As most people know, freedom comes from having choices.  However, that’s only true if all of our choices are viable.  In other words, having five solutions to a problem has no practical meaning if we don’t like or can’t effectively manifest four of the solutions. Therefore, the choices we should develop, study or practice, are those that we like the least.

We may be tempted to dismiss new concepts and skills with the ubiquitous statement, “it’s just my way.”  It's easy to become vested in our way of doing things for a variety of reasons.  It may be all we have ever known.  It may feel like the most natural way because it came to us easily, or conversely, we may have worked very hard to gain this knowledge and skill and don’t want to waste our efforts by throwing it away.  Ultimately, we have belief in our method because it has worked for us in the past.  Unfortunately, this still leaves us with only one choice.

Learning requires a willingness to put aside what we know long enough to open our minds to new concepts.  This is easier to attain if we think of putting our favorite on a shelf rather than throwing it out with the trash.  Knowing that our preferred choice is easily accessible allows us to engage in the messy process of learning.  This is especially reassuring during the time when you lack the skill to utilize the new option you are learning.

Three Axioms to a Beginners Mind:
 
Choice is freedom.
Park your favorite on a shelf.
Practice the weakest the most and the strongest the least.

It's liberating to have no preference in regards to feedback. No expectation or wishes before... No interfering thoughts during... And a genuine appreciation for the gift after... the receiving.

Requesting critique requires not only courage, but a lack of preference.  If your motivation is to acquire confirmation for what you already believe to be true, then the act of receiving critique will likely cause anxiety. 

     As you wait for the results, you will hope for the desired comments and dread the feared comments. 
     As you receive the feedback, your mind will be scrambled with happy thoughts or counter arguments. 
     As you look back, you will feel false confidence from something not really gained, or you will feel confused, agitated and fearful of future results.

However, if your motivation is to gain an honest view of the perspective of others, then the act of receiving critique will be like a pleasant gift, devoid of anxiety.

     Your mind is not engaged in waiting for the results because there is no emotion attached to the results.
     Your mind is open and attentive as you receive the feedback because there is nothing vying for its attention.
     Your mind is stimulated with the new information and your heart is neither overly elated nor saddened by the result.

Requesting critique when you are emotionally invested in the results is hazardous to the mind and heart.

Requesting critique when you are devoid of preference will be a gratifying experience regardless of the results.