Beginner’s Mind

Photography by William Walther
WjW Photography

"In the beginners mind, there are many possibilities, but in expert's there are few." Suzuki Roshi -Japanese Zen master
 
Many authors talk about the importance of the “beginner’s mind.”  When you are first learning something, you don’t know anything and you are open to new ideas and you are curious.  You have fresh eyes.  That is true of mindfulness and meditation.  If you are new to a meditation and mindfulness practice, then remember to keep this beginner's mind because things will be fresh and you will gain and grow more deeply.  If you have been practicing meditation and mindfulness for a while, then remember to have a beginner's mind so that you are open to the infinite possibilities.
 
In life, I try to bring a beginner's mind to everything I do; I want to have that childlike amazement and wonder when I do mundane   tasks and try new things.  I remember when I was a child; I loved to walk around with that push-toy that popped balls as I was pretending to vacuum.  I bring that joy to vacuuming and cleaning the house. 
 
I want to bring a beginner's mind to my meditation practice.  I understand that when I think I know a lot about a topic or skill, then I am not as open to learn new things.  I want to bring fresh eyes to my meditation each time I sit and be open to the wonder.  The important goal is to never lose this beginner's mind because it will keep you fresh, curious and creative.
 
How can you bring a “beginner’s mind” to things you do routinely?

What do you see as the benefits of a “beginner’s mind?”