I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
Zen Buddhism's simple idea for getting good at anything
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Dear Reader, “If you could be an expert at anything, what would you choose?” It’s not an uncommon thought experiment. Especially in a world where speed, rather than patience, is often rewarded, it’s easy to dream about what it’d be like to skip to the outcome. But let’s consider the opposite: “If you could be a beginner at anything, what would you choose?” What we can learn from ‘shoshin’, or the beginner’s mind Typically, we don’t wish to be beginners. We wish that we already acquired XYZ skill or knowledge, whether that be being fluent in a different language, being a master painter, or something else. While understandable, I think this desire overlooks the freedom that is being a beginner. What is shoshin (初心)? In Zen Buddhism, there is this concept shoshin (初心), or beginner’s mind. It refers to the idea that when we’re really good at something, we paradoxically close ourselves off from further growth. We think we’ve already mastered it - why spend more time getting better? ut when we’re beginners, that is when we feel the most passion, curiosity, and consequently, fun! Watch a professional athlete and a child learning a sport for the first time, and the difference is obvious. A desire to be like a beginner Shoshin is the belief that when we are beginners, that is when our attitudes are most open, eager, and humble. We feel less afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and feel less pressure to perform. Improvement can be a frustrating process, but a spirit of shoshin can make that process feel more playful. In fact, it makes us better. I believe that the best experts in their respective fields, whether that be sport, science, art, or literature, often behave like children learning something for the first time. They ask questions, challenge existing assumptions, and approach that process with a curiosity that resembles joy. Reflecting on the best teachers I've had, they were great not because they were smart, but because they weren't so different from me, the student they taught. So the next time you're frustrated that you're not improving as fast as you'd like, whether it's a new skill, new knowledge, or any other area of self-improvement, take comfort in the fact that you're a beginner. Beginnings are worth savoring. Warmly, Kaki Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, please forward this email to your friends and family (or share the article) 🌱 If this email was forwarded to you, it's nice to meet you 😊
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Hi, I'm Kaki!
I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
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