Beginner’s Mind

It is close to spring here in the Pacific Northwest. Where I live, we will be hiking up mountains to see alpine flowers blooming, and we are already seeing bare-root fruit trees and the first blooms. The forsythia is starting to fill the air. When spring comes every year I think about the beginnings, where I was where I’m going.

Meditation in the beginning can help you flesh out your dreams for yourself, and your practice.

When I started practicing bodywork under a mentor when I lived in California with the intent that this was going to lead to my life’s work, I was 17 years old and just out of high school

Lately I have been remembering the trepidation and curiosity of the 17-year-old girl who asked to learn massage, and the generosity of my mentor to take on the feat of teaching me. Both of us were starting something new. I was learning to touch with the intent of easing pain. She was placed in the role of “teacher” for the first time.

This past week I told a story to a group of students about when I felt this way about a technique I’ve been studying and practicing for the past 10 years, and I asked my teacher where I could go for more advanced training. “Where do I go for more?” I asked him. “Back to the beginning.” He said.

Ah. Of course. We deepen our knowledge when we open the door to learning not by mere “review” but examining learned concepts with a new lens and deeper awareness. Approaching more complex ideas after resuming classes, readings or practicing our basic technique can prepare us for the next level.

The idea that we have “arrived” or “achieved mastery” and nothing more to learn only wisdom to impart is the type of hubris that will limit us and repel people, information, and new approaches to ancient techniques which could expand our minds.

Hubris also kills the curiosity that brought you to the practice of healing in the first place and creates boredom.

When I started studying Akido and Zen meditation I was introduced to the idea of functioning with a “beginner’s mind.” The Beginner’s Mind approach allows us to see different angles just like in Akido, and accounting for multiple variables.

The Beginner’s Mind is a Spring Mind. It is blooming in different directions from the same branch.

I encourage you to meditate on your beginnings, and where you go from here.

Happy dreaming!