Keeping a Beginner's Mind

When I started my training in Bodywork, my teacher Dave said, “In the expert mind the possibilities are limited, in the beginner's mind the possibilities are endless. Keep a beginners mind!”

At the time, I thought to myself, “What do you mean? I want to know it all already! Take my beginner mind and download all your expert wisdom!” But as time went by, I started realizing what he meant.

When people keep a beginner’s mind, they will remain open to new opportunities, continue to evolve and always strive to get better. We all have things that we are interested in, and knowledgeable about, but there is always more to learn.

Most life practices are LIFE practices, and should be mastered and evolve through time and other experiences. People that “know it all” will not grow, and having that type of mentality is a turn-off to others. Let yourself accept new information from all directions. In Hebrew, we say, “a wise man learns from every men,” it stimulates the mind and helps build a more complete heart and well-rounded person. Whether you want to learn about ways to combat shoulder pain, arthritis or underwater basket weaving – keep a beginner’s mind.

Going back to my training, one of the most inspiring students I met at school was an 83 years old lady, and she had just started 1000 hours of HHP training. Lifetime learners are the most educated, knowledgeable and personable types of personalities. They are always striving to get better, remain busy and stimulated with new projects and information. Challenging the mind that way is the best strategy to remain young even when your body ages. Your mind is just like anything else, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

If people keep a beginner’s mind, they will remain open to new opportunities, continue to evolve and always strive to get better. We all have things that we are interested in, and knowledgeable about, but there is always more to learn.

Watsu: Part 2

The experience of Watsu can be very powerful and liberating, the practicioners roll is to support and facilitate the moves, but not to control or to “intervene” with the need, the rhythm and the tempo of the clients body. Being in this neutral environment allows the nervous system to let go and “magic” begins.

The “magic” I talk about is what I feel both in the practicioner side and as a receiver. Its when the body is in flow with breath, the water suggests in motherly manner that we can let go of the knee or shoulder and the body and it allows soft shifts to happen. In some other aquatic styles we get in the water in a beautiful dance of breath patterns and movement through the water, once again, the experience of breath exploration is very expensive and freeing.

If anyone is interested in Watsu, your local Ocean Beach Massage Center, That’s Your Body offers these sessions. Just ask Gal for more information and when you can get a session scheduled.