Being open to others surrounding is essential to growth. If an individual completely blocks out other ideas, perspectives, and information they are only hindering their own personal ability to expand. To be open to new things is not to adopt or accept all those as your own. It only means that the person is able to understand and put themselves in the position outside of their own views. Wheatley states that there must be a “willingness to be disturbed” as individuals converse due to the openness created by the communicator that enables them to fully absorb the information given by the other person; meaning really listening. As each individual, in their personality, is unlike any other person there are some differences that will be uncovered between the communicators. One of my experiences that I have had recently was a conversation that I had with my brother. He attends church regularly and is an active participant in his religious community. This is different from when we were young because although we considered ourselves raised Catholic we stopped attending church at a young age. Now that I am older and can choose for myself what branch of faith to pursue, I have not done so. My brother feels that my curiosity and my rousing of questions means that I am ready to commit myself to an organization or begin doing y own research to build my faith. I recently took a philosophy of religion class to help me understand why faith is so important, its purpose in a person’s life and if faith is something created for individuals who seek it then what is the difference for those who do not seek. I want to know why I need religion before I begin to take action in thewhat I choose to pursue. I feel as though if I do not understand the purpose or the significance of an aspect in my life, I will not commit to the action. Our conversation began with a light treading on the subject as I mentioned things that I had learned in class. Soon the conversation went on a rollercoaster that although we were not raising our voices to one another, there was tension building because of the apparent differences between views. As we allowed time for the other person to talk while the other listened, I was able to understand that my brother had found something that truly allowed him to practice his faith and be happy. Now knowing that his beliefs have served him well in his life is the part in which he hopes to share with me because he cares and loves me. In turn he learned that my thoughts are not just to avoid commitment but that I am processing information that I need to know to build on my purpose at a pace that is right for me. At the end of our conversation we were able to respect one another’s perspectives and choices in this area while still maintaining our own separate, different views. In the process we not only learned how others may think in these two different positions but as well how we both have grown and the immense love and care among siblings that we hold of each other.
My comment has more to do with the conversation you had with your brother about religion rather than the main focus of your post which is tolerance and open-mindedness. Well, actually.. it's both.
ReplyDeleteI too was raised in a mainly Catholic household, however my immediate family (which consists of my mother and younger sister) never identified with the religion. It was solely a term that chose us, we were accustomed to this religion. My mother had my sibling and I out of wedlock and left my father for reasons which I believe any conscious mother would. We were raised in a very critical part of town and the things my mother did were frowned upon by so many followers.
When I was old enough to understand that what I "believed in" was tacked onto me and it was not what I wanted I too began to consider my options and learn more about life, faith, everything. It is important to be informed and if you have conflictive feelings in regards to religious beliefs, it shouldn't be taboo to want to know more. Sure, the illusion of a God and organized religion may be appealing and helpful to some, but it is not the path for everyone. As for me, I haven't come to a definite conclusion in regards to my beliefs. All I know is that I'm humbled by this vast world and its creation, I want to surround myself with "good" and reciprocate. I have faith in myself and my subconscious. That is enough for me to live a plentiful life.