Break free from narrowmindedness
In a world where thinking beyond the ordinary is often frowned upon, where the status quo is championed, breaking free from the shackles of narrowmindedness becomes a personal journey. Living in a country that views ambitious thinking as a curse, the pressure to conform is a constant companion. The saying “Be normal, that’s crazy enough already” resonates in our everyday conversations, subtly encouraging us to avoid standing out and keep our aspirations grounded.
Upon returning to The Netherlands, the struggle to think expansively persists in dialogues with friends and family. The prevalent questioning revolves around worries and concerns, fostering an environment that discourages risk-taking. The persistent inquiries about potential pitfalls and the lack of detailed plans contribute to a culture of apprehension, hindering the pursuit of opportunities that could lead to significant personal and professional growth.
This internal conflict intensifies as the fear-driven mindset becomes a daily battle. However, I’ve come to realize that thinking beyond the norm is more accessible in environments where risk-taking is embraced – for instance, abroad, where individuals have collectively taken a leap into a different future. This realization underscores the profound impact of our surroundings on our ability to break free from narrowmindedness and embrace a broader, more creative perspective.
Parallels to inclusive thinking
I find solace in the freedom of working independently, appreciating the escape from the constraints of conventional thinking. Even with concerns about pension and housing looming, my love for flexibility and the option to think beyond the ordinary outweighs the anxieties.
Contemplating the idea of sharing daily reflections on Instagram, I envision a community that fosters collaboration and inclusivity. The desire to connect with like-minded individuals reflects a yearning for shared experiences and a collective journey towards expansive thinking.
Unleashing creative vision is portrayed as a skill to be cultivated – a conscious exercise that enables us to escape narrowmindedness. Drawing parallels to inclusive thinking, I emphasize the importance of adopting different perspectives and viewing the world from diverse angles. The lack of inclusion and the rise of far-right ideologies are linked to narrowmindedness, perpetuated by underlying worries and fears.
Opportunists will use the vacuum
Delving into the impact of stress on the human body, drawing insights from holistic lifestyle coaching, stress is depicted as a force that triggers a retreat into old habit patterns, hindering adaptability to change. I connect this to current global challenges, emphasizing the necessity for individuals to address stress within themselves before attempting to tackle broader issues.
To illustrate, let’s consider a journalist covering climate change. The stress about the worsening state of the planet can lead to extreme storytelling, contributing to a cycle of stress, extreme thinking, and fear. Breaking this loop involves starting with oneself, acknowledging and managing the stress within, and seeking constructive leads that offer solutions instead of dwelling on extreme outcomes.
I advocate for a nuanced approach, urging individuals to delve deeper into contexts, monitor their bodies for signs of tension, and take breaks when needed. By focusing on constructive leads and avoiding extreme narratives, we can maintain urgency without succumbing to a state of shock. Naomi Klein’s cautionary note about the vacuum created by shock reinforces the idea that extreme thinking only perpetuates fear, providing fertile ground for opportunists and sensationalism.
In conclusion, cultivating the skill of embracing an expansive vision can be a transformative journey. Recognizing its potential to break free from narrowmindedness and contribute to a more inclusive and constructive mindset empowers us to shape a world that moves away from fear-driven extremes.
This blog post is an AI summary of my Morning Pages. Subscribe to the Inclusive Journalism Weekly for original writing 😉 and have a look at the retreats we organize in which well-being, inclusion and Solutions Journalism are combined.
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