There's a practice in Buddhism called "beginner's mind" that has had profound impact on my life and my creative approach over the years. It's basically an attitude of being open to ideas, thoughts, and experiences free from preconceived ideas of what you want, expect, or have experienced and/or seen others experience in the past.
To me, the approach of beginner's mind is really what creativity is all about. It allows for more possibilities and happy accidents to enter your life that some might call fate, listening to God or being open to the universe's call. I've even heard someone call it "living in the question."
Beginner's mind is not always knowing. Sometimes not knowing the outcome of an endeavor can feel like a bit of a roller coaster ride: the more we resist what "is," the harder it may be to accept the outcome and the more uneasy it can feel. Humans like to think they are in control but relinquishing some of that thought pattern can reap some seemingly magical rewards. The more open we are to the experience, the more likely we are able to enjoy the free fall into some uncharted territory.
It's been a gift to practice this openness and one of the reasons I've spent much of my life taking classes and trying on different styles in my work (and in my wardrobe, diet, fitness, relationships, etc. for that matter). Just a mere shift in perspective helps one to go into those unknown and sometimes scary places. It allows for greater possibilities and the occasional rocking of my world and often a joyful giggle.
A poem by Olav H. Hauge that I discovered a few years ago nicely expresses this idea much more succinctly that I have:
It’s the Dream
It’s the dream we carry
that something wondrous will happen,
that it must happen—
time will open
hearts will open
doors will open
mountains will open
spring will gush forth from the ground—
that the dream itself will open
that one morning we’ll quietly drift
into a harbor we didn’t know was there.
Right now I'm rocking my world once again with a two-week stay at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts as I learn new techniques in design and art. I'm sure to be sharing some of the gifts I receive from this experience once I return. You can find more details on my social media channels so please check them out by clicking the icons below. And I always appreciate those who follow my work on these, connect over the phone or drop me a line. I especially welcome a visit over tea whenever possible. It's such a great way to stay in touch. I'd love to hear what's rocking your world and bringing you joy.
It's important to love what we do and I'm grateful that is the case for me. I hope the same is true for you. If not, you might consider a dose of beginner's mind.