When students come to train with us to be meditation teachers, we encourage them to remember their own journey with meditation, and in particular to consider that it is not always easy when you first start. In most circumstances, they will recall how their mind was like a pendulum, swinging from one thought to the next whilst also worrying about meditating correctly.
It takes times to cultivate the practice to a place where you can start to connect with the stillness within, and it comes from a consistent practice. With every meditation you are effectively training your attention to be present.
Of course, your mind will still be swinging like a pendulum – this is the nature of the mind – but the art of meditation is noticing before returning your attention to your breath, or a mantra, or whatever technique you have been using to focus your attention. Sharon Salzberg, an author and teacher of Buddhist practice in the west, says, ‘No matter what happens, no matter how long it’s been, no matter how far from our aspirations we may have strayed, we can always begin again’. So, every time your mind wanders, you simply start again.
One the best ways to do this is by incorporating the seven pillars of mindfulness, and in particular the pillar which is known as the ‘Beginners Mind’. The concept for this pillar is about looking at each moment with simplicity, almost as if you are witnessing the unfolding of each moment through the eyes of a child for the first time.
This is a beautiful approach as you can allow yourself to be free of any expectations of what the practice ‘should’ be. You can also be free to approach each moment with interest and curiosity too. This has a wonderful effect of allowing you to be more open to possibilities, as well as have an appreciation for each unfolding moment.
When we return to the idea of looking at the world through the eyes of a child, we are reminded that mindfulness - the act of being present - is something we already know. When we were toddlers we were experts at being mindful – we would use our senses to explore our toys and food, as well as the world around us. We were curious, and we had no pre-conceptions, nor any expectations which allowed us a sense of freedom.
Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki said, in his book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice;
“In the Beginner’s Mind there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind there are few.”
It doesn’t matter what stage you are at with your own meditation practice, this is a great reminder to take a moment to create space and allow yourself a moment of curiosity to the moment you are in.
So, from the point of view of the meditation teacher students, returning to the ‘Beginner’s Mind’ when considering the journey of the beginner, helps them when creating a simple and supportive path.
Sarah Presley