Remembering the Beginner’s Mind

One of the things I have been caught up in has been thinking. Thinking about this and that, trying to get some place to make my life “better” or be more “successful”.

A few years ago when I started to pay more attention to my life, I discovered I was living on automatic pilot. I began to question everything and let go of thoughts or mental constructs of who I was and start to live each moment with a beginner’s mind or as if I was experiencing it for the first time.

This is easier said than done (for me anyway), however I now know, I am not my opinions, roles or anything that identifies me as such and I will continue to live each moment with a beginner’s mind.

One of the ways I get back to this moment (when I am see I am attached to a concept) is by becoming conscious of my breath. This helps me take a pause in my life and see through any thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Subsequently, I am in-joying life so much more and it is as if I am seeing and experiencing daily life for the first time.

I came across this story, which reminded me of my past (not that I was a university professor). Feel free to share any comments below.

Empty Your Cup

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”

Over to You…

What did you take away from this post about remembering the beginner’s mind? Feel free to share your comments below.

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