The gift of an open mind

I'm finding more and more that I have truly been blessed. It seems that everywhere I turn there are people with contradicting views. The term "open mind" is thrown around quite a bit but I believe that very few actually experience what it is like to truly be of an open mind. Now, I'm not claiming to have enlightenment. Far from it! However, I have potential to reach a true open mind. I find that with many things, most things really I am more open than others. It usually puts me in a strange position because one of the downsides of seeing the "other view" is that it can create argument.

With my family for instance, my parents are republican. Currently they are against free health care for the nation because they see it as something else those on welfare do not deserve, and at their own dollar nonetheless. My parents, like many others of conservative views want the money they earn and don't want to give it to those who are working the system. Can't blame them, at all. We all want to receive that which we deserve. However, are all those in need of health care reform working the system? No. There are some genuine, hard-working people who find themselves in need of help. Is it fair for them to suffer along with the rest or should we extend a hand of help entertaining the fact that they represent a situation that any one of us could find ourselves in?

I don't have the answer and the answer is beside the point. The point is, I can see both sides of the coin. I agree that people should get to keep the money they earn. On the other hand, I believe that as humans we have a responsibility to help others especially when our own needs are met.

This is an example of a conversation I had with my dad recently. Usually when discussing matters of great controversy I will argue the opposing side as a way to expand understanding for the other person and myself alike. If I agreed with everything someone says, there is no challenge to understand humankind better and become better people. True, it causes conflict and sometimes the arguments get heated. The truth of the matter is, I don't really take a side either way. If health care reform is not accepted, so be it. If it is, I will pay along with all other eligible Americans.

The bottom line always leads back to the self. Politics and religion they say are the two most controversial conversations. The reason being...people want to be "right". The only way we can come together to find world peace is if we come together as one and stop thinking selfishly and start thinking how we can make others happy. The reason people don't do this is out of fear. Fear of regret, fear of poverty, fear, fear, fear. It's difficult for people to accept that if they did this for others, they too would find that their needs would be met.

Okay, I'm rambling. Sometimes I feel like what I'm really trying to say is in my head but I just can't seem to state it the way I want to. I'm not living up to my own standards with what I believe in but I'm trying to get there. I really feel that I've tapped into something HUGE. Something greater than we can comprehend. I just have to keep searching for understanding, and start practicing that which I believe to be the solution to all of humankind's problems. Hopefully others will do the same in time.