Beginner’s Mind is the third attitude Jon Kabat-Zinn talks about. What does that mean? It means to approach each moment as if it were the first time. The truth is, every moment is unique. You may have seen many rainbows, but you’ve never seen that particular rainbow. Just like every snowflake has a different shape, so every moment has it’s particular character.
One way to start approaching life this way is to watch a young child experience something for the first time. Notice how excited and in awe they are about what is happening. You can see how they fully take in the sights, smells and sounds without comparing or judging.
This can be a good practice to do with anxiety. Instead of loosing yourself in the anxiety, take some time to sit quietly and be with it as if it’s the first time you’ve ever felt this way. Notice the sensations in your body as you focus on your breath. Be aware of your thoughts and emotions in a fresh and curious way. Approach it with Beginner’s Mind, and see if this alters your experience in any way.
Give it a try and let me know what it’s like for you!
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