During my teacher training, I remember observing a Year 5 lesson on enlightenment in Buddhism. Sat on a small chair at the back of the classroom, I heard a student say something that would eventually give me a lot to think about:
“I’m changing religion! I wanna be a Buddhist and reach enlightenment!”
Now, there’s obviously a lot to question here about the child’s genuine understanding of what he had said; whether he knew a) the significance of transitioning from one religion to another, or b) the foundational beliefs of the religions in question. It is more likely that this child was enthralled by the concept of inner peace or attaining this abstract, mystical state in which one is wiser, freer, and more compassionate.
But what struck me was how quickly he was willing to make a change, embark on a U-turn, change gears… because of something he had just learned.
Children are like sponges. It is probably a biological need; their ability to absorb and trust the information we feed them is what ultimately enables them to grow in knowledge and navigate life more effectively. Seeing it play out so clearly still leaves me in awe of how teachable they are and how much that contributes to their growth.
Which brings me to us. Adults. We just aren’t naturally as teachable, are we?
In marriage, each spouse comes with the ways of their childhood home. I distinctly remember my husband doing the laundry one day. Not only did he prefer different products, but he also liked to turn his clothes inside out before putting them in the wash. We had both learned from our mothers, and years of doing laundry the same way had been formed as the right way in each of our minds. Changing gears would have been uncomfortable for both of us. With time and compromise, we have settled on a way that works for us, but the process wasn’t necessarily as easy as it could have been if we’d each been a little more open-minded.
The truth is that most of us are set in our ways. But this can become a barrier to learning, and the moment we stop learning is often the moment we stop growing. Some of us are still so young. How can our minds already be closed to new information, concepts, and ideas at 28? That’s definitely what I’m asking myself as I write this (I, too, am deeply convicted!).
At the risk of sounding preachy, I really like the way these scriptures put it:
Now, this is what the LORD of Armies says: Carefully consider your ways! [6] You planted a lot, but you harvested little. You eat, but you’re never full. You drink, but you’re still thirsty. You wear clothing, but you never have enough to keep you warm. You spend money as fast as you earn it.
Haggai 1:5-6
We should consider our ways. Having a system, a structure, or a preferred way of doing things doesn’t mean a better way isn’t out there. But you’ll never see, hear, or acknowledge this better way if your mind is closed to it because you’re being Knower Of All Things.
It’s not even about taking on board and implementing every wave of change that comes our way. That wouldn’t necessarily be wise. This isn’t about doing away with judgment altogether, but rather opening up a little more. Leave room to consider and entertain that there may be a better way of doing the same thing. It may be worth:
- Picking up that new hobby
- Reading that book that you know will challenge you
- Listening to that podcast
- Going back to that post or note and really reading it
The lesson may arrive in an unexpected package. The key is to remain open to it.
It may just change your life.
This series combines my own experiences and realizations with observations about children noted in the book ‘Those Who Are Proud’ by Dag Heward-Mills.
This was written by our contributing writer, Claudia Briney.
Image Source: Pexels, Vlada Karpovich
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