(A New Thought Entry) Opening Up, Living Fully

“Growth is the only evidence of life.” Cardinal Newman

What is closure? Closure means living in a state where new ideas are ignored, criticized, or otherwise pushed away. Doors of the mind remained closed. The prime response is defending existing beliefs, values, mental models, ideas, etc. without question. You are always right; everyone else is wrong. It can be a very comfortable state. Closed people seek others of like mind to help reinforce their stodgy relationship to the world. Closure supports the status quo. But it can also be a state of embattlement, especially if you are seeking to open more doors.

To be open means:

• Living with a sense of curiosity; every moment is an opportunity to learn; existing ideas and models are temporary and flexible
• Seeing things both as they are and also how they can be; the world is seen as alive, dynamic, full of promise
• You are interested. . .and interesting.
• Seeking new experiences and conversation, knowing that even the dust of the earth has something to say

Habit is good. . .to a point. You need it. But in order to move beyond set boundaries, you must consciously choose to open your mind, heart, and life to new possibilities. You’ll trip now and then, stumble, even fall. But that’s OK. Mistakes are part of the opening process.

“The person who doesn’t make mistakes is unlikely to make anything.” Paul Arden