Embracing Shoshin: The Power of a Beginner's Mind
Shoshin. Japanese. Translates to “beginner’s mind” and is a Zen Buddhist concept that is a practice of seeing life through a fresh lens, with wonder and curiosity.
In his book, “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”, Sōtō Zen monk Shunryu Suzuki writes, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”
I don't know about you, but I often feel that in today's world, we are bombarded with "expert" opinions. Stuck opinions. Where two sides (or many sides) are not allowed to co-exist. Just one set way of thinking and seeing, and if someone disagrees, they are wrong. Personally, I find this incredibly frustrating, stifling, harmful, and yes I will call it out, boring.
Which is why, when I came across the Japanese word "shoshin," and read about it's beautiful meaning of embodying a beginner's mindset, I felt my body exhale and my mind excited to expand. As quickly as possible, I ran out my front door and into nature. So I could put this new found shoshin practice into motion.
I chose nature because it offers endless opportunities to rediscover shoshin. I wanted to feel that childhood lens of curiosity spark. That place where delightful surprises are found under leaves and the sensation of a raindrop upon your face makes you laugh. I was also hoping to feel the healing, the creativity, and personal growth that comes with seeing life through a beginner's mindset.
As I hiked through one of my favorites, the backbone trail, with an intention of embracing shoshin, (and to add some miles towards the 1000 mindful miles challenge) the world around me and within me came alive.
I took time to watch bees gather pollen on their cute little back legs. I sat and took in what Peter Wohlleben magically writes about in his book, The Hidden Life of Trees, where he explains how trees are able to communicate with one another. I saw how branches of different trees reach out to support one another when one is weak and another is strong. I also watched vibrantly green spring plant sprouts emerge from the soil. Nature's cycle, support and connection, new beginnings...right before my eyes.
As I left my hike that day, I brought shoshin home with me. Because what I learned is that shoshin is not a practice to tap into once in a while, it is way of being. I could have walked through that mountain with music blasting in my ears, sorting through some problems in my mind, and "blissfully" unconsciously being absent.
I would have missed how the warmth of the sun brought me comfort. How it reminded me of the people in my life that do that same. I would have been oblivious to the beautiful sounds of the animals that had me me stop and listen. I thought about how listening, really listening, is one of the most important ways that we can show others that we care. And I would have missed the awe of watching nature grow and evolve. Realizing that we too, always have the opportunity to do the same.
Shoshin is an invitation to experience life wildly open to new possibilities. It is a mindful reminder to immerse ourselves in places, and to connect with people, where and when our perceptions and perspectives are refreshingly free to roam - judgment free.
If you would like to practice shoshin, try my meditation below.
Finding Shoshin Meditation by Julie Skon
For this meditation, let the awe of nature bring you to the essence of shoshin. Watch the sunrise or the sunset. Stare at a flower or a plant. Listen to the sound of the wind, or gaze at the stars. If nature isn't accessible, close your eyes and envision a beautiful vibrant place in the midst of trees or see yourself standing at the edge of the ocean.
Allow yourself to get lost in the wonderment of what you are seeing.
Take in the colors. The shapes. The textures. The scent. The sounds.
Notice how what you are seeing and sensing becomes more vivid, more alive with your conscious attention.
As your breathing slows and your body relaxes, become more deeply aware of what is physically arising within you.
What does this curiosity, this attention to detail, this journey of finding awe and wonderment in nature open for you?
How does it make you feel?
Has your lens shifted as you are open to seeing and sensing more?
As you complete this meditation, reflect how shoshin could be applied to your personal life. Are there areas where opening your lens, shifting your perspective, or deepening your perceptions could enhance your experiences and connections?
If you would like to share your reflections or experience with practicing shoshin, please comment below.
