In Japan, the 60th birthday is special, as it’s believed that the celebrant begins a new circle of life. It’s called kanreki and is traditionally commemorated by wearing red - kimonos for women; vests and hats for men. It’s believed to be a time of rebirth and the color red symbolizes protection. Red gifts are usually given to babies and expectant mothers, making this midlife rebirth all the more celebratory. Experiences of transition and change are perfect times to embrace kanreki and beginner’s mind.

Beginners mind is a Zen Buddhist concept that proposes the only way to learn anything is to embrace the mindset of a true beginner, as experts believe they already have the answers. It’s a mindset based on presence, openness and curiosity.

When I left the corporate world to focus full time on writing, teaching and coaching, I felt the structures that supported me through more than three decades fall away. Even though it was my choice to make the transition to an entrepreneurial lifestyle, my old way of operating no longer served my new life. It was beautifully disorienting.

I was mindful of my decisions in those early days, spending long stretches in what poet David Whyte calls “well-peopled solitude.”

I spent my days:

Welcoming and noticing the way I was feeling throughout the day
Journaling daily
Listening to and honoring my body
Reading through a long list of books on spirituality
Devoting time to brewing tea and sipping it outdoors with all my senses
Moving through my days with wonder.

Stepping through that time was deeply rich and personally meaningful. It helped me create new ways of being in the world.

Are you in the midst of major change or transition?

Here are a few things to help ease from one way of being to another:

Give yourself the gift of time to do what feels right in the moment
Remain open and curious by journaling with a focus on questions, mining your experience for lessons, and expressing gratitude
Use techniques such as meditation, breathwork or getting grounded in nature to remain present in the current moment to rest, recover, and prepare for what’s next
Develop a loose structure to replace the outdated one, such as rising early, eating healthy, or taking an afternoon walk
Practice self-care and enjoy the time of “not knowing” before beginning anew.

Journal Reflections: Are you at the end of a cycle and beginning anew? How can you best support yourself as you cross over that threshold? What will make you feel prepared and nourished at the same time?

Red Kimonos and Beginner's Mind