Beginners Mind

A few months ago, we moved to a new house. It's bigger, we have new furniture, different surfaces. Much loved objects are finding new homes. Everything is clean, shiny. 

I have been reminded of the Buddhist principle of Beginners Mind. When we are young, all new things and experiences fill us with wonder and awe. There is no pre-conceived idea of how things should be, no baggage. Think of how babies can spend hours exploring their own toes. Or when learning a new skill - we persist with the fascination of exploring uncharted territory. When we are experiencing the world with our "Beginners Mind', we are mindful, absorbed in the experience, taking it all in. 

I am trying to harness this feeling by continuing to find joy in exploring this new space. It is preferable to my default - looking around for the negative - look all the unpacking still to do, look at the mess over there, oh no there's a scratch on the new table - overwhelm. 

Beginners Mind has also been useful for exploring my pain and inner thoughts. Especially now as I work with a new physiologist and am dealing with a complex flare up. I am attempting to explore physical sensations with calm curiosity without the judgement. In the past, any assessment of pain is immediately met with catastrophising and guilt. While I have always known pain does not equal damage, it has only been recently, with my Beginners Mind, that I have realised pain can just happen. No reason, no fault or blame. This makes for a totally different experience of pain. If it can be random then it is not my fault - I haven't done something to cause it. Ahh... the relief. To just experience pain and note it. Simple. Noted, now move on.  

My next challenge - trying to leave the 20 years of past experiences, beliefs and judgements behind so I can be a beginner. 

If you want to know some more:

Wonder and Awe - there is lots of beauty there in turbulent times - try this book. 

Pain does not equal damage - try this book.

The power of Beginners Mind - try this short video