Courage to continue practicing
I have found that it is immensely helpful to my personal development to continue to study just about everything that comes my way. It can be a little chaotic sometimes with several different studies on my plate but the rewards are worth the practice.
In the book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki says,
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.”
We must all continue to practice our skills and not assume that because we have been doing it for 5, 40 or 100 years that we have it nailed and can never be mistaken in it’s application.
This is especially true for psychics and mediums, because the world at large is suspect about anything that cannot be seen by three-dimensional eyes. I feel this is changing but even if everyone in the world believed in the unseen spirit messages and everything that goes with it, there would still be a need for Beginner’s Mind.
If the Universe/Cosmos/All That Is, is infinite then ones abilities will never be at a culmination. There is infinite growth until the oneness with God/the One/Dude/Quantum Fred.
If one is not willing to accept or even understand that beginner’s mind is necessary it becomes a “curse of knowledge”. This term refers to the idea that someone who knows a lot about a subject or has expert ability in a subject will not allow themself to see the point of view of someone who has a perceived lesser ability. While this may seem convoluted, the point is the growth has ceased in the so-called expert.
I have been taught that we are learning right up until the separation of the silver cord. And the learning continues beyond that as well but it would certainly be inexplicable on this side of the veil. I have been taught that Spirit continues to evolve.
The Ascended Masters teach that repetition is our best teacher. Perhaps the awareness on student level is to continue to be the beginner in mind when hearing the teaching for the 1,000th time. This applies to any class practice, workshop or development circle I go to.
Last week my group was asked to draw numbers and psychometrize them. The numbers, on simple paper were then put in a basket, once all numbers were retrieved the basket was sent back around the room with the instruction to draw another number (not your own already psychometrized number).
This method ensures a secure anonymity. Each medium then reads the pyschometrized number drawn and takes a turn giving a message. I love this exercise as it allows us all to practice in a safe environment and we all get messages from Spirit (guides, teachers, Ascended Masters, Angels, elementals, nature spirits or galactic beings).

Mandala #3
mixed media fiber
When reading out the message we were instructed to say the number and give the message. When your own number is announced we were instructed to not say anything, no response, just listen to the message. This is another method to increase ability.
Often billet readers like to hear a response to the recipient name; a simple hello or yes. Sound is another way to connect to others in addition to touch and the psychometry energy.
I love to touch energy. When reading a billet when doing my drawing or painting, I mangle and rub the little psychometrized card that at the end of the session looks like a tortured wad of tissue. That tactile energy is a strength for me and so I use it, but practicing reading energy another way ensures a growth in abilities which is why I continue classes.
The billet method is somewhat outdated but a great way to begin development as long as one moves out of the practice so as to not become dependent on it. Energy is around us all and can be read just like the energy on a card or other object.
I could continue painting and drawing with the skills I have but that means that I have stepped off the path of life, the path of learning. The concept of beginners mind is a Zen Buddhist practice that exercises openness and eagerness in ones pursuits. Beginners mind seeks to eliminate the preconceptions of a study or ability no matter what level you and others may consider.
Years ago I attended a series of conference/workshops focusing on fiber arts (a passion of mine). One class touted as suitable for beginners to advanced skills was absolutely full with mostly beginners. Beginners tend to flock together as do the ‘experts’.
There was a hubbub starting in whispers around the room when one very well known ‘expert’ artist showed up as a student. She later explained to the rest of the class that she was simply there to learn the technique in a class setting just like them. She had embraced Beginner’s Mind.
No matter what subject you may be an expert in it is always fruitful to maintain Beginner’s Mind. It is the only way to ensure that you are always considering all possibilities rather than the few.
Embrace the Mystery.