We never know if something that happens to us will have long lasting significance or not. This is the beauty of it! The most ordinary circumstance may turn out to be a cornerstone in our lives. So as I started writing tonight about this, I asked myself the following question: how can we stay open to all possibilities? How can we make the best of all opportunities, at a point when we do not even realize they are opportunities? And I remembered the concept of “zen mind, beginner mind”, which is also the title of a book written by the respected zen master Shunryu Suzuki. Suzuki said in his book that the correct approach to Zen practice is to maintain a beginner’s mind. This is because "…in the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few."
We should be aware that by acting according to our preconceived ideas and prejudices we do nothing besides keeping ourselves trapped in the false safety of the life we know while getting what we think we want. And in the process we get bored and also boring! Because you guys, knowing it all and playing it safe are the most certain means to pass up just about everything that would make life interesting, vibrant, and fun. By bypassing the space where the unexpected lurks we bypass the potentiality of a new beginning. Can we set aside the fear and open our eyes, hearts, and souls to something new? Can we act in such a way that we can even create new opportunities for ourselves?
Opening oneself in any way requires trust in others and self-confidence. And the trick is to not be scared of failing, of being let down, of having to deal with unpleasant circumstances. So go out there and strike a conversation, go on a date, try learning a new skill, take up a new sport, or do whatever it is you always wished you had the guts to do but never tried. And let’s see what happens!
Daily tally: all done!
The weekend is here and I will take a break from this blog – stay tuned for Inspiration Sunday. Until then, enjoy your life, take some chances, and work on sharpening your awareness. But best of all, see if you can hold that beginner's mind. Be well,
Cristina
We should be aware that by acting according to our preconceived ideas and prejudices we do nothing besides keeping ourselves trapped in the false safety of the life we know while getting what we think we want. And in the process we get bored and also boring! Because you guys, knowing it all and playing it safe are the most certain means to pass up just about everything that would make life interesting, vibrant, and fun. By bypassing the space where the unexpected lurks we bypass the potentiality of a new beginning. Can we set aside the fear and open our eyes, hearts, and souls to something new? Can we act in such a way that we can even create new opportunities for ourselves?
Opening oneself in any way requires trust in others and self-confidence. And the trick is to not be scared of failing, of being let down, of having to deal with unpleasant circumstances. So go out there and strike a conversation, go on a date, try learning a new skill, take up a new sport, or do whatever it is you always wished you had the guts to do but never tried. And let’s see what happens!
Daily tally: all done!
The weekend is here and I will take a break from this blog – stay tuned for Inspiration Sunday. Until then, enjoy your life, take some chances, and work on sharpening your awareness. But best of all, see if you can hold that beginner's mind. Be well,
Cristina