View of Lake Burley Griffin, Kurrajong Point (on right), and Canberra Civic (on left) from Black Mountain

Think of a local place that you go to. Do you remember your first impression of this place? That feeling you had when you saw it for the first time? Being new to you, do you remember the feeling of exploration, and adventure?

Perhaps you were travelling with a friend, and the moment was combined with a the happiness of friendship? Perhaps it was you, alone, meeting people you’ve never met before. Regardless, I bet the experience has a novel ‘flavour’ to it. It was new. You were looking and seeing so many things that you now take for granted. Maybe you didn’t quite know what to expect, and everything felt like you were seeing it for the first time.

And now, the location, the experience, it feels mundane, routine, boring. You may feel as though you struggle to get that same ‘magical’ feelings that you had.

View of Black Mountain, Mount Ainsley, Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin from Dairy Farmer’s Hill in the National Arboretum

But the ‘magic’, discerning insights are still there… if you can see things like you did for the first time again. Without judgement. This is what happens when you access what is called ‘beginners mind’. It can brings you to a space that is not clouded by judgement, leaving you to merely discern what is. You can see things as they are. Your awareness is unimpeded by your preconceived notions.

it is a liberating and powerful tool.

A great experiment you can do to illustrate beginners mind is to think of your home town. When was the last time you saw it as Magical? Beautiful? Interesting?

If you are like most, it’s been a while.

However, the wonderful qualities of your home town are there, and if you can see it through the eyes of a tourist, if you can become tourist in your own home, you can make it feel like the first time you’ve been there. You can experience ‘beginners mind’ again. Take that feeling and now experiment with ‘beginners mind’ in other areas of your life.

Black Mountain and Telstra tower, at dusk, under the full moon, from the Himalayan Cedars at the National Arboretum, Canberra, ACT.

As a parent to four teenagers (blended family), I’ve been trying to share with them an appreciation for Canberra, their home town. I’ve been, when I can, taking them on ‘photography expeditions’ to local scenic sites, and encouraging them to take photographs… and while it is teaching the art of photography to them, it is also learning and humbling for me. Through my kids, I’m able to see things, consciously, through ‘the best angle’ which allows me to more easily experience things again for the first time.

Full moon over Black Mountain and Telstra Tower, From Dairy Farmer’s Hill, National Arboretum

Beginners mind can help you gain a different perspective, and allow you to see things for how they are. It is one of the companions on the Insightful Path… and if practiced, can help you to use your life and your work to thrive in both!

Two Grey Teals (*Anas Gracillis)* on Lake Ginninderra, Western Foreshore Park, Belconnen, Canberra ACT

If you want to practice this, and the many other micro-skills of the Insightful Path, reach out to me today! I’d love to help you discover your unique path to insights.

it feels like the first time…

Who are you?

Living poetically