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Tea Routine: Embrace a Beginner’s Mind
Ever heard of ‘Shoshin’? It’s a Zen Buddhist concept that means “beginner’s mind.” It’s about approaching life with curiosity, openness, and a sense of wonder—free from preconceptions and old habits. Shunryu Suzuki, a Japanese Zen master, introduced this idea to the West, and it’s a beautiful reminder to stay curious and unburdened.
Think about how freeing it is to act like a beginner. You’re not weighed down by the need to be right or perfect. You’re simply open—to questions, to mistakes, and to seeing the world in a new light. What if this mindset could help you notice opportunities you’ve been too busy or biased to see before?
The start of a new year feels like the perfect time to cultivate this beginner’s mind. By listening more and being open to other perspectives, you might discover a new sense of joy and possibility. Imagine letting go of the need to control and instead leaning into the magic of learning, exploring, and living.
So, here’s a simple invitation: next time you brew a cup of tea, pause. Let the ritual be your gateway into a beginner’s mind. Breathe deeply. Watch the tea leaves unfold. Sip slowly, and notice what arises—curiosity, clarity, maybe even a fresh perspective.
Why not try it and see where it takes you? The beauty of a beginner’s mind is that every sip can feel like the first. 😊
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” Shunryū Suzuki
2 Think Better
I found these 5 rules for better thinking interesting… try thinking of opposites for more creativity.
3 Think outside the circle
As you embrace your beginner’s mind consider whether you might be ‘stuck’ inside a false prison…
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Wishing you and yours every blessing for 2025. Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. It’s great to have you here and I really appreciate your support. Erica x