Open-Mindedness
“the quality of being willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different from our own”
The operative phrase in this definition is “being willing to consider”. To be open-minded requires only two components: 1) to be willing and 2) to consider…we don’t have to agree or change our minds…we just need to take into consideration something new or different. What we do after that is our free will to choose.
A more light-weight take on this, for example purposes, is food-related. Early in life I came to the conclusion that I hated peas. Over the years people would try to change my mind about them. “You haven’t tried the way I make peas.” Or “Have you tried them fresh from the garden?” Or “Maybe you feel differently about them now that you’re an adult.” So one day, with an open-mind, I allowed myself to re-consider my take on peas and tried them again. Lo and behold…I still detest peas…it’s something about their mushy texture.
However when it came to meatloaf, which I loathed as a child, I now LOVE it! Especially the way my husband makes it. And actually he calls it “fowl-loaf” since he was open, one day, to making it with ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Today’s MotD encourages us to consider new- and different-to-us things, ideas, and opinions. At the very least it gives us a broader perspective as well as giving us insights that otherwise would have kept us from being compassionate and/or understanding. Who knows, maybe that new idea will be the one thing that gives us a golden opportunity of a lifetime … or puts us on a new trajectory not available to us before. It could happen…if we’re willing to consider it.
How about you? Is open-mindedness a core value for you?
BTW…here’s what it looked like to begin with …
joyfully,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
encouraging and inspiring curiosity, creativity, and play through the art of mandalas
About the 2024 Mandalas of the Day
Each day I will create and post a mandala inspired by one of 366 “value” words chosen randomly. The objective being to discover for myself which ones would best represent my core values…and by doing so, I hope it inspires you to determine your own.
Mandala of the Day 