This post is part of a series of posts where we are looking at the 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness which you can see listed HERE. So far, we have looked at the attitude’s of Non-Judging and Patience. Today we are looking at:
The Attitude of Beginner’s Mind
The Beginner’s Mind means to be open, eager and free from preconceptions when approaching something. It’s a willingness to see everything as if for the first time.
It’s not an alien state that is unknown to us. Every time you learn something new, you have the attitude of beginner’s mind. Then what happens to that wonderful attitude down the line? The moment something becomes familiar to us, the mind tries to take over, calling up memories, and creating expectations and fears which stop us from connecting directly to the reality of the present moment, closing us off from new experiences.
Children are the lucky ones who we can learn from. They naturally have the attitude of beginner’s mind as we once did also. It’s sad that we lose this natural ability as adults but we can regain it with practice, meditation and mindful intention.
Let’s hear what Jon Kabat-Zinn has to say about The Attitude of Beginner’s Mind.
Ciao for now,
[This post is linked up with One Mother Hen’s Open Slather]
10 Comments
I am loving these posts.
Merry Christmas Min!!
Thanks Ann! I hope you take a little something away from these posts that is helpful towards a more peaceful way of living. Merry Christmas to you too! 😉 xo
Mindfulness is important on so many levels. How wonderful that you are providing readers with a series. I like beginnings… you just never know where they might lead♥
It sure is Leanda! I like beginnings also 🙂 x
I love this concept. How often I stuff up my day by having preconceptions about how it will go, and not just go with the flow and let it happen another way, which in the end is OK anyway. I have to remember this 🙂
I often do the same thing Alicia. None of us are perfect that is for sure LOL The good things about these attitudes of mindfulness is to be aware of them. If we are aware of them, they are in our minds. Awareness = gradually cultivating those attitudes = becoming more mindful = a calmer, happier and more peaceful life 🙂 xo
I agree learning from children is the way to go! It is so sad we lose this as we grow older Min. #ztt
It sure is sad how we lose that open-mindedness and awe of children but it’s good to be reminded of it and aware so we can attempt to get some of it back!
My grandchildren have taught me so much Min. I watch Ethan take on life with enthusiasm, imagination and openness. I wonder why we let life get in our way and change our thinking as we get older? Ethan has certainly taught me much during his almost 5 years. #ztt
That’s the beauty of kids Sue. They provide us with an opportunity to see life through their eyes and revisit how things used to be for us. It’s a great way to prod us back to that way of thinking or at least making a conscious effort to approach things with that childlike wonder and openness again! 🙂