Embracing the Journey of Being a Beginner in Life
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The Freedom of Being a Beginner
Yesterday, while jogging along the picturesque California coastline, I found myself on a trail that winds along a bluff, the youngest of a series of coastal terraces shaped by uplift and erosion. I consider myself fortunate to have these stunning landscapes as my training grounds.
Despite the breathtaking ocean views, the initial two miles of my run felt challenging. My calves ached, and fatigue from a high-mileage week weighed on me. My mind was cluttered with worries about the upcoming hill intervals I was set to tackle at a faster pace later in the run. More than anything, it was my overall attitude that dampened my spirits—tired and unintentionally negative.
In response, I began the familiar routine of a mental pep talk. I checked in with myself, asking how I felt and why. I reminded myself of the progress I had made over the last four months of training. I also acknowledged that despite my consistent running over the past few years and my preparation for a long-distance adventure, I am still a beginner—an inexperienced runner. This journey is relatively new for me. I am not an expert; I make mistakes, have sluggish runs due to inadequate nutrition, don't stretch enough, and occasionally push myself too hard. My growth as a runner is a continuous process.
As soon as I embraced my status as a beginner, something shifted in my mindset. I felt lighter and my run became easier. Embracing this beginner's mindset was liberating; I was free from the pressure of how things "should" be. Since I had never attempted this workout before, I didn’t know what to expect, which meant it was perfectly acceptable if I didn’t execute it flawlessly. My primary goal was simply to complete the task.
Truly creative individuals embody the spirit of perpetual beginners. Creativity thrives on experimentation, exploration, and the playful pursuit of "what ifs." However, this playful nature often diminishes when we become ensnared by the expectations that come with expertise.
The Value of Being a Beginner
There is immense value in adopting a beginner's mindset, and one soil type that exemplifies this concept is the Entisol.
Entisols, classified within the US Soil Taxonomy system, are recognized as the least developed of all soil types. They lack the distinct characteristics that define other soils, primarily because they are young and have not undergone sufficient soil formation processes to develop unique features.
In my experience, when I've asked colleagues and students about their favorite soil types, "Entisols" has never been among the responses. Instead, we gravitate towards more established soils, the "wise" ones with extensive histories in the world of soil formation.
I believe we underestimate the Entisol. We tend to categorize them as "undeveloped" without further thought. But why is that?
Entisols are actually the most widespread soil type, covering approximately 18% of the world's ice-free land and found in a myriad of habitats—from steep rocky slopes to recently formed floodplains and deserts. New Entisols are continually forming.
One of the first soils I became acquainted with was an Entisol, specifically a psamment located near central California's coast. This soil is classified as a psamment due to its sandy texture, derived from the Greek word "psammos," meaning sand. Essentially, it is a sandy mass with minimal evidence of soil profile development.
However, this particular psamment had a unique characteristic: lamellae. Lamellae are thin bands of clay that accumulate in otherwise sandy soils. They form when clay suspended in water moves down the soil profile, and as the water slows or stops, the clay settles into bands. While there are various theories about lamellae formation, I’ll leave that discussion to the pedologists.
Lamellae are fascinating because once noticed, they become unforgettable. They can transform a simple sandy Entisol into a captivating soil that students are eager to photograph. I have been that student, and I still cherish many photos of lamellae. Although I often express my fondness for lamellae, I rarely mention Entisols. Perhaps it's time to change that perspective.
Why do we shy away from the Entisol, just as we often resist embracing our own beginner status? Everyone starts as a novice in some area. We should celebrate this reality. Acquiring new skills necessitates stepping into the role of a beginner, yet many of us hesitate to enter spaces where we must do so. However, it is precisely in these spaces that we grow, learn, and evolve into new versions of ourselves.
Reflecting on My Own Beginnings
Let’s take stock of the areas where I am still a beginner. I am new to:
- Creating artwork
- Writing books
- Birdwatching
- Ultrarunning
- Raising chickens
- Podcasting (or perhaps audio-essay-ing?)
- Being a professor
This list could go on indefinitely. Even in my role as a soil scientist, which has become a core part of my identity, I still find myself in the early stages. In my professional circles, I am considered an early-career scientist, an assistant professor, and an emerging scholar. The more I delve into soil science, the more I realize how much there is yet to learn. This humbling process reinforces the concept that learning keeps us in a perpetual beginner state.
I aspire to embody the qualities of the Entisol: humble, curious, and always eager to learn—a true perpetual beginner. It is equally vital to celebrate the Entisol in others by encouraging them to explore new avenues, learn for the joy of it, and follow their curiosity.
In conclusion, there is profound value in being a beginner. The Entisol has always recognized this, and I am only just beginning to understand its significance.
Dr. Yamina Pressler is a soil scientist and educator based in San Luis Obispo, CA. She co-founded www.fortheloveofsoil.org, a vibrant independent organization dedicated to soil science education, communication, and art. Join the community of soil enthusiasts on Instagram @fortheloveofsoil and learn more about Yamina’s work at www.yaminapressler.com.