Have you ever watched a child who is just learning to walk? Their sheer joy is contagious! The sense of amazement and accomplishment in their eyes reflects a special state of mind. In martial arts and many Eastern traditions, this is known as “beginner’s mind” – being fully engaged in the experience, fully present in the moment, without expectation or comparison. This is where true learning happens.

Years ago, I practiced a martial art called Aikido. My sensei (teacher) was a very quiet Japanese man who taught primarily through demonstration, not words. But if he saw someone “going through the motions,” he would gently remind us to move back into beginner’s mind, where we could be fully attentive and apply the best of ourselves.

This simple concept can enhance our experience of any aspect of life. It brings joy to even the most mundane tasks, and it helps us develop a stronger sense of awareness in everyday life.

If you find that your life or current activity is feeling a little boring, here are some tips to help shift your
perspective.

Practise Beginner’s Mind

* Do something new at least once a week. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant or talking to a stranger, experiences that are out of the ordinary will shift your mindset.

* Do an ordinary task in a different way. Try taking a new route to work or even brushing your teeth with the opposite hand.

* Pause in the middle of an activity and ask yourself: how would it feel if I was doing this for the first time in my life?

Author's Bio: 

Julia James, CPCC, PCC, M.Sc. is a multi-lingual certified life coach, award-winning author and international speaker. She helps busy professionals around the world achieve balance in their lives through individual coaching and workshops. Author of the book, The Mini-Retreat Solution and the audio CD series, Guided Mini-Retreats for Busy People, she provides tools to manage stress effectively and to relax and re-energize quickly. Julia has been featured on Joy TV, CBC News, as well as in The Globe & Mail, Glow Magazine, BC Business Magazine and The Vancouver Observer. For more information visit: www.juliajames.ca