An Open Mind, A Happy Place

The adage “Do not judge a book by its cover” is profoundly meaningful. Not exploring what lies inside unveils the lack of personal improvement. Adopting an open mind is the door to learning new things we do not know to exist. Undoubtedly, one can always obtain more wisdom beyond the knowing. Whether good or bad, a turn of each page and chapter builds a momentum of experiences one can accrue to adjust, solve, and appreciate the journey. Living is not satisfyingly rewarding when you hide behind the curtain of doubt, uncertainty, and poor judgmental tendencies.

I learned so much from reading what Leonardo da Vinci did during his life. It is mind-boggling to realize his stature: inventor, engineer, scientist, painter, sculptor, architect, mathematician, philosopher, anatomist, writer. He was not only a genius but also very humanistic, acutely observant, and downright playful in how he views things. Interestingly, his brilliance was not gifted but self-taught, which willed his road to his genius. Although we can never match his talents, we can learn and be inspired to be more like him. His life offers a wealth of lessons. I believe he is the greatest of all greats because of what he exemplifies: a human being who always thirsts to be better every day. Be relentlessly curious like da Vinci was. Nurturing the desire to know everything around us is valuable in pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone.

Amassing more knowledge is the key to open-mindedness. Like Velcro, one tends to stick to a singular mindset and is hesitant to absorb new frontiers. Allow yourself to experience firsthand before making preconceived notions based on looks alone. Take food, for example. Every country offers its unique blend of culinary wonders. It is safe to lock in our finicky tastes, but great excitement lies when we are open to adding more to the library. Intellectual and emotional growth awaits our senses when we go down the ‘rabbit holes’ of ethnic diversity, cultural differences, and culinary exposure. If we want to reflect more like Leonardo, be receptive to improving our minds based on new experiences in all walks of life.

Avoid dwelling in a silo. The choice not to step outside our inner walls can feed boredom and a lack of imagination. Perhaps through upbringing, one is ingrained with certain biases and ways that carry a refusal to change, but I believe this capsule stunts the growth to be the best version of ourselves. It is thrilling to see what lies around the bend and capture the occurrence unconditionally. The continuum to expand on the varieties of wholesome living is critically productive. Let your reach exceed your grasp. Life in a cocoon is akin to being a rainbow in the dark. I like to be the kid in a candy store who was very reluctant to try out new flavors but ended up loving them in what was aversive in his mind.

Refrain from pre-judging something we have never experienced before, and despite the want to do so, give it a chance to enter your heart. You never know until you try when a life-changing moment in mind, body, and spirit may happen. Be open to the mysteries of life. Not everything needs sharp boundaries. Things may appear off-center from what you routinely face, but stay open to appreciate the differences and shy away from expressing negative feelings.

When you think you know everything, there is always an individual(s) who knows more. Stay humble, be flexible to adjust, be not single-minded, and thirst to learn. Furthermore, it is a team sport when your thoughts collaborate with others. To garner them in isolation will not further broaden our horizons. Finally, make lists including odd things you have always wanted to try or do. It keeps our minds open and inquisitively fresh, like da Vinci.