The following cards (#13-30) are additional spiritual principles and practices that can be essential in recovery.
Open bloom of a ‘Cup and Saucer’ vine
Open-mindedness involves being receptive to new ideas, including those that conflict with our current beliefs. Imagine life as a giant, faceted gemstone that sits in the middle of a large circle. Humanity stands on the edge of the circle thinking that the perspective they can from is reality. But what about the view others have from the opposite side? Their side may look completely different from the perspective we can see from, but that doesn’t mean theirs is wrong or terrible. It’s just different. A viewpoint is simply a view from a certain point on the rim of that circle. Having an open mind doesn’t mean we have to give up what we believe. Instead, we realize we aren’t all-knowing and at times can be wrong. There may even be more than one explanation. Though we might feel vulnerable when our ideas are challenged, having an attitude of openness has immense benefits. It allows us to be more adaptable and less stressed during times of change. We are able to think logically and look at evidence rather than base our belief solely on how we feel about something. Because we can see different sides of a situation, it becomes easier to find a solution that best fits a particular need. Our information stays up-to-date and life is always interesting because we continue to learn. Open-mindedness permits us to walk around the entire circle and glimpse life from a variety of standpoints.
The most formidable chains are forged from beliefs. …If I believe in one proposition, I have become locked behind the door of that belief, and all other doors of learning and freedom, although standing open and waiting for me to enter, are now closed to me.
~ Gerry Spence
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