If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.
-Shunryu Suzuki-roshi
So yesterday I decided to practice my beginner's mind. And a good thing it was.
It started out well enough. I had a morning meeting to attend: one that does not always inspire. As I sipped my pre-dawn coffee, my expert mind not only reminded me that this meeting is often tedious but also predicted that today's meeting would be no different. But my beginner's mind said, " You might be surprised."
Indeed, I was. The meeting was lively, fruitful and informative. Cool. This beginner's mind thing is working.
Next, I headed off to Portland to teach my afternoon class. It's the week before spring break, and one look at the sea of faces in this normally effervescent group told me most of them were in the Bahamas already. My expert mind had a sizable lecture planned, but my beginner's mind said, "Let's just see what arises." A lively discussion resulted, one more valuable than the planned lecture. Beginner's mind works again.
Here are the characteristics of beginner's mind.
1. It is not already made up.
2. It is not compelled to know something ahead of time.
3. It is open to possibility.
4. It is empty of preconceived notions.
5. It is ready to see what arises.
6. It is curious.
7. It is present to the experience at hand.
As I drove home that day, I thought more about beginner's mind in relation to the quilt I just finished. I realized that beginner's mind comes much more naturally to me as a quilter than as a teacher. I suppose the difference has a lot to do with the fact that I've been teaching for 30 years and quilting for less than 2. But the point is well taken: the longer you've been doing something the more essential beginner's mind becomes.
Beginner's mind contributes to mental health. Many of the emotional problems people have are obsessions and ruminations that they gnaw at like a dog with a bone. Somehow they believe that more gnawing will bring the resolution they seek. Actually, what will bring relief is clearing your mind so that you have a chance to look at that bone in a new way.
So as I drew closer to home I came to the conclusion that beginner's mind needs to be part of my daily practice, not just one day's meditation. Good thing, too, because what greeted me upon arrival was a leaking roof and a broken toilet. (I have no choice but to be present to the experience at hand, but I'm not sure I want to see what arises.)
Oh well. I'll let you know what happens on the home repair front. Meanwhile, here's my latest quilt. As I reflect on its construction, I recall that all 7 characteristics informed its creation. That's why I'm calling it, "Beginner's Mind."
copyright starfishdoc 2008
8 comments:
In Karate we say it this way - If your always showing up w/ a full cup of knowledge there is never room for anything more.
I believe the beginners mind is really a heartful existence; open to experiencing the now - while the mind is frequently open to experiencing the what if, what was, what should be(ego)existence.
Glad to be reading your blog again but the time spent on the Beginners Mind Quilt seems well worth it!
Mary G
Hi Mary,
I like the way you put it - "heartful" rather than egoic. Thanks for your elaboration.
Hi Mary,
A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of this blog, and I am really glad that I read it this morning. I look forward to reading more. I am originally from Maine, now living in the San Francisco Bay area, working a regular 9-5 job. I feel like my adult life is essentially starting now, and it's been hard to separate myself a bit from the world of constant decision making and initiative taking. I've been seeking ways to reduce stress and enjoy simplicity in life and it looks like this blog and reminders of that lifestyle from my home region, will be very helpful.
Thank you,
Courtnee
Dear Courtnee,
Welcome! Your situation validates all the reasons I am writing this blog!
Please be sure to read my other posts. I think you'll find some stress-relieving material there. And stay tuned for more. Again welcome aboard!
Thanks! I will be sure to read more. I also just realized that your name is not Mary, and that Mary is the name of the previous comment-poster. Anyway, thank you for your blog!
Courtnee,
Not a problem. Just glad to have you participate. I look forward to more of your comments.
DrS-
What a beautiful quilt! I loved the beginners mind blog...very good advice.
Any advice for a beginning sewer? (Sew-er not sewer!)...what type of machine to buy? etc. etc.
thanks for your insights.
Liz
Dear Sew-er Liz,
Glad you liked my quilt and the beginner's mind thoughts. Thank you.
Send me an email message, and there we can exchange more ideas about sewing.I'll tell you all about my machine and answer any other questions you have. Cheers.
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