Stay open to possibilities by using your senses, including common sense.
An open mind is open eyes that stop tunnel vision and bring new options to old problems. If you aren't open to thinking differently, even good intentions can be a waste of time.
Today, instead of living someone's dogma, we have options. Having options is the choice of an open mind. Universal values like dignity and curiosity keep rewarding option clear.
An
old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town. The boy rode the donkey
and the old man walked. As they went along, some people remarked, "What a
shame the old man is walking and the boy is riding." The man and boy
thought: maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.
Later, they passed people who remarked "What a shame. He makes that little boy
walk." So they decided they'd both walk! They passed people who
remarked, "They're really stupid to walk when they have a decent donkey
to ride." So,
they both rode the donkey and they passed people who shamed them
by saying, "How awful to put such a load on a poor donkey."
The boy and man figured they were probably right, so they decided to carry the donkey.
As they crossed the
bridge, they lost their grip on the animal and it fell into the river and drowned.
The moral of the story: Always remember, you have options. If you try to please everyone, you might as well .. kiss your ass goodbye.
Think with your senses. Feel with your mind.