Poet David Whyte frequently refers to the phenomena of “creating a beautiful mind.” Recently, I’ve begun contemplating this process more intentionally. What exactly does it mean to create a beautiful mind? What is a beautiful mind? And why might it be important to create one?
Before jumping in, I want to distinguish here what I am referring to as the “mind.” It is more than the intellect, more than the mental operations we, especially in the West, commonly associate with it. In Chinese philosophy, Xin connotes both the heart and mind, or heart-mind. Feeling and thinking are not seen as separate, but as coextensive, emotion and cognition on equal footing, both critical (and ultimately indivisible) for the full holistic development of the human being. Additionally, xin or heart-mind is considered more than the sum of its parts, a unity beyond duality, another type of perception operating beyond the distinct functions of thinking and feeling. Without getting further into the philosophical weeds here, perhaps we can sum it up with a takeoff of this humorous quip regarding meditative practice: “Meditation – it’s not what you think.” The mind – it’s more than you think.
Back to fashioning a beautiful mind. I’m not generally one for “how-tos” – the “3 this” or the “10 that” for creating a “perfect” life. So as I was drafting a list of some key elements that contribute toward beautifying one’s mind, I felt that including all of them in one essay could feel remarkably like a how-to treatise, and one completely overwhelming at that, both for the writer and the reader. Interestingly, spaciousness is one of the elements. Creating a beautiful mind takes time and is perhaps a lifelong endeavor. So drawing on inspiration from the Slow Food movement, savoring nutrition (here of the mind) and the invitation to “eat” well and artfully, with company, digesting slowly and thoroughly, I’ve decided to give the spaciousness of time to this work and to share these contemplations (note: not instructions) over a series of weeks and perhaps months. I welcome your participation and hope for your enjoyment as we pass the salt back and forth, adjusting the seasonings to bring out the best flavor and greatest satisfaction together.
Perhaps it is best to start with the question of what constitutes a beautiful mind. For me, a beautiful mind is spacious, flexible, creative, generative, open, curious, playful, generous, both full and empty, simultaneously musical and delectably silent. A mind that can expand to accommodate the constant influx of new information. A mind no stranger to growing pains yet no enemy of them either. A mind that can discard old, encrusted, no-longer-useful-or-perhaps-even-healthy data, a mind that trusts the alchemy of composting. A mind that can express its convictions with confidence and also does not need to. A mind that can and does laugh at itself and its follies and apparent limitations.
A clear mind. A gentle mind. A nonviolent mind.
A loving mind.
Yes, it could take a lifetime to create a beautiful mind. And what is worth more?
This is a wonderful beginning to explore the topic of a beautiful mind Susan. I’m so glad you didn’t make a list of how-tos. I like the ingredients you listed and look forward to seeing how you combine them into food for the mind and soul.
Thanks, Brad. When I read, “food for the mind and soul,” my breath naturally deepened. Thanks for seeing that, and for the reminder!
Oh Susan! I want your mind!
I like the concept of a spacious mind, and I think it takes years to create one. A spacious mind isn’t an empty mind but one that’s curated thoughts and feelings, ideas of importance, what’s needed and what’s interesting and weeded out all the noise and crowded nonsense. I can remember different times in my life when I’ve graduated to a new level and decided I could let this or that nonsense go. Put it out of my mind to create space for beauty, compassion, interest and love. I remember these as freeing moments and liberating moments. More space, beautiful space.
Oh, I agree Shaune – it can take years to create a spacious mind. Always a work in progress. Creating space for, as you say, beauty, compassion, interest, love. Interest especially caught my eye here – I read that as interest in and engagement with life – more openness, more passion, more possibility. A deep engagement and say yes to life. Thank you!
I love this Susan! For whatever reason, the phrase “a mind that trusts the alchemy of composting” is really sticking with me. In this time of darkness, Samhain, a turning to winter, it’s a good time to allow the compost, the transformation, of what is no longer serving us. And the mind-heart is a place, with strong intention, that initiates this composting. It gives rise to the intention and reminds us that’s it’s okay to add to the compost pile, making more space/spaciousness for new growth. Thank you for this gift of your post! Much love!
Hey Betsy! Yes, I am working the garden for the deep composting of winter as we speak… “The mind-heart is a place” – love this – home – a deep sanctuary that allows for the darkness to do its profound work… love!