Burns Like Liberty

When I was young, it was my perception that if my mind was open to everything I would be subject to anything.  With experiences all my own now, I realize that this is never true.  It is my belief beyond any doubt that the only way not to be subject to anything is to be open to everything.  It is only in this that our minds can create vital questions about who we are, what we believe, and where we are going.

Any thought that has not been exposed to the complete vastness of the world is certainly frail, weak, dependent upon your protection, and therefore not worth having.  Ideas, thoughts, and beliefs are what truly lives within us.  With out them, we are dead, both inside and out.  It is imperative for these ideas, thoughts, and beliefs to be able to stand all by themselves.  They need to be tested, tried, and examined, otherwise any effort will tear them to shreds.  Something as important as a life, which you will remember is wrapped up in our ideas, thoughts, and beliefs, can not be trusted to the strength that lies within our own minds.  Alone, the human mind is weak, feeble.  The strength of the mind, of the soul, is found in a life that is open to everything.  Willing to experience everything, question everything and then hold on to the good and discard that which would merely clutter, and restrict the growth of true ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.

Is all of this to say that we should believe everything we are told by others?  Certainly not!  This defeats the entire purpose.  Nor are we to hold onto only what we desire to believe.  Keeping an open mind allows a clash.  From this battle there can only be one victor.  The result is often not pretty, but in time it will take shape and gain definition.  It is not easy to welcome a battle in our lives.  We are taught to avoid fights and confrontation.  We are told that to challenge is too aggressive, and the last thing you want to be is the aggressor in a fight.  I take this opportunity to say that we are in a battle right here and right now!  Our very existence is a revolution, you are in the midst of it.  Take up you arms and go boldly into the fray.  “This is a revolution, damnit!  We’re going to have to offend somebody!” (John Adams from the musical 1776).  This is an inner battle I refer to, not some pointless war where innocent blood is spilt.  Do not focus on proving others wrong, this fight is a fight to prove yourself right only to yourself.  This battle is not fought between human beings, but between concepts, dogmas, and knowledge.

An open mind does not reject until it has weighed, it will not force a life onto the one who possesses it or on those around it.  An open mind is completely aware of what it believes, though new information may become available an open mind is always founded on reason, assurance, and confidence.  Finally, an open mind does not accept because everyone else does. . .nor does it accept because no one else does.  Life is your own.  If, after everything has been weighed, it is in sync with those around you rejoice for your companionship, and if it is different than anyone in the world dance because you are about to start something new.  If you lack any of this, then your ideas, thoughts, and beliefs are weak and you are barely alive.  It is time for everyone to reevaluate where their lives stand, what they have and what they lack.  The only road to this point is an open mind.  After that we must focus on our beliefs, our unselfish, and strong beliefs, ideas, thoughts. . .Life.