Saturday, July 18, 2009

Shoshin

Shoshin is a concept in Buddhism meaning, Beginner's Mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject. Even at a mastery level, like Lance on his bike, you have this same openness and spirit, just as a novice would in that particular area.

And, although it traditionally is applied to Zen Buddhism and the Martial Arts, I believe it applies to anyone with a genuine heart in any subject area, for example, running, cycling and professional work. To this day, I feel there is so much I can learn from this concept, and I strive to keep it in all my endeavors, whether I'm consulting on a project, going for a run (ok, I guess that's easy since I'm a newbie runner), meditating, advocating in the fight against cancer, or playing my oboe.

One of my favorite sayings of Shunryu Suzuki (author of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind) is: "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few."

It's why I was honestly struck silent when I saw a picture of the design on the Livestrong TT bike for Lance Armstrong at the 2009 Tour de France (TDF). It was created by Japanese artist, Nara. The text on the top tube of Armstrong's bike reads, "Never forget your beginner's spirit!"

Well said, Lance & Nara! Lance, don't forget to keep your beginner's spirit and passion as you race through the TDF! We are all behind you 100%. LIVESTRONG! (If you'd like to see the photo of the TT bike, click here. )

3 comments:

  1. I had missed seeing that quote on LA's bike Julie. That is awesome. Thanks for sharing! Isn't Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind a great book? Have you read any of Pema Chodron's books?

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  2. Great Blog! I have added you to my blogroll, “Cancer Blog Links” with over 350 other cancer blogs at www.beingcancer.net, a cancer networking site featuring a cancer book club, guest blogs, cancer resources and more. Please stop by and visit. If you like the site, please consider adding Being Cancer to your blogroll.
    Take care, Dennis

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  3. Leana, the book is great. I haven't read Pema Chodron's books.

    Dennis - thanks for the blogroll add...I'll check out the Cancer Blog links site!

    Thanks all!!

    ReplyDelete

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Lance Armstrong's "Tour de France" Dedication to Julie

A great reminder that I had armies of support beside me in my fight. (Thanks, Lance!) Even with the recent media, this video isn't about the bike...but the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG!

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