Using Beginner’s Mind for Creativity

By Cheryl Jones-Reardon from The Mindful Path

I’m not creative when it comes to painting, drawing or photography. But I am creative when it comes to problem solving. I attribute much of this to my mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness is about living in the present moment. One of the attitudes of mindfulness is “Beginner’s Mind,” which involves seeing everything as though it was for the first time. Our thinking that ‘we know’ something actually keeps us from discovering new things because we’re always comparing what’s happening to something in the past. Our thinking that ‘we know’ how to do something can also inhibit learning. Our beliefs about what we know prevent us from seeing things as they really are.

The truth is that no moment is like another. Every moment is unique and holds unique possibilities. We often miss out on the potential of the present moment because we are comparing it or expecting it to be like another from the past. Beginner’s mind is what helps us to bring the extraordinary into the ordinary. We become able to open to new possibilities and we don’t get stuck in any one particular way of seeing something. This is creativity for me.

Tips for for invoking your beginner’s mind:

• Notice when your mind is having thoughts like, “Oh, I know what to do. This is what worked last time…”
• Take a breath in and out. Come into the present moment.
• Try not to compare this moment to another.
• Imagine that you are doing or seeing this thing as though it was for the first time.
• Be curious about this moment and open to new possibilities…new ways of ‘being’ and new ways of doing.
• Notice what presents itself.
• Celebrate the uniqueness of this moment.

About the Author: Cheryl Jones-Reardon, MA and author, has completed extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. To learn more visit http://www.themindfulpath.com.