Shoshin is the zen buddhist concept of "Beginner's Mind."  It's the conscious approach to learning and experience, no matter what your level of expertise, as if you were just getting started.  It's valuable for a lot of reasons.  

When you're an expert, you tend to do things in the tried-and-true, tested way you've always done them.  When you're a beginner, you take chances, get messy, go for the weird options.

As a taoist, and an age player, I find this immensely appealing.  

I've not been running for a long time.  Recently, I've been wanting to get back to it.  I've had a lot of expectation, regret, fitness loss, and lack-of-motivation in my way.

This morning, I said, "Well, fuck that."  I got out my running gear, and went for it.  It was just a walk really, albeit a rather fast paced one.

I'm actually pretty happy with this - 17:08/mile average pace, 651 calories.  I've done worse.

I'm actually pretty happy with this - 17:08/mile average pace, 651 calories.  I've done worse.

I set out with no expectations.  I ran for exactly 30 seconds, and that was just to get across a busy street.  But I walked quickly, and with purpose, up and down some hills, too.  

It was just a beginning.  But beginnings are great.  Where can I go from here? 

ANYWHERE.

 

Posted
AuthorMako Allen
Categories365 Gratitude