Shoshin or the Beginner's Mind

During our opening meetings, I shared with the faculty and staff that my primary goal for this year will be listening and learning about the culture and essence of Country School. In order for me to articulate a shared vision for the future and a strategic direction that will have the greatest positive impact possible for students, I need to understand the present and the past. While I have learned a tremendous amount in the two months of this summer, that pales in comparison to what I will learn while school is in session.  

 

The spirit of learning has applied to my family as well.  As we have settled in to New Canaan, we have been finding our way around, forming new relationships and learning at every turn. We have all experienced the joy and the possibilities that come with so much change. That spirit makes me think of the Zen Buddhism concept of Shoshin, or Beginner’s Mind. The idea is that the more open we are to learning and the more we seek it out without preconception, the more learning will occur, the more impactful the learning will be, and the more possibilities will emerge. This concept applies not only to new experiences, but also to bringing a new eye to topics where we have existing knowledge. I certainly know that I will experience ample Beginner’s Mind this year as I learn about Country School and begin to think more about its future.

 

The concept of Shoshin will also be beneficial to our students, and I wish them an upcoming year of great learning that is associated with it. Children are natural employers of Beginner’s Mind; they are instinctively open to learning and excited about the possibility it holds. It is one of the aspects of childhood that I appreciate most. Our faculty will certainly encourage our students’ love of learning through the personal relationships they will form, through the engaging topics they will study, and through the memorable activities they will undertake. Many of their experiences will truly be new, and while others may feel familiar, it is my hope that they approach each of them with the eagerness and openness that can result in the deepest learning.  

 

I wish you and your children the happiest first day of school tomorrow (or Thursday for Early Childhood) and a year of incredible growth. Throughout this year, I plan on writing reflections like this each week in our Friday newsletter, This Week. I hope that you will read them. Moreover, I view these reflections as the beginning of a conversation, so please reach out to let me know your thoughts on them. Perhaps you have an idea that extends a topic, or maybe you disagree with a point I’ve made. Both are great conversation starters, and I hope you will engage in that dialogue. Further, if you have topics of education, parenting or items specific to Country School that you would like to see me address, please let me know.

 

It is such an honor to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to lead this school. I can’t wait for the first official day of school tomorrow! 

 

My very best,

 

Aaron Cooper

Head of School