The Beginner's Mind Is Full of Possibilities

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few" - Shunryu Suzuki

What is a beginner's mind?

A beginner's mind is one that is open, eager to learn and free from preconceptions. It is a mind that is innocent, fearless, as if starting all over again with a clean slate. It is a mind that is curious and totally available for the moment. In that moment, a beginner's mind sees life in its full richness.

In contrast, an expert's mind is one that is fixed and restricted to possibilities. It is quick to recall from memories and experiences, and full of expectations. It is fearful of unmet expectations and perceived errors. An expert's mind is full of mental habits, tendencies and inclinations.

The best example of a beginner's mind is that of a child. Most of us are familiar with the sight of a young toddler exploring his surrounding and experimenting with toys with awe and wonder, and full of curiosity or a 5 year old looking on with amazement in his eyes at a plane taking off at the airport.

So, if you have a mind that is just like a child - curious, eager to learn, fearless and filled with amazement at the task at hand, then you can be said to have the beginner's mind. This sort of mind is open, relaxed and ready to absorb information without any preconceived ideas or expectations.

Here are some suggestions on how you can cultivate a beginner's mind.

1. Open up your mind to all possibilities

The first thing to do is to allow your mind to be open to all possibilities. For those who are quick to judge and have preconceived ideas, it becomes important to be very mindful of this habit and to stop it immediately. Be mindful of your habitual mind - the tendency to go into automated mode.

2. Challenged all preconceived notions, beliefs, concepts

All our previous ideas, beliefs and concepts may have been useful to us in the past, but the present conditions may make them unsuitable or even irrelevant. Therefore, scrutinize each and every one of them with care. Challenge their relevance. If they are found to fall short, discard them. Many people with fixed mind refuse to re-examine and challenge their beliefs, and this is one of the biggest downfall for most people

3. Embrace the not-knowing mindset - start with an empty, clean slate

Instead of dragging along old beliefs and ideas, it is best to begin each task with an empty, clean slate. Start every new task with a not-knowing mindset, just like a child beginning to explore his new world or toy. Look from all angles. Explore all possibilities. Often you may be rewarded with a new idea or perspective that could lead to dramatic changes or effects.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Beginners-Mind-Is-Full-of-Possibilities&id=9493528

4 Things You Can Learn from Your Child

Refresh your perspective on life and practice being child-like.

Remember the master teacher once said 2,000 years ago, “Unless you can become like little children, your chances are zero; you haven’t got a prayer.” This is a major consideration for adults.

Be like children, and remember there are four ways to be more like a child no matter how old you get…

1. Curiosity

Be curious; embrace childish curiosity. What will kids do if they want to know something bad enough? You’re right. They will bug you. Kids can ask a million questions. You think they’re through, then they’ve got another million. They will keep plaguing you. They can drive you right to the brink.

Kids use their curiosity to learn. Have you ever noticed that while adults are stepping on ants, children are studying them? A child’s curiosity is what helps them to reach, learn and grow.

2. Excitement

Learn to get excited like a child. There is nothing that has more magic than childish excitement. So excited that you hate to go to bed at night… that you can’t wait to get up in the morning… that you’re about to explode. How can anyone resist that kind of childish magic?

Now, once in a while I meet someone who says, “Well, I’m a little too mature for all that childish excitement.” Isn’t that pitiful? You’ve got to weep for these kinds of people. All I’ve got to say is, “If you’re too old to get excited, you’re old.” Don’t get that old.

3. Faith

Faith is childish. How else would you describe it? Some people say, “Let’s be adult about it.” Oh, no. No. Adults too often have a tendency to be overly skeptical. Some adults even have a tendency to be cynical.

Adults say, “Yeah. I’ve heard that old positive line before. It will be a long day in June before I fall for that positive line. You’ve got to prove to me it’s any good.” See, that’s adult, but kids aren’t that way.

Kids think you can get anything. They are really funny. You tell them, “We’re going to have three swimming pools.” And they say, “Yeah. Three. One each. Stay out of my swimming pool.” See, they start dividing them up right away, but adults are not like that. Adults say, “Three swimming pools? You’re out of your mind. Most people don’t even have one swimming pool. You’ll be lucky to get a tub in the backyard.”

You notice the difference? No wonder the master teacher said, “Unless you can become like little children, your chances, they’re skinny.”

4. Trust

Trust is a childish virtue, but it has great merit. Have you heard the expression “Sleep like a baby”? That’s it. Childish trust. After you’ve gotten an A+ for the day, leave it in somebody else’s hands.

Curiosity, excitement, faith and trust. That is a powerful combination to bring (back) into our lives.

http://www.success.com/article/rohn-4-things-you-can-learn-from-your-child