What if starting over wasn’t a sign of failure… but an act of courage?
This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological journey of beginning again—whether it's a new habit, role, relationship, or mindset. It explores how fear of failure often blocks us from saying “yes” to new opportunities, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset can help us stay curious, resilient, and open to growth.
Through personal reflection and a story about volunteering at a yoga festival, the speaker shares how keeping a simple “Courage Journal” helped transform habitual “no’s” into brave “yes’s.” The episode weaves together yogic philosophy (like svadhyaya and abhyasa), Zen teachings (shoshin), and neuroscience (neuroplasticity) to illustrate how starting fresh isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom in action.
You’ll be guided through reflection prompts and a short breath-based meditation to reconnect with the idea that it’s not only safe to begin again—it’s brave.
💡 A gentle, powerful reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to begin. You just have to begin.
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Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:35 Emotional contrast: Fear vs. Curiosity
00:06:00 The Courage Journal story
00:12:34 What is curiosity and wonder?
00:14:34 Yogic and Zen perspectives on beginner's mind
00:15:45 Brain science and neuroplasticity
00:20:00 Judgment vs. Trust in the Process
00:24:16 The illusion of control
00:27:24 Growth isn’t linear
00:30:01 Releasing the pressure to be good
00:31:28 Abhyasa & Vairagya – non-attachment and effort
00:33:41 Adaptability as strength
00:34:50 Affirmations: “It’s safe to be a beginner”
00:37:38 Closing meditation
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📚 Mentions & Resources:
Zen Buddhism: Shoshin – beginner’s mind
Yoga Philosophy: Svadhyaya, Abhyasa, Vairagya
Neuroscience: neuroplasticity, growth mindset
Movie: Yes Man (Jim Carrey)
Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/
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Tags: beginner’s mindset, courage, self-growth, personal development, yoga philosophy, fear of failure, neuroscience, abhyasa, non-attachment, curiosity, starting fresh, emotional intelligence, mindset shift
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