初心 Shoshin: The Beginner's Mindset and its Relationship to Exercise

When it comes to exercise, many of us tend to focus on the end goal: Building muscle, increasing mobility, or learning a new skill.

While these goals can be motivating, they can also lead to frustration and burnout if we're not careful. This is where the concept of shoshin, or the beginner's mind, comes in.

Shoshin, a term borrowed from Zen Buddhism, refers to the state of having an open and receptive attitude towards learning and experience. In the context of exercise, having a shoshin mindset can mean approaching physical activity with curiosity and a willingness to learn, rather than focusing on perfection or comparing oneself to others.

When we adopt a shoshin mindset, we are able to let go of the need to be perfect and instead, focus on the process of learning and improving.

This shift in perspective can help us to enjoy exercise more, rather than seeing it as a chore. It can also help us to be more patient with ourselves, as we recognize that progress takes time and that setbacks are part of the learning process.

Another benefit of a shoshin mindset is that it can lead to more sustainable exercise habits. When we're fixated on achieving a certain goal, we may push ourselves too hard and risk burnout or injury. But when we're focused on the process of learning and improving, we're more likely to listen to our bodies and make adjustments as needed. This can help us to avoid injury and to continue exercising in the long-term.

The beginners mindset is deeply embedded into our core values at Shoshin Movement Studio.

We encourage you to focus on the journey rather than the destination and our progressive approach to building strength, mobility and skills is in line with the Shoshin mindset. 

So, next time you attend our classes or go for a run, try to approach it with a shoshin mindset. Focus on the process of learning and improving rather than on the end goal. Enjoy the journey and be patient with yourself. Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are part of the learning process. With a shoshin mindset, you'll be able to enjoy your exercise experience more, and be more likely to stick with it in the long-term.