Shoshin refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. Shoshin is a word from Zen Buddhism that means “beginners mind”.
The practice of shoshin is the practice of seeing the world with wonder and unknown possibilities, like a beginner would. Shoshin in Zen Buddhism is used when referring to studying a subject, since with a beginners mind there is limitless potential and wealth, whereas in an experts mind there is little. Everyone has the ability to practice shoshin and doing so opens the mind, body, and soul to endless delights and discoveries.
Shoshin infuses even small, everyday activities with a sense of wonder and joy.
With the World in chaos and normal being redefined and flipped on it’s head everyday thanks to Covid-19, this is an ideal time to embrace shoshin. By taking each day, each uncertainty, with a beginners mind, we are opening ourselves to the positives that can arise. Yes, things can seem scary and uneasy, to say the least, but by taking a breath and looking at social limiting as an opportunity, you have the chance to come out of this better than ever. In some ways we are being given a gift of space and time and quiet to get to know ourselves and our lives. See if practicing shoshin over the next few weeks makes a difference for you. I bet it does!
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 