Even though we may love new experiences, we generally resist the idea of being a beginner. It’s uncomfortable to be inexperienced. Human beings prefer knowing the answers to things. It makes us feel secure and safe. But this “know-it-all” bias also leads to a closed mind and a limited perspective.
Beginner’s Mind opens to the possibility that we always have more to learn: not so much “I’m a lost toddler” but more “anything is possible”. It connects us with the positive emotion of curiosity, which leads to expansion, innovation and growth. Research has shown that seeing the world through the eyes of a beginner is considered one of the highest predictors of wellness for people of all ages.*
Here are three specific benefits of a Beginner’s Mind:
- Flexible Thinking
Notice how often you use these words of certainty; Definitely, Totally, Absolutely. What if you could add more words like Maybe, Perhaps, or Possibly? A Beginner’s Mind softens us to the idea that there are multiple perspectives and solutions to just about anything. When we allow new information in, we expand our capacity to learn. We can also be around people who hold differing opinions and beliefs. - Greater Creativity
The flexibility of the Beginner’s Mind opens us to imaginative and out-of-the-box thinking. Even though there is comfort in the zone of habit, effective solutions require new ideas. Tried and true methods are important, but they can become old and outdated without a little shake up of creativity. - More Peace
It may be surprising to note that peace arises from a Beginner’s Mind. “What about all that anxiety that comes from uncertainty?” you say. The truth is, there is a freedom that comes when you release the need to know everything all the time. As experienced and as certain as we are, it is always only part of the story. Being open to learn about the constantly evolving world around us is a more refreshing and ultimately peaceful way to go through life.
A life of well-earned experience leads to wisdom, but the truly wise know that there is always more to learn. Buddhist teacher Shunryu Suzuki sums this up perfectly in his book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: In the Beginner’s Mind there are many possibilities; in the Expert’s Mind there are few.
So open your journal today as if you’ve never done it before. What new ideas are possible? What would happen if you saw this day through the curious eyes of a beginner?
*Source: Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.
Ellen Bell a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with a specialty in the practice of positive journaling for wellness. Find out more about Ellen.