We know what we know, we're not interested because we know what we know, so why would we keep an open mind?

Why an open mind is important?

Having an open mind is important because it allows us to understand what's going on in our reality, so that we can make sense of the world. It opens our mind to what other people have to say, whether we choose to accept what they say or not.

An open mind and being independent

For me, having an open mind is part of being independent, being able to make my own choices. Being independent gives me freedom of choice, freedom to choose my beliefs and freedom to choose how I incorporate those beliefs into my realities.

Having an open mind helps me embrace new beliefs, so that I can learn and change my perceptions on how I view and deal with what's going on in my life.

When we make sense of the world, we’re more likely to want to take the appropriate action to live more fulfilling lives and we're willing to at least think about other people’s beliefs, even if we don’t agree.

Our beliefs and the 'truth'

To have an open mind, we must first make a distinction between our beliefs and the truth. Once we have made the distinction, we’re more likely to keep an open mind, even if our beliefs differ from other people’s.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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4 comments on “An open mind”

  1. I would like to think that I have an open mind and that's the case for the most part. There have been times when I just won't listen to things that I have already made my mind up about.

    We should have an open mind. We tend to learn more if we do and be positive at the same time.

    1. Thanks for being honest Lisa. I think many of us may fall into the same camp where we don't listen because we've made our minds up, but I also believe it's important for our spiritual growth.

  2. Having an open mind is imperative I think in today's world.

    There are so many different beliefs on topics such as religion etc that we have to take into consideration in order to interact with others. I too sometimes make my mind up about things, but can look at others point of view and sometimes give merit to others opinions.

    I guess that is what having an open mind is all about, choices and seeing others' point of view.

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