"Of course, Beginner's Mind doesn't mean that we don't intellectually know anything, but that we intentionally approach the sameness ( lesson, student, job, life) fresh and awake in each moment. We may become increasingly aware that we do not know, what we do not know and allow ourselves to evolve and grow without the stresses of radical upheaval." Echoing what @Maria Glazunova said above, I love your articulation here. For me, it's a process of self-awareness and slowing down. Practicing mindfulness and meditation has helped me so much in those regards. I'm practicing more and more now to see my lessons as more of a journey with my students, a journey of exploration into the language but also more generally into their thinking and ideas. Being open to going off on tangents within the lesson and letting the natural conversation flow is another thing I'm trying to foster. Having a beginner's mind certainly is conducive to that approach. I do have a lesson plan, but I'm trying to be less rigid in following it and exploiting more opportunities for natural language to emerge. Of course, it is easier said than done, and it also requires the students to buy into the approach of a more open-ended class rather than one that is fixed and rigid in its nature. Anyway, I found your comment very inspiring, and as you said it's not just about teaching, it's about life in general.

@Maria Glazunova Yes!!! I love this quote. I have a book of Bruce Lee's writings where he includes this among many other inspiring philosophies. It always fascinates me how philosophy and spirituality intersect with education.

@Joanne Johnson I resonate with what you're saying. For the last few months, I have been busy at a private language school and haven't been saying no to extra work. Financially, it has made sense, but it has also impeded me from working on my own side projects and expressing my creativity. I know now that if you don't set time aside to pursue your calling (following your heart), it'll end up eating away at you. I'm working on resetting the work-life balance now.

@Maria Glazunova Yes!! I completely agree. Thank you for reminding me of those foundations of our teaching experience: "why I'm doing what I'm doing" and "why it matters" so I can keep on track and stay focused." I forget that from time to time, and this is a welcome reminder. It's important to keep everything in perspective and see the bigger picture of what we do and why we do and love it. On a side note, I'm really happy and grateful that you've joined the community (I've been away for a little while and haven't had the chance to express that). We are so fortunate to have you and your insights.

@Joanne Johnson I feel very lucky to have found the community both personally and professionally. It's great to share it with you.

@Elaine Hill It was great to be back!!