Shoshin

A creature of habit I had become

New ways of doing things I did not welcome

On years of experience I would often rely

Novel ideas I was reluctant to try

Every new tool with skepticism I would view

Changing my practices is something I would rarely do..

*

Despite my pretense of contentment I remained restless

I was suffocating in my close-mindedness

As an answer to my questions, almost serendipitously

The Zen concept of Shoshin was revealed to me

So my life in various areas I began to examine

Through the beginner’s mindset, or Shoshin

*

I began to let go of notions preconceived

I began to challenge my dogmatic beliefs

Like a beginner, I started enjoying new ways of doing things

And noticed I was happier, my enthusiasm was brimming

*

I hope the beginner’s mindset stays with me

So that I can keep learning continuously