Spirituality Simplified: Open Mindedness

Posted on March 4, 2008 
Filed Under Effective Thinking, General, Spirituality Simplified, What I'm Reading

“In order to move beyond the world we’ve always known and
explore the myriad possibilities that are always available, it’s absolutely
critical that we learn to approach new information with an open
mind. While this certainly isn’t a revolutionary new insight, the
plain and simple fact is that most people have a difficult time when
it comes to being genuinely open-minded.

The underlying reason it is often challenging to accept new concepts
is that an individual’s belief system effectively serves as the foundation
for how he or she processes the world. Core beliefs are usually developed
early in life, and, as such, are typically deeply rooted within the
person’s consciousness. When an individual encounters new information
that challenges a belief that is near and dear to him or her, the
initial reaction is often one of defensiveness. Moreover, if one is emotionally
attached to the particular belief, then the reaction will be even
more intense. We can usually see this manifested most clearly when
beliefs about religion or spirituality are questioned in any way.

According to F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The test of a first-rate intelligence
is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time,
and still retain the ability to function.” 3 This observation is directly
related to the process of developing open-mindedness, for as we take
in new information, our existing beliefs and judgments naturally
remain rooted in our minds. We need to be willing to at least consider
new information that doesn’t fit our established beliefs, without
immediately judging it to be incorrect, or simply tuning it out.

Contrary to popular opinion – on the path of spiritual growth –
being open-minded does not mean being gullible. It represents being
truly accepting of the fact that in the realm of spirituality ‘anything is
possible’. For example, if someone were to tell you that they woke in
the middle of the night and actually saw an apparition of a dead relative,
what would your initial reaction be? My guess is, that for most
people, it would be one of skepticism. Yet, can you without a shadow
of a doubt, prove that this individual did not actually see the
deceased person they describe to you? The answer is no, of course
you can’t, and in turn, neither can they prove to you that they actually
did see that person.”

From “Spirituality Simplified,” by Jeff Maziarek

For more information, or to purchase Spirituality Simplified, go to:  http://www.spiritsimple.com/purchase.html

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