Starting fresh, on and off the mat
There’s something magical about September. The start of a new school year, coming back from holidays, and stepping into a new rhythm , it feels like life is giving us a blank page. It’s the perfect moment to embrace the idea of Beginner’s Mind.
But what does that mean?
In Zen philosophy, Beginner’s Mind (Shoshin in Japanese) is the attitude of approaching every experience with openness, curiosity, and without preconceptions. Even if we’ve done something a hundred times, we allow ourselves to see it as if it were the first.
Think of your yoga practice. Maybe you’ve been flowing for years, or maybe you’re just starting. Either way, when you come to your mat after a break, there can be a temptation to judge yourself “I’ve lost strength,” “I should be more flexible,” or even “I already know this pose.”
Beginner’s Mind invites us to let go of that inner chatter. Instead, we show up with curiosity: “What does my body feel like today? What can I learn right now?”
This shift is powerful not only for ourselves but also for how we connect with others. When we approach life with a fresh perspective:
- We listen more deeply.
- We judge less.
- We create space for growth, for ourselves and those around us.
And the best part? Beginner’s Mind goes far beyond yoga.
It can transform how we parent, work, and relate to the world. Instead of assuming we already know someone or something, we make space for surprise, for learning, for kindness.
So as we step into this new season, whether it’s back to work, school, or back on the mat after a break what if we all tried to see the world with fresh eyes?
Not as experts. Not as critics. But as beginners.
Because the truth is, every day is a first time. Every breath is new. And when we approach life that way, possibilities open.
And if you know someone who could use this, share this article. Sometimes all it takes is reading it to feel inspired to start.