rambling

[saffronhare]

One of the questions on the Yellow Belt curriculum at TKD is about the concept of being an "empty cup." When I first heard about this idea, it was expressed as "beginner's mind" and it's smacked me between the eyes approximately 473 bazillion times since then.

It's really difficult to enter a situation figuring there's always something to learn...even if I think I've heard everything before. But the "been there, done that" mindset -- though great on a t-shirt -- is a terribly not-present way to move through life. Holding too tightly to that conviction dramatically reduces my capacity for delightful surprise and unanticipated growth.

Embracing a "beginner's mind" means I have to admit I'm not practically perfect in every way already and quit clinging to the notion that I'm so frigging unique. (Yikes!) It means I have to be prepared to listen to perspecives I don't want to hear. I means there's value in integrating wisdom from multiple sources, even if it can be argued that it doesn't really apply to ME...or that the person doesn't know my situation or my experience.

Anything else is hubris. But, oh, man. DIFFICULT.

Comments

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

This.