As the patriotic days of a Summer like no other continue, our thoughts naturally settle into the concept of freedom — a value deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s a time when we reflect on the strides we’ve made in shaping our destinies, but let’s not forget the freedom that often eludes us, hidden behind closed minds.
Consider this: In a few months as we celebrate the achievements of the labor movement, let’s also ponder a different kind of liberation — freedom of thought. We often discuss freedom, yet fail to realize that it requires an open mind to truly exist.
Every choice we make, every step we take, is often influenced by past experiences that have left their indelible mark. Many times, our tribe, our upbringing, religion, personal beliefs, box us in.
And that begs the question: Can we genuinely experience freedom if we allow our own biases to make decisions for us?
Real freedom transcends our self-imposed limitations. It’s about embracing every moment with fresh eyes, confronting challenges that test our core beliefs, and exploring the unfamiliar. To think beyond our tribe, and not feel like each decision is a foregone conclusion based on where we worship, the color of our state, or our political affiliation.
True freedom is the willingness to set aside past notions and view the world through a different lens. One that embraces each moment as something new, not something preconceived.
Stand Free
Unlocking this form of liberation starts with open-mindedness. It’s about acknowledging that we may not always be right, daring to see the world through another lens.
By being brave enough to challenge our convictions, we open doors to empathy, understanding, and shared freedom.
Navigating this journey isn’t a simple task — setting aside the vast collection of experiences that make up our character might feel challenging. It’s possible to believe we’ve reached a state of complete understanding, our minds steadfast in their convictions. Yet, keep in mind that we’re perpetually in flux. We aren’t static beings; instead, we’re dynamic and continuously evolving. New experiences and unexplored horizons are forever unfolding. Our growth lies in adapting alongside these changes rather than resenting the forward path of the world around us.
An effective technique to embrace this transformation is the “Pillow Method” hailing from Japan. Allow me to walk you through its approach.
- First, take the position of “I’m right and you’re wrong” (that’s easy, right?).
- Next, take the position that “you’re right and I’m wrong.”
- Follow with “we’re both right,” and then, “we’re both wrong.”
This exercise in empathy and open-mindedness naturally allows us to look at other people’s opinions, and validate their position, even if we disagree. It also helps us look at holes in our thought process, to discover that two truths can exist at once. And our perspective is simply one of many.
Quite often, the idea of something is quite different than actually experiencing it. Understanding that, accepting that, is a true forward path to mental freedom.
Conversely, closed minds, as history has shown us, are like barriers that stunt progress and perpetuate divisions. They breed misunderstanding, block empathy, and restrict personal growth. In an interconnected world, where we don’t always agree, the impact of closed minds ripples far and wide — strained relationships, bitterness, and fractured communities.
Open Minds Open Equality
Reflect on the broader impact of closed minds. Consider the ongoing struggle for equality, encompassing trans rights, gay marriage, women’s rights, banned books. These battles often arise from closed-minded beliefs tied to tradition and religion. The outcome? Laws that curtail freedoms and perpetuate a sense of inequality.
In a society that values freedom and limited government intervention, it’s crucial to ponder the consistency of our stance. Are we demanding freedom for ourselves while inadvertently infringing upon the freedoms of others whose choices we may not agree with?
So, this Labor Day, as we honor the strides made in labor rights, let’s also build momentum for a different kind of progress. Let’s pledge to embrace the power of an open mind, not just for ourselves, but for the collective freedom of all.
Only then, can we all be truly free.
