How to Open Our Minds

Having an open mind is the key to being unstuck, because most of what holds us back exists in our minds. I call it "Changing the Self then changing the system." In order to change both the self and the system, we MUST cultivate our neuroplasticity, the ability of our neurons to form new connections to adapt to a changing world. Speaking of adapting to a changing world, I asked ChatGPT: "How do we open our minds? Here are the steps, my contribution is in bold and purple color.

1. Cultivate Curiosity

• Ask questions about things you don’t understand instead of judging them or approaching them with fear.

• Explore unfamiliar topics, cultures, or experiences. Read from other sources of information instead of getting your information from algorithm-managed social networks and video-based content like YouTube.

• Practice active listening without preparing a rebuttal. Ooof. I know. I am as guilty of this as anyone out there. Perhaps a reward jar, where you give yourself a dollar for every time you listened to someone without injecting your opinions and beliefs.

2. Challenge Your Assumptions

• Reflect on your beliefs and question why you hold them. I, myself, am still unpacking traumatizing culture-based beliefs about family and trust. This will take time and a lot of effort... and even more healing.

• Seek evidence that contradicts your views to test their validity. Always ask yourself the question, "What if I am wrong?"

• Recognize cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, and work to overcome them. I have oftentimes realized how much judgment I have, and it is painful because I fancy myself an open person... and yet...

Open Your Mind

3. Expose Yourself to Diversity

• Engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives. We are so lucky that we live in a global community now.

• Read books, watch documentaries, or attend events that highlight diverse viewpoints. I will be posting a list of documentaries and links to them soon.

• Travel to unfamiliar places or try new activities outside your comfort zone. Or even just drive a different way to work or school, that's a good start!

4. Practice Empathy

• Try to see situations from others’ perspectives.

• Ask yourself how others' experiences may shape their beliefs and actions.

• Avoid making quick judgments; seek understanding instead. In the era of the swipe, we are increasingly categorizing people without the benefit of nuance. Think of how many awesome people you may have written off because of it.

5. Be Comfortable with Uncertainty

• Accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers. In the classroom, I have exercised the muscle of "I don't know" and "That's above my paygrade."

• View uncertainty as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

• Embrace the idea that learning is a lifelong process.

6. Adopt a Growth Mindset

• Believe that intelligence and abilities can be developed with effort. Research has shown that the brain can develop neural connections to make up for any deficiencies.

• View mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Miss Takes is my favorite teacher.

• Stay open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. My husband will tell you that this is still very much a work in progress.

7. Limit Echo Chambers

• Avoid surrounding yourself solely with people or media that confirm your beliefs. Also learn to be comfortable with the fact that people are not going to change their minds when you want them to.

• Follow diverse voices on social media or join groups with differing opinions.

• Engage in respectful debates with others who see the world differently. It is possible to argue your side without resorting to Ad Hominem (or personal) attacks. Those are conversation enders and result in unproductive conversations.

8. Meditate or Practice Mindfulness

• Meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and reduce defensiveness.

• Mindfulness encourages openness to the present moment without judgment.

• With each inhale, visualize your body opening and expanding. With each exhale, restore back to your original self, albeit a little changed.

9. Set an Intention to Be Open-Minded

• Make sure to add this to any New Year's resolutions you may be concocting. Or have one focus per year. 2024 for me was all about living magically. This year, join me in being more open-minded.

• Remind yourself regularly of the value of staying open to new ideas.

• Practice gratitude for experiences that challenge your thinking.

10. Learn Continuously

• Take up new hobbies, enroll in classes, or attend workshops (or retreats, ahem!).

• Stay curious about advancements in science, technology, and philosophy.

• Approach life as a student, always ready to learn.