Beginner's Mind: Rediscover the Joy of Everyday Life

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few.” Shunryu Suzuki,

As we start the New Year, I'm trying to cultivate more of a beginner's mind—taking a cue from the wise words of Shunryu Suzuki. He said, 'If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.' And who am I to argue with that?

For me January is cold and, often dreary. It's not for me a time to set goals or think about overhauling my life. Instead, I’m trying to look at my current life with a little bit more curiosity, to be open to it. I'm trying to peel away that 'stuckness' feeling that a wet and icy January likes to throw our way.

Why, you ask? Well, it's not just to survive these cold days that sometimes blend into one another. It's about finding the new in the old, the wonder in the ordinary. Life can start feeling like a well-worn path, and we forget to notice the magic around us. But hey, when we do, it's like rediscovering a little of that joy a child finds in the simplest things.

Take my morning dog walk, for example. Usually, it's a brisk, functional routine—business as usual. But this week, I flipped the script and went in the opposite direction. Suddenly, the same-old loop became something worth paying attention to. My dog enjoyed new places to sniff, and I found myself enjoying a walk that used to be, let's be honest, a bit boring.

If you're up for infusing a bit of that 'beginner's mind' magic into your life, check out the class above. There's a fun exercise you can try right now to see just how 'beginner' you are, plus some tips on keeping that mindset alive.

And, if you're hungry for more,check out my online offerings and retreats here  

Embrace the joy of seeing life with fresh eyes, and let the adventure unfold!