As the week approached, a hiking adventure beckoned, accompanied by a symphony of thoughts. The mind danced with anticipations of mud, the exuberant dog, forging an uncharted trail, and concerns about less-than-ideal footwear. These notions wove their way into my consciousness, forming a tapestry of preconceived judgments. It was a habitual cascade of expectations, fueled by past experiences and assumptions.

But then, a moment of pause intervened, like a breath of fresh air sweeping away the cobwebs of preconception. Amidst the swirl of thoughts, a question emerged: Where had the essence of excitement and intent vanished? Isn't the essence of a hike to revel in the wild, to meander through nature's wonders, forging our own gentle path, and being present to the world unfolding around us?

And so, I trudged forward, the concept of "beginner's mind" lingering like a welcome companion. It's a notion that invites us to approach life with the curiosity and openness of a novice, seeing even the familiar with new eyes. This state of mind mirrors the innocent wonder of childhood, where each experience is imbued with the freshness of the first encounter.

As the week progressed, the idea of "beginner's mind" kept resurfacing, a gentle reminder to shed the cloak of familiarity and rediscover the world anew. In a world where "firsts" become scarcer with age, it's easy for thoughts and judgments to sneak in, predefining our experiences and outcomes. Yet, viewing the known as a "first" can be invigorating, an understated source of humility and a catalyst for rekindled passion.

The journey of the hike mirrored life's larger canvas — a dynamic interplay between expectations and presence. The concept of "beginner's mind" emerged as a guiding star, reminding us to peel away layers of anticipation and embrace each experience with open arms. By viewing even the familiar through the lens of newness, we can unlock subtle joys, infuse every endeavor with curiosity, and create a reality that brims with enthusiasm and wonder. In the tapestry of life, "beginner's mind" weaves threads of invigoration, reminding us that every moment is a chance to explore, evolve, and experience life's grandeur as if for the very first time.

Here’s how you may explore this further.

1. Take 5-minutes and try sitting down either inside or outside.  Something we have done for years. 

2. Take into account one item – a familiar tree or letter or picture or snack. 

3. Examine without judgment.  Using all your senses, ask yourself, what does it look and feel like? Does the lighting hit it in a different way today than you may have realized in the past?  

4. Then think about what helped you to become aware? Carry this over to things like brushing your teeth one day, your coffee routine, and relationships.