Open Mind … Open Heart

“Until the mind is open, the heart stays closed. The open mind is the key to the open heart.” – Byron Katie

This week, we’re talking about open-mindedness, and how we can grow and improve as people by simply being willing to consider information that challenges our existing thought processes. When we open our minds to the fact that there are beliefs and viewpoints that are different from ours, we may also discover that those beliefs and viewpoints could be an improvement over the ones we currently hold. When that happens, we grow.

But that’s not the only benefit of having an open mind. As the above quote states, an open mind is also the key to an open heart. I don't think you can have one without the other. Having an open heart is all about being loving and kind to others as well as being true to yourself, your values, and your beliefs. An open heart allows others IN, and that includes views that might be different from yours. Who knows what you might learn if you step outside your comfortable box and consider new ideas with an open mind … and an open heart.

So, as we work on setting intentions this month, creating a PRACTICE of open-mindedness is a great place to start. Check out this article from Verywell Mind on how to be more open-minded.

Open-minded people generally:

• Are curious to hear the opinions of others

• Tolerate having their ideas challenged

• Don’t get angry when they are found to be wrong

• Show empathy for others

• Are humble about personal knowledge and areas of expertise

• Want to hear what other people think and say, and

• Believe others have a right to share thoughts and beliefs

By making it a habit to ask questions, dig deeper, be a lifelong learner, read books, and look for new opportunities, you are developing an open mindset that can be a key part of your growth mindset. It also involves mindfulness, including pausing and noticing when our thoughts, beliefs, and understanding may be different from someone else’s. It requires our best active listening and making a real effort to understand something new.

This open mindset of curiosity makes space for all kinds of possibilities for growth and for improving our interactions with others. Be sure that an open mindset has a leading role in YOUR growth mindset.