So there I was, walking around a local park with my buddy Jim, when I realized something profound: I’ve become that person who could probably walk face-first into one of the trees and not even notice it. Jim was pointing out all these amazing details that I’d somehow become blind to, despite walking there more times than I could count.
When we got back to my place, Jim continued his observer role, commenting on all the changes around my house. “Oh, you cleared that area!” and “Your trees have really grown!” and “Hey, you added different raised beds to your garden!” Meanwhile, I’m standing there thinking, I didn’t really notice, Wow, that is pretty amazing!
Sadly, I have a habit of daydreaming and not paying attention to what’s around me, especially when I’m in a familiar place during familiar things.
This phenomenon isn’t unique to me (thank goodness, or this would be an embarrassing article). We all do it. We’re like those people in horror movies who get so used to their haunted house that they start treating the ghost in the kitchen like a slightly inconvenient roommate.
“Oh yeah, that’s just the dent in the wall from when I slipped on the stairs .” “Don’t mind the squeaky door; you get used to it.” “The homeless person under the viaduct? Oh yeah, that’s Steve. We’ve never spoken, but I’ve mentally named him and created an entire backstory”
Enter the Zen concept of “The Beginner’s Mind,” which is basically ancient wisdom’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe try not being on autopilot ALL the time?” It’s about seeing things as if you’re experiencing them for the first time, like a toddler, but with less drooling and better coordination. When you master this concept, suddenly everything becomes fascinating. Your old truck you drive everyday? Wow, it runs great and I love the heated seats! The view you see every day? Holy cow, look at that sunrise! That room you remodeled? Nice paint job, and look at that wood floor!
At my old job, when things got tough, we had this saying: “Go put on your big boy pants.” Which, let’s be honest, was just workplace code for “Please handle this crisis without having a complete meltdown.” But I’ve got a new saying now: “Put on Your Beginner Glasses.” They’re like rose-colored glasses, except instead of making everything look better, they help you to see the obvious.
Think of it as your personal “Stop Walking Into Things” training program. Because let’s face it, we could all use a little help in the not-being-oblivious-to-our-surroundings department.
And the best part? When you start really noticing things again, you might actually fix that squeaky door instead of just harmonizing with it every time you pass by. You might even realize that dent on your wall could use a little spackle and paint. Or even that homeless Steve could use some wool socks.
So here’s to seeing the world with Beginner Glasses, because sometimes the most profound revelations come from simply noticing what is right in front of you.
Remember: Every expert was once a beginner, but not every beginner was actively paying attention. Be the beginner who looks where they’re going.