There is an old joke that when the Martians finally arrive, and they work out how humans think, they will die laughing. But seriously, if you can think like a Martian, you will be on your way to understanding beginner’s mind.
Even though no one moment is truly the same as any other, unconsciously your beliefs, biases, education, and upbringing, can all lead you to see what you expect to be there, rather than what is. When you practice beginner’s mind, you are opening yourself to seeing things as if for the first time.
Understanding beginner’s mind – opening to new possibilities
Your mind is great at thinking it knows more than it does. In fact, it is excellent at taking fragments of information and constructing a whole, filling in the blanks as it goes. If you do not believe this, consider eyesight. At the back of your eyes, there is an area that does not have light sensitive receptors. It is where your optic nerve comes in. Theoretically, this means that whenever you look at anything, you should have a small blank spot in your vision. Got one? Thought not. Because your brain fills in the gap.
Modern neuroscience tells us that for eyesight and hearing, we tend to perceive what we expect to be there. When you view the world through a lens shaped by past experiences, you miss out on new opportunities to learn and explore. Try this STOP meditation to help you appreciate alternatives.
Thinking like a child
Ever seen a child with a bunch of keys? Endless fun – they rattle, reflect light, you can chew them. Children are not filled with ideas of what the keys are for, or even what they are called. They collect raw data, which they approach with curiosity, creativity, and fun. When you think like a child, you are in ‘don’t know’ mind. And you can then open to options, choices, opportunities that are not apparent if you mind has already decided what will happen.
Five ways to practice beginner’s mind
- Try something new. Pick something you have not done before and observe your reactions and thoughts as you go. Notice if you tend to decide up front whether you will like something, or whether you will be good at it.
- Observe a journey. Next time you are walking somewhere you are familiar with, give it your full, undivided attention. Really take in the whole environment. See how much you can notice that you did not pick up before.
- Chose something you have done before and note down your thoughts about it. Even if you are new to meditation, for example, you may find that from the second time in, you are making comparisons. ‘I cannot concentrate as easily this time’. ‘I did not fidget last time’. As best you can, avoid judging or making comparisons. Try to view each practice as the first time.
- Pick something you routinely do but do it in a different way. If you normally plan your days, try working without a plan. Be open to whatever unfolds. Try brushing your teeth using your non-dominant hand. Or putting your shoes on starting with the opposite foot from the one you would normally put in first.
- Listen, truly listen. Give someone your full, undivided attention. Without judging, and without interrupting. Make it your goal to hear and understand the other person’s point of view. See if your perspective changes, and how hard or easy you find this.
It takes time to understand beginner’s mind. Be gentle with yourself, be patient. You do not have to have all the answers today. Use this meditation as part of your practice in developing beginner’s mind.
