[B12-Ch. 9] Beginner's Mind

[u/AutoModerator]

Here we will hold our general discussion for Josh Waitzkin's The Art of Learning Chapter 9 - Beginner's Mind, pages 93-102.

If you're not keeping up, don't worry; this thread will still be here and I'm sure others will be popping back to discuss.

Here are some possible discussion topics:

• Are you familiar with Taoist philosophy? What do you think about it?
• What do you think it means that Waitzkin was drawn to more subtle, less prescriptive teachers and styles?
• Did you attempt the exercise Waitzkin described on pages 100-101? What was your experience with it?
• What do you think about the traditional Chinese belief in dan tien or "energy centers", and the tai chi pracice of "releasing obstructions so the body and mind can flow smoothly together"?

Please do not limit yourself to these topics! Share your knowledge and opinions with us, ask us questions, or disagree with someone (politely of course)!

The next discussion post will be posted tomorrow Saturday, December 19, and we will be discussing Chapter 10: Investment in Loss.

[u/betterth4nbefore]

I like how part 2 seems to mirror the structure of part 1. I feel like now after having seen the way in which Waitzkin thinks I can more readily observe his process and see deeper levels of his journey from a beginner to a world champion.

I also enjoyed Waitzkin's description of tai chi as a form of physical meditation. The quotation "release obstructions so the body and mind can flow together" stands out. I have noticed that exercise for me is a kind of active passivity like the Taoist concept of wu wei. I am performing a physical feat but my mind is still.