Shoshin: The Beginner’s Mind

In Zen Buddhism, Shoshin (初心) translates to “beginner’s mind.” It is the practice of approaching every experience with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn—free from the limitations of preconceived notions or expertise.

Shunryu Suzuki, a renowned Zen master, captured this idea beautifully when he said:
"In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind, there are few."

This mindset reminds us that no matter how much knowledge or experience we acquire, true growth comes from staying open to new perspectives, embracing challenges with fresh eyes, and continuously refining our craft.

Shoshin in Creativity and Work

Whether in photography, design, leadership, or daily life, Shoshin encourages us to:

• Stay Curious – Approach every project, idea, or challenge as if encountering it for the first time.

• Embrace Growth – See setbacks and feedback as opportunities to improve rather than obstacles.

• Remain Humble – Expertise is valuable, but the willingness to learn is what keeps us evolving.

• Foster Innovation – Creativity thrives when we break free from rigid thinking and remain open to new ideas.

By cultivating a beginner’s mind, we free ourselves from assumptions and allow for greater creativity, insight, and connection with our work and the world around us.

No matter where we are in our journey, Shoshin reminds us that there is always more to explore, more to understand, and more ways to grow.