In a very simple and profound book by Suzuki Roshi, Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, where the beginners mind is one of compassion. As Suzuki Roshi says, “when our mind is compassionate, it is boundless.”In the beginners mind, there is no thought that you have attained something, rather when we have no thoughts about achievement, we can really learn something.
For 2014, consider being compassionate with yourself and others while approaching all challenges with an open mind, without judgement or attachment to results. In this way of approaching any project, relationship, problem, there is an openness, innocence and readiness to be open to all possibilities.
Wouldn’t it be a great way to start any endeavor with openness, and readiness.
If you want to become an expert on anything, there is always a starting place of “not knowing.” So the journey into 2014 begins with exploring the idea of change, newness, risk, and adventure. Personal knowledge may be one of the biggest risks to take to know yourself. Not knowing is an important part of learning. If you move forward into 2014 seeking, observing, learning, growing, staying mindful with a beginners mind, you may be surprised and delighted about the results. A “not knowing” mindset creates access to intuition, shakes off the “shoulds”, and enables you to live more fully releasing creativity. It you want to explore compassion in your life, take on the role of a beginner with an open, receptive mind.
Learn to be mindful to decrease stress, pain, fear and enhance well-being.
