Beginner’s Mind: How to Develop a Beginner’s Mind

The beginner’s mind is a philosophy deriving from Zen Buddhism that invites followers to approach studies, habits, and exercises with eagerness and open-mindedness. Beginner’s mind comes from the Zen Buddhism term shoshin. This philosophy asks that you go into ventures without preconceptions, as a beginner might, even in familiar situations.

Many Zen teachers have helped popularize this practice of participating in activities with fresh eyes; one notable example is Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, who published the seminal book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind (1970). Shoshin argues that an expert’s mind can be limiting, as it may assume knowledge and superiority, while the beginner’s mindset encourages a more engaged and spirited relationship to the pursuit of a study.

A beginner’s mind is a healthy worldview because it is a call toward humility, openness, and curiosity instead of pretension or apathy. Without a beginner’s mind, you might approach new subjects with skepticism or familiar ones on autopilot. Instead, this Zen teaching asks practitioners to clear their minds and go into studies or activities as if for the first time. Preconceived ideas can limit our ability to learn and explore new topics, so this Zen meditation and practice is an opportunity to appreciate experiences with a more open state of mind.

There are a few ways to pursue a beginner’s mind:

1. 1. Clear your mind. Before approaching a new study, try emptying your mind of previous judgments or conceptions of the coming topic you’ll be exploring. You can do this with light meditation: find a comfortable position on a mat, center yourself, and take several deep breaths with your eyes closed. You can dim the lights and play soothing music. Once at ease, open your eyes, rise, and approach your study with a newfound freshness.
2. 2. Observe how children approach new activities. If you have younger relatives or friends with small children, watch how they engage in new activities, whether it’s biking, building a fort, or even taking first steps. A wide-eyed approach can be freeing and offer a new perspective that steers clear of cynicism or expertise.
3. 3. Let go of your ego. The beginner’s mind is a humbling exercise; it necessitates clearing your mind of any preconceived knowledge that may color your experience. Ask questions, and find comfort in not having all the right answers. Enjoy the long ride as opposed to the sprint toward immediate clarity.
4. 4. Engage curiosity. Instead of operating on autopilot, question why certain tasks are completed in the ways you’ve normally done them. Shake up routines and lead from a place of inquiry over certainty.
5. 5. Go one step at a time. The beginner’s mind rewards slowness, so there is not need to rush to the next stage or level of your journey when learning a new skill or studying a particular field. Stay in the present moment as opposed to constantly planning for the future.

Find something comfortable to sit or lie on, grab a MasterClass Annual Membership, and dial into the present moment with Jon Kabat-Zinn, the father of the Western mindfulness movement. From formal meditation exercises to examinations of the science behind mindfulness, Jon will prepare you for the most important practice of them all: life itself.