Beginner’s Mind: Mindfulness

 “In the Beginner’s Mind the possibilities are endless, in the expert’s mind, they are few.” Shunryo Suzuki

The Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness created by Jon Kabat- Zinn are critical in the process of developing a mindful frame of mind and outlook on life. I will discuss each one as I have related to them, in my personal practice and in teaching others.

Beginner’s Mind is a critical step whenever we approach anything, and I mean anything. As soon as I think “I know all about that”, we have already shut down learning. But what if we could approach listening and seeing with childlike wonder? A fresh perspective can transform you from the old pattern of thinking that is not productive. When new possibilities arise, they can offer you a view that challenges the habitual, repetitive thought process that can hold us back.