Beliefs

I’ve been struggling hard about this particular subject recently.  Some external factors have forced me to really sit down and reconsider what my views are..  and I’ve come to the conclusion that beliefs are nothing to be proud of.

Believing something isn’t an accomplishment.  I had been raised thinking that beliefs are something integral to who you are.  That it is imperative to believe in God, or to have a strong opinion on politics.

Beliefs are easy.  The stronger your beliefs are, the less open you are to growth and wisdom, because the strength of your belief is only the intensity in which you resist questioning yourself.  As soon as you are proud of a belief, as soon as you think it adds something to who you are, then you have made it a part of your ego.

Listen to any “die-hard” conservative or liberal talk about their deepest beliefs.. and you’re listening to someone who will never hear what you say on any subject that matters to them.  Unless you believe the same, that is.

It feels good to talk forcefully.  It is gratifying to be agreed with.  It is easy to have beliefs and block out everyone and everything.  It’s so burden-free and soothing to see things in black and white. Your mind thanks you for giving it a mental shortcut.  Hah.

Wherever there is a belief, there is a door that is closed.

I want to take on beliefs that stand up to my most honest, humble scrutiny.  I want to always be open to change and for my beliefs to fear me and not the other way around.

The older I get, the more I feel that I know nothing.  And I’m happy feeling this way. 🙂