Shoshin: The Beginner's Mind & How It Can Transform Your Life

Have you ever heard of Shoshin?

This Zen Buddhist concept, translating to “Beginner’s Mind,” is a way of approaching life with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It means setting aside preconceived notions, even in areas where we feel like experts, and embracing each experience with fresh eyes.

Simple in theory, but in practice? It’s a challenge—especially when emotions run high, or when we strongly believe we already know the answer. Yet, like any worthwhile pursuit, Shoshin takes practice.

My Journey with Shoshin

After nearly 20 years of practice and more than a decade of teaching, I found myself fully committing to Shoshin. It wasn’t an easy shift, but it became one of the most impactful approaches that helped me navigate the past few years with clarity and resilience.

Letting go of rigid beliefs and opening myself to new perspectives allowed for profound growth—not just professionally, but personally. Here are some of the most powerful transformations I’ve experienced through this practice:

1. Learning Accelerated—Beyond What I Thought Possible

When I approached learning with an open mind, I found that my understanding and skill level skyrocketed. I stopped filtering knowledge through the lens of what I already knew and became receptive to ideas that I might have previously dismissed as ‘too basic.’

I realized that everyone has something valuable to share, and even when I wasn’t learning what I expected, there were always gems of wisdom to uncover.

2. Seeing Through Manipulation & Authority Constructs

One of the most surprising side effects of practicing Shoshin was how keenly aware I became of manipulative language and power dynamics.

By staying present and detached from my own biases, I became acutely sensitive to leading statements, dominant communication tactics, and the subtle ways authority is established. This heightened awareness allowed me to navigate conversations—and life—with far greater discernment.

3. Becoming a More Effective Communicator

People who are deeply entrenched in their beliefs are often unable to let go without a major internal shift. Rather than trying to convince others, I learned the importance of meeting people where they are and planting seeds rather than pushing opinions.

This shift made my interactions more impactful, fostering deeper conversations without unnecessary conflict.

4. Letting Go of Responsibility for Others’ Beliefs

One of the most freeing realizations was that other people’s beliefs and opinions are neither my business nor my burden.

I no longer feel the need to influence others to see things my way. Instead, I focus on guiding individuals to become more self-reflective and self-sufficient, helping them access their own inner wisdom.

5. Perception Shapes Everything

When we accept that we truly know nothing, we step out of the intellectual space and become more connected to the divine—whatever that means for each of us.

Shoshin teaches us that our perceptions shape our entire reality. By approaching life with curiosity instead of certainty, we open doors to deeper wisdom and transformation.

Applying Shoshin to Life & Business

This approach isn’t limited to personal growth—it’s a game-changer in business, relationships, and self-development.

Shoshin requires us to let go of old convictions and forgive the past—whether that means our own past mistakes or the actions of others. This can be challenging, as we naturally cling to our beliefs for a sense of stability. But true growth comes from embracing the unknown.

If you’re ready to deepen your learning and expand your skills, I invite you to join my free 1-hour training, where I’ll discuss the biggest mistakes practitioners make and my 3-step process to mastering Gua Sha.

Register here: https://www.meridiancarecenter.com/guashatrainingregistration

There’s never been a better time to embrace Shoshin—stay open, stay curious, and keep sharpening your perception in every area of life.

Stay well, Lisa