The world we live in today is faced with many problems.  Despite advancements in science and technology, other areas of humanity’s evolution are lagging.  Prejudice, racism, and discrimination still exist.  There is bullying, shootings, and unequal treatment. There is still war, political polarization, and religious conflict. These are complex problems with no simple solutions.  However, each individual can play a part and take a step in contributing to positive change. 

I believe that one way for us to move towards a more unified world is to develop open-mindedness. Webster Dictionary defines openminded as “willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.”  This way of being leads to a more tolerant disposition which then brings peace, not just for the individual but also to whole society.  

Being openminded allows one to enter any situation with courage. Because fear is put on the side, the focus is no longer on the damage or loss that might occur, but on learning and gained experience.  People who are open-minded can often be heard saying, “why not,” instead of “what if something bad happens.”  They take chances and risks. 

Open-mindedness is a quality that is prevalently found in progressive groups where possibilities are explored, outside the box thinking is encouraged and curiosity, developed.  When the culture provides the freedom to experiment, the desire to be more inquisitive grows.  As a result, innovation naturally occurs.  Following this approach can only mean progress.  Even though ideas don’t initially succeed, there is continuous experimentation until something is made to work. Open-mindedness results in flexibility instead of rigidity. 

Most importantly, being openminded leads to a more compassionate way of life.  Empathy increases and the tendency to judge decreases. Respect is cultivated regardless of differing viewpoints. Relationships improve because people are provided the space to be themselves. 

There are many ways to develop open-mindedness and here is a short list.

• Traveling and exploring different places. By traveling, we are exposed to different places and cultures.  When we travel, we are in a state of discovery.  We familiarize ourselves with a certain place in which all our senses are engaged.  Hence, we can develop a deep appreciation of different religions, belief systems, cuisines, lifestyles, art, music, etc. Our experience of life is enhanced and becomes richer. Through the contrasts we find in our explorations, the picture we create of the world is clearer.  If traveling abroad is not feasible, exploring different parts of the country or city we live in can also make a difference.  The idea is to put ourselves in a state of wonder and adventure.  
• Reading a wide variety of subjects.  By learning how things work and relate to each other, we become more secure in navigating different situations.  For example, reading about history gives us knowledge about why certain rituals and traditions occur.  We learn about the trauma and different struggles that people had gone through.  We learn of their triumphs and victories and how they overcame hardships that contributed to their resilience.   

• Spending time with different types of people and learning about how they live. The more we learn about different groups, the more we can develop empathy.  By spending time with a diverse group of people, we can relate with others better.  We learn of their language, values, mannerisms, the way they express themselves, etc. As such, things that may have puzzled us in the past can start to make sense. People act and respond to situations based on what they know.  Like you and I, they are fulfilling a need. May that be the need for survival, for meaning, for acceptance, people do things for a reason.

• Asking more questions. By asking more questions, we gain more knowledge.  Instead of assuming or going with what others are thinking, we arrive to conclusions based on our own inquiry. We become truly educated on issues we care about instead of blindly following what the majority believes in. We live like scientists of our own lives.

• Listening to understand. When we try to understand, our attention is focused on others, not ourselves and how we appear.  We are not trying to impress. By listening, we show that we care.  As a result, we develop a better understanding of others and their situations. We gain a better perspective of their pain, challenges, dreams, and motivations which will then help us relate more effectively.

• Considering every person as a teacher. To see others as our teachers takes a certain level of humility. To think, “I don’t know everything and I don’t have all the answers, so I will let you teach me,” is a sign of open-mindedness. Even a child can be a teacher if our mind is open to see the lessons being taught. 

• Remembering our interconnectedness with others. Instead of fearing others or seeing them as our adversary or competition, we can remember how connected we are with everyone else. Everyone depends on someone else.  No one can live alone.  We did not come to this world on our own. We were raised by our caretakers.  We use products that were made by others. We live in houses and visit establishments that were built by others.  We were taught knowledge and skills that allow us to survive in this world. 

• Welcoming feedback and constructive criticism. When we are open to criticism, we allow ourselves to improve.  We are not busy trying to protect our image, but welcome information to help us be better. We know that we could be wrong.  As such, we are not opposed to constructive criticism.  People can approach us openly because they know that we don’t see their feedback as an attack, but as a tool for improvement. 

• Meditating on the size and magnitude of the universe.  If we consider all the knowledge and all that can be learned about the universe, what we know had suddenly become so miniscule and almost non-existent.  Feeling like a speck in the universe is a humbling notion that can help us set aside prejudices and biases.  

Being-openminded is a trait that can be developed.  It is a choice that we can make in our everyday lives.  When we are open-minded, we no longer fight reality.  Instead, we become life-long learners. The more we learn about people and the world around us, the more we can accept others.  We become well rounded and part of the solution.  We become examples and inspiration for others to generate ideas in making this world a better place to live in not just now, but for generations to come.