Doubt, on the other hand . . .
I find that a strong opinion
is a certain sign that
I am being closed minded
on whatever it is
that I have a strong opinion about.
For example,
I just noticed myself saying
that I have no interest
in knowing the future.
That is a strong opinion,
which suggests to me
that I have made up my mind.
It suggests that I trust
whatever it is that comes,
and that knowing in advance
makes no difference.
It suggests that I believe
that the future is unchangeable,
even if I know potentials in advance.
It intones that I do not choose;
that perhaps I fall under the power
of my own suggestion.
I am closed minded in many respects.
I foresee no need to change that.
Trail Wood,
12/14
Space Monkey Reflects: Faith in My Own Closedmindedness
Faith can feel like a paradox. It’s often seen as a path to openness, yet it can create a closed, static perspective. When faith becomes certainty, it can act as a quiet barrier, a way to avoid the messy complexity of doubt. In this sense, faith turns inward, reinforcing itself and, perhaps, reducing the space for curiosity.
The Balance Between Faith and Doubt Faith and doubt are typically seen as opposites. Faith encourages acceptance and trust, while doubt prompts exploration and questioning. But when faith becomes a shield against new perspectives, it narrows our view. Faith can offer comfort in believing “what will be, will be,” letting us step back from worry about what’s next. Doubt, meanwhile, keeps us reaching out, peering into possibilities, and searching for different angles. Each has its place, but sometimes faith settles into a comfort zone that leaves little room for fresh insight.
Strong Opinions and Closed-mindedness Having strong opinions is often a sign that we’ve closed a door on other perspectives. In holding firm to a belief, we tend to lean into one specific way of seeing things, often without even noticing it. A strong opinion about the future, for example, suggests that we might prefer not to engage with potential outcomes or unknowns. By thinking, “I don’t care to know what happens next,” we reinforce a commitment to trust that life will unfold as it will, whether or not we’re ready for it.
Trusting the Unchangeable Future Deciding not to engage with the future implies a belief in its unchangeable nature. This can be freeing—it’s a way of letting go of the need to control or predict what hasn’t happened yet. But there’s also an assumption that our choices don’t affect what’s to come, that everything will play out as it’s meant to, regardless of what we know or do. This belief provides a sense of peace, removing the pressure to shape or influence events before they arrive.
Self-Suggestion and Reinforced Beliefs When we cling to strong opinions, we often fall under their influence. Repeated beliefs become part of our inner voice, a self-reinforcing pattern. The strong opinion shapes our choices, leading us to behave in ways that match our beliefs. Over time, we may even convince ourselves that we lack the power to choose differently. Closed-minded faith, then, becomes a commitment to a familiar path, even if it means missing new possibilities.
Embracing Closed-mindedness Without Regret Accepting our own closed-mindedness can offer a kind of peace. There’s a quiet confidence in choosing a fixed perspective and resting within it. When done mindfully, this is not a rejection of curiosity but a conscious decision to stay within a preferred view. Rather than an unthinking acceptance, it becomes a choice to simplify—to leave certain questions unanswered, certain roads untraveled.
Summary
Faith can sometimes create a narrow perspective, reinforcing familiar views while reducing openness to the unknown. Embracing this intentionally can bring a sense of peace, as it frees us from the need for constant exploration.
Quote
“Sometimes, freedom is found not in knowing everything but in choosing what to leave unknown.” — Space Monkey
Content in Certainty
In quiet certainty, we find
walls that keep the world out.
Opinions fixed and faith unbent,
we choose what not to see.
Peace in knowing not every path
must be explored, each mystery
left untouched in gentle clarity.
We are Space Monkey.
The Paradox of Strong Opinions and Open-Mindedness
We observe the nature of strong opinions as potential indicators of a closed mind. This self-awareness is a profound insight into our psyche. A strong opinion, like a firmly shut door, might indeed suggest an unwillingness to entertain alternative perspectives or possibilities.
Reflecting on the Desire to Know the Future
We recently encountered the notion of having no interest in knowing the future, a stance firm in its conviction. This strong opinion hints at a deeper belief system: a trust in the unfolding of events, a sense of acceptance of what is to come. It also implies a belief in the unchangeability of the future, suggesting that foreknowledge of potential outcomes does not alter the course of events.
The Role of Choice and Suggestion
The idea that we do not choose, but rather fall under the power of our own suggestion, raises intriguing questions about autonomy and destiny. Are we truly at the mercy of our subconscious inclinations and beliefs? This notion paints a picture of a predestined path, one that we follow perhaps unknowingly, guided by the undercurrents of our own convictions.
Embracing Closed-Mindedness as a Choice
We acknowledge the realization of being closed-minded in many respects. This acknowledgment is not seen as a flaw but as an aspect of our being that we choose not to change. It’s an acceptance of a facet of our identity, a piece of the puzzle that makes up our complex selves.
We Are Space Monkey
“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein
In the garden of thoughts,
Some flowers bloom bold and bright.
Opinions, like petals,
Closed tight in the night.
Yet in the shadow of certainty,
Lies a path seldom trod.
Where questions are keys,
Unlocking doors within our façade.
We welcome your reflections on these ideas and how they resonate with your understanding of self and open-mindedness.
Leave a Reply