The Beginner's Mind

photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/38918634@N00/397824732/sizes/l/

I can only hope to keep a beginner's mind

to withhold nothing but my expectations,

suspending my beliefs for a brief while

so that I may be in this experience

for what it is without wanting to change it.

For if I always had a beginner's mind

then there would be no need for a concept of

limited time, compare and contrast, or analysis.

No such concepts or ideas could exist,

because there is nothing that exists prior to

this experience even worth to compare.

So maybe I can go way back

like it's the first crawl on my hands and knees

wiggling around with anticipation.

Looking, listening, and feeling each movement

following the next utilizing no tools but

only a deep seated curiosity in seeing

how this puzzle piece of a body, a mind, and soul

can fit effortlessly together.

Maybe I can touch and allow the healing of another

with deep appreciation that this body in my hands

will never, has never, nor could ever be like any other.

Therefore it will heal like no other.

It has more capabilities and possibilities to heal

like none other.

Perhaps the more I sit and surrender to these unknowing ways,

getting out of the way,

the healing will be allowed to do it's part.

It is only then when I will have permission to do my part

that which I am still figuring out with each touch.

Always reaching for ground zero rather than looking elsewhere.

Yet at the same time flying high to see the wide perspective.

With this beginner's mind I can explore the curiosities

of sensation through tenderness, compassion, kindness,

eroticism, playfulness, gentleness, passion, and all those

experiences of movement I take for granted.

May I appreciate one moment and then regard it as a daily

and equally unique happening in another.

I think of the moments of the imbalances where those touched

need to touch more often

and the one's touching need to be more touched by others.

I think of how we need to hug ourselves more, lay a gentle

hand on an elder, and embrace our children, each others' children.

I hope when these moments come

I receive and give them with gratitude.

A new freshness, quiet solitude, and cozy feeling

settles in my heart on these first days of the new year.

These thoughts of letting go, letting in, accepting,

and reflection are within many people's minds.

Yet for me the only thing I wish is to have is a beginner's mind

every day as a healer, teacher, friend, daughter, lover, and woman.

And through this I enter into happiness.