Growth only happens when we are open to Receiving. Let Curiosity lead you, not Fear.
Children Learn by Grabbing Everything. Adults are no different but Society has taught us that it is harder for Older People to Learn. That is only if we are clouding our Minds with Chemicals and Thoughts.
When We Use our Free Will to Learn, there is Nothing that Can stop us, becasue Opening our Mind Means to Take in Information.
Knowledge is Power.
To Come into Your Power means to Gain Knowledge.
A Closed Mind is a Locked Door. An Open Mind is a Pathway to Healing, Understanding, and Expansion. When We Open Our Minds, We Create Space for New Knowledge, Diverse Perspectives and Spiritual Growth. In Native American Teachings, Wisdom is not Forced- it is Received by the One Who is Willing to Listen Without Judgment.
An Open Mind Requires Courage -the Courage to Admit You May Not Know Everything and the Strength to Listen to Others Without the Urge to Correct or Defend. It is a Sign of Humility, which is a Sacred Virtue in Many Native Traditions. In the Circle, Every Voice Holds Value. Even Those Who Think Differently Have Something to Teach us.
When You Open Your Mind, You Invite the Great Spirit to Show You What You Could Not Yet See. You Allow Healing to Enter Where Rigidity Once Blocked the Flow. You Grow in Compassion, Wisdom, and Unity.
“I Am Open to New Teachings, Guided by the Wisdom of the Ancestors and the Great Spirit.”
In Many Native American Traditions, the Talking Circle is Used to Teach the Importance of Listening. When the Talking Stick is in Another's Hands, We Quiet Our Inner Voice and Open Our Minds to Their Truth.
Sit Near a River, Lake, or Ocean. As You Watch the Water Flow Freely, Reflect on How Your Thoughts Could Flow More Freely Too. Place Your Hands in the Water and Say, “I Surrender My Judgment, I Welcome Understanding.”
“Creator, Help Me Open My Heart and Mind. Let Me See with Eyes of Compassion, Listen with the Ears of Wisdom, and Walk the Path of Truth Without Fear. Remove My Pride and Replace It with Curiosity. Aho.”
Each Day, Choose One Person Whose Belief or Experience is Different Than Yours. Take 10 Minutes to Read, Listen, or Watch Something That Teaches You About Their Worldview.
“Tȟokáhe,” meaning First or Beginning — An Open Mind is Always at the Beginning of Wisdom.
When Have I Shut My Mind to a Teaching or a Person Because I Felt Uncomfortable or Afraid? What Would It Have Looked Like to Stay Open?
Today, Walk Slowly in Nature and Pause Often. Notice How the Plants, Animals and Winds Offer Silent Teachings. Ask Yourself, “What Would I Learn If I Stopped Trying to Be Right?”
How do you know if you have an Open Mind?
You listen fully before responding.
You can hold space for opinions that challenge your beliefs.
You do not get easily offended or defensive.
You say things like, “I never thought of it that way” or “Tell me more.”
You are willing to learn, unlearn, and re-learn.
You ask questions instead of shutting down conversation.
You feel curious, not fearful, when something is unfamiliar.
Every night, ask yourself:
Did I judge someone today before understanding them?
Did I learn something new today- even if I did not agree with it?
Did I allow someone to fully Finish speaking before responding?
Did I change my perspective or at least become more open to a new one?
If you can say “yes” to 2 or more, your mind is likely staying open.
If not, that is okay, just becoming aware is Progress!
Practice: Each morning, write down one belief or habit you are willing to challenge. Reflect: What if the opposite is true?