Shoshin (初心) is a Japanese word that means “beginner’s mind.” Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it speaks to the idea of approaching life — and learning — with a sense of openness, humility, and curiosity, no matter how experienced you are.
In practice, Shoshin means letting go of the idea that we’ve “mastered” something. It reminds us that there is always more to discover — more nuance, more subtlety, more connection. It asks us to show up without ego, without assumptions, and without the pressure to “perform.”
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” — Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
In a world that often values progress above presence, Shoshin invites us to find depth, not just advancement. It’s not about striving; it’s about showing up, again and again, with care. By releasing the idea of better or worse, we can simply show up and do.
Don’t misunderstand this philosophy for ignoring specificity or technique. Quite the opposite. A beginner’s mind creates the ideal conditions for precision and presence. When you let go of preconceptions and stay open, your attention sharpens. You listen more deeply, feel more fully, and respond more honestly in your body. This is where your best work happens — not from striving, but from showing up with focus, freedom, and curiosity. Instead of obligation, practice becomes play.
In this spirit, we’re excited to introduce Levels across our class offerings — Foundations, Open, and Experienced.
Foundations is for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of form. The place to begin or revisit the essentials with intention.
Open is just that — open to all. Whether you’re building strength, refining technique, or just feeling things out, this is your space to explore.
Experienced is for those ready for a faster pace, more complexity, and deeper integration. Here, Beginner’s Mind is your greatest tool.
Whatever level you choose today, remember: the real work is staying curious. We encourage you to play in all the fields. There is no “better,” only different. Different seasons, different needs, different experiences — all valid, all valuable.
A beginner’s how to:
Choose your activity – something simple that you’ve done a thousand times before. Like brushing your teeth, eating an apple, or tying your shoes.
Start by seeing the activity with fresh eyes, as if you don’t know what to expect. Remove the label you’d normally associate and try to see it as if you didn’t know what it was.
Pause, suspend judgement and simply observe. See the details that you might not normally notice when you’re allowing ‘autopilot’ to drive.
Appreciate each sensation. The colours, textures, lines, smells or tastes. It’s temporary, fleeting, and precious. Experience and then let go.
In the field of a beginner’s mind, there is room to grow.
📚 what we’re reading
These books offer a variety of lenses on this topic, from traditional Zen to modern mindfulness, trauma healing, and practical everyday awareness. Each one encourages us to meet life with more levity, humility, and clarity.
The foundational text. With warmth and clarity, Zen master Suzuki Roshi distills the essence of Zen practice: approaching each moment without preconceptions. A timeless guide to cultivating openness and presence, whether you’re new to meditation or not.
A gentle, profound guide to seeing the sacred in everyday life. Thich Nhat Hanh’s reflections on impermanence, presence, and interbeing are deeply aligned with beginner’s mind—meeting each moment with peace, gratitude, and deep listening.
A modern spiritual classic that invites readers to step out of habitual thinking and into the vivid aliveness of the present moment. Tolle’s work echoes beginner’s mind in its call to drop the ego and awaken to what *is*.
Simple, poetic, and practical. Kabat-Zinn offers brief meditations on how to live mindfully in the middle of everyday life. A go-to resource for building presence and returning to a fresh, grounded awareness again and again.
Blending Western psychology and Buddhist practice, Brach invites readers to meet themselves with compassion and curiosity. Her concept of “radical acceptance” is a direct gateway to beginner’s mind—where nothing needs to be fixed before it’s understood.
A powerful, science-informed look at how modern life disconnects us from our bodies and emotions. Maté’s method of *compassionate inquiry* teaches us to meet our inner world without judgment—returning again to the open, inquisitive mind of a beginner.
We’d love to hear from you! Have these tools & concepts enhanced your practice?
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