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Beginner’s mind (Shoshin, 初心) is a key concept in Zen Buddhism, emphasising an open, curious, and non-judgmental approach to life and practice. It comes from the Zen teaching that we should approach everything as if we are seeing it for the first time, without preconceived notions or attachments.

Shunryu Suzuki’s Definition

Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki, in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, famously said:

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”

This means that when we think we already know something, we limit ourselves. But when we approach life with the fresh eyes of a beginner, we remain open, flexible, and receptive to new experiences.

How to Cultivate Beginner’s Mind

Let Go of Preconceptions – Try to see things as they are, without layering past experiences or biases onto them.

Stay Curious – Ask questions, explore, and be open to learning, no matter how much experience you have.

Embrace Not-Knowing – Instead of clinging to certainty, be comfortable with uncertainty and discovery.

Be Present – Engage fully in each moment, without distractions or expectations.

See the Ordinary as Extraordinary – Even simple tasks like drinking tea, walking, or breathing can be profound when approached with awareness.

Practical Exercises

Adopting a beginner’s mind might sound relatively straightforward, but it can be tricky and may initially require effort and practice. Here are some exercises you can use to cultivate beginner’s mind in daily life:

Do a Familiar Task as if for the First Time

Pick an everyday activity – like brushing your teeth, eating, or walking – and approach it as if you’ve never done it before.

• Notice the textures, smells, and sensations.
• Observe how your body moves.
• Experience each moment fully without rushing.

Why? This breaks autopilot mode and makes the ordinary extraordinary.

Practice “Don’t-Know Mind”

Throughout the day, catch yourself making assumptions and pause.

• Instead of thinking “I know how this will go”, try “I wonder what will happen?”
• Let go of fixed ideas about people, situations, and even yourself.
• When someone speaks, listen as if you’ve never heard them before.

Why? It opens you up to fresh perspectives and deeper understanding.

Observe Without Labeling

For a few minutes, sit quietly and observe the world around you.

• Instead of naming things (tree, car, sound), just experience them directly.
• If you see a tree, don’t think “tree”. Just notice the shape, color, movement.
• If you hear a sound, don’t analyze it. Just listen.

Why? It helps you see reality without mental filters.

Slow Down and Fully Engage

Choose one daily activity (like washing dishes or drinking tea) and do it slowly and mindfully.

• Feel the temperature of the water.
• Notice how the tea flows over your tongue.
• Stay present instead of rushing.

Why? This builds awareness and appreciation for the present moment.

Try Something New

Do something outside your routine:

• Take a new route to work.
• Eat a food you’ve never tried.
• Use your non-dominant hand for simple tasks.

Why? New experiences naturally activate beginner’s mind.

Meditate on a Child’s Perspective

Spend 5 minutes imagining how a young child would see the world.

• How would a child react to rain, a bird, or a simple object?
• Can you approach life with that same wonder?

Why? It reconnects you with curiosity and joy.

Key Takeaways

Adopting beginner’s mind can transform your life by making each moment fresh, open, and full of possibility. Instead of being stuck in routine or limited by assumptions, you’ll approach life with curiosity, presence, and a willingness to learn. Challenges become opportunities, mistakes turn into lessons, and even the simplest experiences like eating, walking, or listening become richer and more meaningful.

By letting go of judgment and embracing not-knowing, you cultivate deeper relationships, creativity, and a sense of wonder that keeps life vibrant and engaging. In short, beginner’s mind allows you to fully experience life as it unfolds, with openness and joy.

Have you tried any of these exercises? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.