Up: [[Thinking]] Related: [[Expressive Art]] Created: 2024-07-30 Updated: 2026-02-06 Shoshin is a Zen Buddhist phrase meaning beginner’s mind > [!Orbit] Shunryu Suzuki > In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few. The idea is to stay open, with a lack of preconceptions, even if you're an expert. The way to do it is to be in the present moment, treating this moment as if this is the first time you're here doing this thing. ### Applied to Art Ivy Newport, from StudioWorks, suggests these ways to be in beginner's mind: Paint and focus on the feeling of the paint and the colour on the page, rather than naming, judging or analyzing the mark. This is [[Tracking Wonder]]. Try a different colour, or the way you hold the brush, or how much water you add, and stay present watching what happens. This is [[Curiosity]]. Ask questions. Why do I like this mark? Why don't I enjoy this one? How can I do something different? What more can I learn? > [!Orbit] Elizabeth Gilbert > Remember that you’re nothing but a beginner — even if you’ve been working on your craft for fifty years. We are all just beginners here, and we shall all die beginners.