On the Beginner’s Mind

Isn’t it great that we can continue to learn new things, no matter our age, given a willingness and openness to broaden our minds?

This is that “beginner’s mind” that is often talked about in Buddhism. When you see things with a beginner’s mind, you are open to new possibilities. You drop those preconceived ideas about something and invite in a whole different perspective. With new perspectives you enjoy better relations and less anxiety because you are not expecting something to be a certain way. You’re more able to easily “roll with the punches.”

I have been reminded of this recently, along with a reminder to speak my truth. I regularly speak to group of visitors to our area that are traveling with Trafalgar tours. Mine is part of their “Be My Guest” experience, with local guides sharing about the area. There are regularly 30-40 guests, and while I can’t practically take them Forest Bathing, I share what an experience is like, including some of the practices and invitations. It’s an interactive session, and I strive to engage them as much as possible.

My first group of the season included a table of 8-10 folks that were traveling together, and I was warned by the tour director that they were “challenging.” I always ask for input on how to make the presentation even better, being sure to add, “I have a pretty thick skin, but be kind, and don’t crush my soul.”

As I went around the room, I received some nice comments, until I got to the challenging table. “Don’t talk about yourself so much,” she said in a rather unkind way. Ironically, I am never comfortable talking about myself, and I include it as a way to connect and to lead in to the main part of my talk. Anyway, duly noted, thanks for the input. However, I just talked about the healing powers of nature for a full hour and that was your takeaway?

Thus the reminder. Not everyone is open to this practice. It can be rather squishy, and, while I endeavor to meet these groups where they’re at, there are some parts that I feel are important to the practice. I include them even though they can be outside of some folks’ comfort zone. And so I continue to speak my truth, what is real for me, and know that I will connect with those that it speaks to.

It won’t be right for everyone. And how do you know unless you’re open to it, unless you embrace the beginner’s mind? I certainly don’t take her comment personally and figure if I reach just one person I’ve done my job. But I can’t help but wonder what else is she missing out on?

So, I will continue to live my life with the beginners mind, open to all the possibilities. I will continue to speak my truth. And I can be grateful to this traveler for the reminder to pause and wonder if I’m indeed walking my talk.

By the way, it was with some relief that I shortened the opening introduction about myself! Another thing I can be grateful for.