Seeing with Fresh Eyes at Work: The Deeper Practice of an Open Mind
To look at things with fresh eyes in the workplace is more than a mental exercise — it’s a way of being. It’s about cultivating awareness, humility, and curiosity so that each moment, task, or interaction becomes an opportunity to see what is truly present, not just what we expect to see.
1. The Nature of an Open Mind
An open mind is not empty; it’s receptive. It allows space for new information, perspectives, and emotions to arise without being filtered through rigid beliefs or habitual thinking. In work settings, this means noticing when your mind says, “I already know this,” and gently setting that thought aside to explore what might be different this time.
2. The Role of Presence
Fresh perception begins with presence. When you are fully present — not lost in past experiences or future worries — you can perceive subtle details and possibilities that are often missed. Presence allows you to listen deeply, observe dynamics clearly, and respond rather than react. Mindfulness practices, such as conscious breathing or short pauses between meetings, help anchor this awareness.
3. Curiosity as a Daily Discipline
Curiosity transforms routine into discovery. Instead of approaching tasks as obligations, see them as opportunities to learn. Ask:
- What can I notice here that I’ve overlooked before?
- How might someone new to this situation see it?
- What assumptions am I bringing into this conversation or decision?
This kind of inquiry keeps the mind flexible and creative.
4. Letting Go of Certainty
Certainty can be comforting, but it often limits growth. When we cling to being right, we stop seeing clearly. Letting go of certainty doesn’t mean abandoning expertise — it means holding knowledge lightly, allowing space for new insights to emerge. This balance between confidence and openness is the hallmark of wise leadership.
5. Compassion and Connection
An open mind is inseparable from an open heart. When you approach colleagues with compassion, you see beyond roles and titles to the human being behind them. This deepens trust and collaboration. Compassion also softens judgment — both toward others and yourself — making it easier to adapt and learn.
6. Integrating Mind, Body, and Heart
True openness involves the whole self. The mind perceives, the body senses, and the heart feels. Practices like Qi Gong, mindful movement, or reflective journaling help align these dimensions, allowing you to meet work challenges with clarity, calm, and authenticity.
7. The Continuous Practice
Seeing with fresh eyes is not a one-time shift but a continuous practice. Each day offers countless chances to begin again — to notice, to question, to listen, and to rediscover the world around you. Over time, this practice transforms not only how you work but how you experience life itself.
The Beginner’s Mind
The concept of beginner’s mind — or Shoshin in Zen — is the art of seeing the world as if for the first time. It’s a state of openness, curiosity, and humility that allows us to meet each moment without the weight of preconceptions. In the workplace, it’s a powerful way to stay creative, adaptable, and deeply engaged.
1. The Essence of Beginner’s Mind
In a beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in an expert’s mind, there are few. When we think we already know, we stop truly seeing. Beginner’s mind invites us to release the need to be right or to appear knowledgeable, and instead to approach each situation with wonder — as if we were discovering it anew.
2. Unlearning to See Clearly
Much of cultivating beginner’s mind is about unlearning. Over time, habits, routines, and assumptions create filters that narrow our perception. By consciously letting go of “the way things are,” we make space for fresh insight. This doesn’t mean discarding experience — it means holding it lightly, allowing it to inform rather than define us.
3. Practicing Presence
Beginner’s mind thrives in the present moment. When we are fully here — not replaying the past or anticipating the future — we can perceive details, emotions, and opportunities that are often overlooked. Simple mindfulness practices, such as pausing before responding or taking a few conscious breaths, help us return to this state of awareness.
4. Curiosity Over Judgment
Curiosity is the heartbeat of beginner’s mind. Instead of labeling things as good or bad, right or wrong, we ask: What is this? What can I learn here? This shift from judgment to inquiry opens creative pathways and fosters genuine understanding in relationships and problem-solving.
5. Humility and Openness
Beginner’s mind requires humility — the willingness to admit that we don’t know everything. This humility is not weakness; it’s strength. It allows us to listen deeply, to learn from others, and to adapt gracefully when circumstances change. In leadership, this quality builds trust and inspires collaboration.
6. Integrating Mind, Body, and Heart
To embody beginner’s mind fully, we engage not only our intellect but also our body and heart. The body grounds us in the present; the heart keeps us compassionate and receptive. Practices like mindful movement, Qi Gong, or reflective journaling help align these dimensions, deepening our capacity to meet each moment with freshness.
7. Living the Practice
Beginner’s mind is not a technique but a way of living. It invites us to approach each conversation, challenge, and decision as an opportunity to see anew. When we do, work becomes less about control and more about discovery — a continuous unfolding of insight, creativity, and connection.
Presentation – Open Mind by Guðbjörg Eggertsdóttir
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