Last weekend, I attended my older brother's college graduation. Sadly, it was the morning of the heartbreaking massacre in Orlando. The graduation speaker began her speech with a moment of silence, followed by an outstanding disquisition on the impact one can have when keeping an open mind. As I listened with the upmost interest, I couldn't help but wonder if I, myself, have always kept an open mind.
It's a shame, really. The world we are currently living in today. These invisible walls that people have mentally created, sometimes unknowingly. It could be influential factors such as family, friends or social media. We subconsciously create these barricades to form a mental separation between ourselves and the people on the other side. The speaker began her message with a story of her childhood that most of us could relate to. She began with reminiscing to the time she was playing with her siblings and they had heard a rumor about an older woman down the street. From the gossip of the other children, they had formed a conclusion about the older woman without knowing for themselves. When they finally had an encounter with the older woman, they had realized she was not what they had envisioned.
The story told was a perfect example of the importance of keeping an open mind. When consumed by belief, our minds are immediately closed off. We have no drive, curiosity or wonder when our minds are full to the brim of biased opinions and views. I understand it is difficult. Most of us are raised with a set of values and beliefs and habitually surround ourselves with fellow peers who incorporate our similar mindsets. But when we fail to question, we instantly become close-minded. The healthiest minds are the ones who want to learn, see from others' perspectives, and learn why one thinks the way they do.
The benefits of one having an open mind are endless. You become so vulnerable by admitting to the world you do not know everything and that there can be possibilities you haven't considered. You allow yourself to let go of the controlling thoughts your brain has been wired to create for you. Being open-minded gives you a chance to step into someone else's shoes for a change and see the world through eyes other than your own.
I believe, especially with this upcoming election, having an open mind is so important. We must not continue with a narrow-minded view of the world. We must open our ears, open our hearts, and allow people to share their opinions, regardless of their views and values. Gaining knowledge of the same topic from a different perspective can provide you with intel you never thought possible.
Whether we have different views, we mustn't forget to allow ourselves the opportunity to listen. Simply listen without judgment. Try it.
