Beginner's mind
Tip #23 for the holiday season: Practice Beginner’s Mind
Even though you’ve experienced the holidays many times before, it’s important to remember that this is the first time you’re experiencing this moment with these people at this time. Beginner’s mind is a mindfulness practice that invites us to meet the moment with openness and wonder. Naturally, when you see a certain family member, a set of thoughts, views, judgments, and assumptions will arise. While some of this may be true, it limits us from opening to the bigger mystery of the ever-changing person. As a practice, you can notice the thoughts that come up, take a deep breath, and say to yourself, I don’t know. Let go of your views and allow this moment to be fresh. If, in the end, the person doesn’t really surprise you with their actions, remember that you are not the same person and that you have the power to respond differently.
The power of not knowing from the Calm team:
Christi-an: My dog taught me a lot about Beginner's Mind. Every time I arrived home was a fresh and exciting moment. She also didn’t like it when I wasn’t present on our walks. These have been good lessons to apply to my human friendships.
Jade: I try my best to remind myself how magical it can be to see everything with fresh eyes, including the people around me. We all change and evolve over time, so leaving behind assumptions about people can feel really empowering.
This is Calm Holiday Tip #23 of 31! Check back here tomorrow for another way to create more joy and peace this season!
