This famous line from Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki emphasizes the value of novelty in everyday life. When I become an expert on or in anything, that thing loses its novelty. One thing many of us develop expertise on is ourselves. I know what I think, what I believe, what I like and don’t like. As this knowing increases over the course of life, the possibility in any given moment continues to shrink. And while this provides a sense of control, coherence, and predictability, it also removes the wonder and awe of living that comes so natural to a child.

When I let myself be a beginner with regard to me, who I am becomes a brand new possibility unfolding in the present moment. And each day becomes filled with novelty and surprise. The reason a game is enjoyable, or a novel, a movie, or the receiving of a gift, is because we don’t know what’s coming. When I allow life to become a surprise through the willingness to drop what I already know and become a true beginner, I can receive the present moment anew each morning. In the words of Maya Angelou, “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.”

Just come back to your
beginner’s mind.

***On a final note, I’ve added an option at the end of these blog posts for you to make a small contribution if you’d like. Please only do so if you feel moved to, and know that your donation goes directly toward helping me continue to provide affordable individual guidance as well as create new content, such as this blog, in the name of increased well-being and reduced psychological suffering. One particular project this will help with is the book I’m currently working on. If you’re so inclined, your contribution would support these efforts and would be greatly appreciated (click the button below to donate). Thank you for being here!