ક્યારેક "ખુલ્યો" હોત તો!!! - Be Open both ways

Today a learned member of the family shared a beautiful story, in Guajarati, highlighting need for human beings to be ‘open’ using a metaphor of a door of an old building. The message was emphasizing need to be communicating, expressing and sharing for human beings. Message was ‘be open and remain open’. The story in Guajarati is as under:

ક્યારેક "ખુલ્યો" હોત તો!!!

સવાર સવાર માં ધડામ કરતો આવાજ આવ્યો,

દીવાલે જોયું તો એનો પાડોશી દરવાજો પડી ગયેલો,

આંખો ચડી ગયેલી, લગભગ બેભાન જેવો જ.

દીવાલે ગભરાઈ ને પાડોશી બારી ને બુમ મારી, બારી દોડાદોડ આવી,

બારીની નીચે રહેતી સુકા પાંદડા વાળી ડાળીએ નાડી ચેક કરી માથું ધુણાવ્યું,

ભૂખરા પોપડા એ પણ પાણી છાંટી જોયું, કોઈ સળવળાટ ના થયો,

ખંડેર મકાન માં હાહાકાર મચી ગયો, વર્ષોથી દરવાજા ની ઉપર લાગેલા સુકા તોરણે એમ્બ્યુલન્સ બોલાવી,

દવાખાનાએ પહોંચે એ પહેલાં જ ચોગાનમાં જ દરવાજાએ છેલ્લા શ્વાસ લીધા,

પોસ્ટ મોર્ટમ રીપોર્ટ માં મોતનું કારણ લખેલું, "ટકોરા" ની કમી ને કારણે અવસાન!!!

સ્મશાનયાત્રા માં બધાને મોઢે એક જ વાત હતી, "આખી જિંદગી બંધ જ રહ્યો, ક્યારેક "ખુલ્યો" હોત તો જીવી જાત બિચારો”!!!

That set in motion a series of questions, what is Openness from psychological as well as philosophical perspectives? How do those who are ‘open’ look like? How does being ‘open’ help? How can I be more open?

My search revealed that ‘Openness’ is like shining a light, allowing others to see into your thoughts, intentions, and feelings. It means being transparent, trustworthy, and forthright. When someone practices openness this way, they foster trust by sharing both their successes and vulnerabilities, making them more relatable and approachable. Effective communication thrives in this environment—there’s a willingness to both speak honestly and listen genuinely, creating a two-way street of trust and understanding. This kind of openness can turn ordinary interactions into deeply meaningful exchanges.

Psychological Perspective

Openness can also be defined as a personality trait characterized by a willingness to embrace new experiences, ideas, and values. From a psychological perspective, it belongs to one of the five major personality traits in the Five Factor Model (often referred to as OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).

1. Explanation:

   - Openness involves curiosity, creativity, and a preference for novelty. Individuals high in openness tend to be imaginative, open-minded, and willing to explore the unfamiliar.

2. Examples:

   - A person who enjoys traveling to different cultures, trying eclectic foods, or engaging in unconventional hobbies exhibits high levels of openness.

   - In contrast, an individual who prefers routine, familiar activities, and traditional values may score lower on the openness scale.

3. Benefits:

   - Enhanced Creativity: Openness is linked to creative thinking and problem-solving, as open individuals are more likely to explore alternative solutions and think outside the box.

   - Emotional Intelligence: Those high in openness often have better emotional awareness and empathy, leading to stronger interpersonal relationships.

   - Adaptability: Open individuals can more easily adjust to changes in their environment, making them resilient in the face of stress and uncertainty.

Philosophical Perspective

1. Explanation:

   - Philosophically, openness relates to an attitude of receptiveness to new ideas and experiences. It challenges dogmatic beliefs and encourages critical thinking and self-examination.

2. Examples:

   - A philosophical approach to openness might involve embracing different ethical frameworks, exploring existential questions, or being open to revising one’s beliefs in light of new evidence.

   - Dialogue between differing viewpoints (e.g., intercultural exchanges, debates) illustrates the philosophical commitment to understanding complexity and diversity.

3. Benefits:

   - Intellectual Growth: Philosophically open individuals can develop a deeper understanding of complex issues and embrace lifelong learning.

   - Tolerance and Acceptance: Openness encourages acceptance of differing perspectives and promotes social harmony by facilitating discussions among diverse groups.

   - Moral Development: Engaging with a variety of beliefs and practices can enhance ethical reasoning and moral understanding.

Conclusion

Openness, whether examined through psychological or philosophical lenses, is a multifaceted trait that fosters creativity, adaptability, and intellectual growth. Embracing openness can lead to personal enrichment, improved relationships, and a deeper understanding of the world—both in terms of our inner experiences and our interactions with others.

Increasing your openness trait can be a rewarding endeavor that enhances your creativity, adaptability, and interpersonal relationships. Here are several strategies you can use:

1. Explore New Experiences

   - Travel: Visit new places, whether locally or internationally. Engaging with different cultures can broaden your perspective.

   - Try New Activities: Take up a new hobby or sport, such as painting, cooking, or dancing. Engaging in unfamiliar activities can stimulate creativity.

2. Read Widely

   - Diverse Genres: Explore literature, philosophy, and non-fiction across various genres and topics. This can introduce you to new ideas and viewpoints.

   - Challenge Your Beliefs: Delve into authors or texts that present perspectives different from your own.

3. Engage in Conversations

   - Listen Actively: Have discussions with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs. Practice active listening and try to understand their viewpoints.

   - Join Clubs or Groups: Participate in discussion groups or clubs that focus on topics outside your comfort zone.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection

   - Journaling: Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you become more aware of your biases and assumptions.

   - Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can enhance your emotional awareness and help you become more receptive to new experiences.

5. Embrace Change

   - Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Deliberately put yourself in situations where you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This could include public speaking or attending events alone.

   - Accept Uncertainty: Train yourself to be comfortable with ambiguity. Understand that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

6. Seek Feedback

   - Ask for Insights: Request constructive feedback from friends or colleagues about your openness to new ideas. They may provide perspectives you hadn’t considered.

   - Reflect on Feedback: Use this input to identify areas to work on and embrace growth opportunities.

7. Cultivate Curiosity

   - Ask Questions: Whenever you encounter something new, ask questions to deepen your understanding. This can lead to valuable insights and discussions.

   - Stay Informed: Follow current events and emerging trends in various fields to remain engaged with new ideas.

Conclusion

Increasing your openness is a gradual process that requires patience and intentionality. By actively seeking new experiences, engaging with diverse perspectives, and fostering a curious mindset, you can cultivate a greater sense of openness in your life. This can lead not only to personal growth but also to richer and more fulfilling relationships with others.