Beginner's Mind

This weekend I had the pleasure of teaching an Intro to Yoga workshop to a shiny, new crop of yogis. Some of them had never done yoga. Others had done yoga a bit but had never gotten the basics. And yet they all had one thing in common: they were super-eager to learn.
It was as if just by signing up for a workshop called "Intro" they had taken on the "Beginner's Mind" and embraced it. And oh what a wonderful thing that was.
In case you're not familiar, we often refer to a "Beginner's Mind" in yoga as that space where you examine everything as if it were new. By opening ourselves up to the possibility that there is always something new to learn (even when you have done the "same" downward facing dog a thousand times) all kinds of things can shift and change and evolve.
I found myself inspired by my beginners. Not only were they discovering yoga with all of its possibilities but they were so open and receptive to everything I (and yoga) had to offer. I found myself wanting to give as much of myself as I possibly could. I wanted to learn more and absorb with the same openness and fearlessness that they were exhibiting.
And so, my beginners, for this I thank you. And I ask you, my readers, where could you benefit from applying your Beginner's Mind?



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Comments
It should blow your mind time and time again because to truly be a Master is to always be a student.
Posted by: Michelle | October 6, 2009 8:29 PM
Great reminder for us all.
I have found that trying to explain Yoga philosophy to beginners has given me some of my greatest "aha" moments. It forces me to simplify, and to me simplification and distillation of Yoga principles into their essence is what Yoga philosophy is what ultimately gives it its power. Here's an example:
WHAT IS IT THAT BRINGS US HAPPINESS?
http://yogademystified.com/what-is-it-that-brings-us-happiness/
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
Posted by: Bob Weisenberg | October 10, 2009 7:56 AM
excellent article. also i came across another site that might be of an interest to you. http://thefitnesssecrets.com/the-basic-yoga-positions-for-beginners
Posted by: vasilis | November 8, 2009 6:18 AM