I hope you and your family are well and social distancing at this time. Many of us are now navigating spouses and kids at home, new technology and new systems of working and cohabitating. Whoa!

Every day we’re learning more about COVID-19 and its impact on life and business.

Things are uncertain and unknown. And they will for….we don’t know how long.

I have a mindfulness technique for you that will help you navigate the unknown.

It’s a Zen Buddhist technique called ‘Shoshin’ or ‘Beginner’s Mind’

‘Beginner’s mind’ is the practice of approaching a problem, situation, or conversation with a sense of openness and curiosity instead of with fear, trepidation, judgements or assumptions.

Design thinking and innovation experts use mindfulness tools like beginner’s mind to refine everything from product offerings and customer satisfaction, to marketing communications and company culture.

It’s also a great way to stay present, grounded and focused on possibilities.

What would be possible for you and your team if you embraced beginner’s mind at this time?

Here’s how to practice ‘Beginner’s Mind’:

• Think of an issue or challenge that is currently overwhelming you. Write it down on a piece of paper
• Set the timer for two-three minutes
• Close your eyes
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Relax your body, quiet your mind by focusing on your breath.
• When you open your eyes, think about the issue or challenge you wrote down.
• Now use the following prompts to journal about any fresh thoughts or ideas that come up for you:

“I wonder how this works?”

“What if _______”

“Is there another way we can approach _________ ?”

“What assumptions are limiting my understanding of _______?”

What opens up for you when you shift into this approach?

Remember, your breath is your ally at this time. 

Use it to break patterns of anxiety and stress.