Being open minded is not being lazy. It’s not weak. It’s not compromising your convictions. Emotional and social intelligence happens when one isn’t presumed synonymous with the other. There is a significant difference between being open minded and being a lazy thinker. Or being weak-minded. Or compromising convictions. Unfortunately, I think open mindedness is very misunderstood…
Being open minded sounds like this:
“You know somethings that I don’t. What have you learned?”
“Please share your story. I’d like to hear it.”
“What matters to you? I’d love to hear why.”
“I’m sorry, I was wrong.”
“I don’t know. Do you?”
“Please show me. I’d like to see how you do it.”
“I’m curious.”
“Please help me understand.”
“I want to hear how your experiences have helped shape your perspectives.”
Here’s the deal. It’s really easy to ask these questions if you’re going to pretend to hear the answers. It becomes harder to ask these questions when your intention is to hear the answers. Because what they are might challenge you. And to be challenged, you must choose vulnerability. And therein lies the crux – you might just have to admit that you have a lot to learn. And you might just have to decide that your mind is capable of change.
A quote to consider:
“An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it.” Mark Twain
THIS Waiting :: June 9, 2018
I have so many mixed feeling about this upcoming surgery. Relief. Fear. Excitement. Cynicism. Awe. Vanity. Gratitude. Impatience. Peace. It is REALLY hard practicing presence and choosing to be where my feet are. I so badly want to fast forward….But I’d miss what is meant in this waiting.
Lord, I pray you walk with me moment by moment. I pray you remind me gently to embrace the moment and not get distracted by the what’s coming. I pray you show me what is meant for me in this waiting.
Cancer is Mean :: June 9, 2019
I just hit a wall. Camping took every ounce of energy…my healing body did not love the air mattresses, the camping chairs, the heat… but my soul loved every second. Too tired to write any more.
And it’s official that it would appear as if my last surgery didn’t even happen. I suppose we’ll see what my surgeon says next week when I’m there for another follow up, but I may be at a fork in the road – choose more surgery or give up. What am I holding so tightly to? Ugh.
Cancer is mean.
No post for 6/9/20