I’m Not Going to Change Your Mind

Posted on by stilllearning2b

So often we approach a conversation with the intention of trying to change somebody’s mind. We prepare to argue, to fight. To prove that we are right and, by extension, they are wrong.

What if instead, we approached with the intention of opening somebody’s mind? Of offering a different perspective. Adding to the dialog instead of trying to dominate the conversation.

And what if we had that same intention for ourselves? A shift from defending our views to expanding our minds. When listening becomes an act of curious investigation instead of gathering of evidence.

I don’t want to change your mind. I want to open it. And I want you to open mine in turn.

Asphalt

Posted on by stilllearning2b
curious

“Mommy, what’s asshole?”

Or at least that’s what my mom’s friend thought she heard her three-year-old ask. Believing that age-appropropriate honesty is the best policy, she replied with a brief description of the literal meaning followed by  the fact that it’s used in a derogatory way. “You shouldn’t call people that,” she finished up, feeling satisfied with her response.

“Oh,” her son replied, looking puzzled. “Johnny said it was the stuff they put on the road.”

 

We hear what we expect to hear.

We see what we expect to see.

 

We reach conclusions before the end and we compose responses before we listen.

 

But you can change your approach. As with anything, practice makes better.

 

So, today, practice being curious.

See with your eyes rather than your assumptions.

Listen with your ears rather than your judgements.

Practice being comfortable with unfinished stories and responses unsaid.

 

Be inquisitive.

Be attentive.

Be receptive.

And be ready to be surprised.

Things are often not as we perceive them to be.

eyes

 

 

A Beginner’s Mind

Posted on by stilllearning2b

In order to learn, we have to first be willing to learn. Be open and willing to new knowledge. A known lesson is food for the ego at the expense of the soul. Open your mind and approach each lesson with curiosity rather than assumptions. In this MindBodyGreen post, I share my experiences as a nascent yogi, approaching the mat with a beginner’s mind.