zest and enthusiasm for what we may currently refer to as "everyday occurrences". If a child has been encouraged to explore and investigate, the child is most likely not going to be concerned with what other people believe they "should" be doing, saying, or thinking. Children also don't seem to have a filter for "common sense" (what a relief!) Children have a natural sense of optimism. Who doesn't need a bit of this?
All of these characteristics I've mentioned are what the zen masters refer to as "beginners mind". Try it out. It isn't easy. Lose all inhibitions just this once and play (for crying out loud). Empty your cup of expert-ness (just for an hour) and see what else might want a turn spending time there. Be quiet. Listen to what that wee voice inside your head (just for a day) has to say. See where it takes you. Did you know that when we practice beginner's mind, we are more likely to have the ability to be guided by our intuition?
Be a beginner. Lose the expert in you for just one day.
It can be quite liberating. Trust me.
"So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain
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