Open Minded or Fence Sitter?

Many people, including myself, like to think of themselves as open minded. Open to different ideas and beliefs and trying to understand things from someone else’s point of view. It is perceived as being less confrontational and allows you to understand people in a way you wouldn’t if you weren’t willing to listen to their views if they are different to yours. It can also lead you to experience new things and learn about why people feel and act the way they do.

My only concern is that as a result of being open to the opinions and views of others in some situations we don’t or won’t fight for a cause even if we really believe in it. Some would argue this is the point of being open minded and not being confrontational, but I do have to think is it just taking the easy way out? So, am I really open minded or am I simply being a Fence Sitter never committing to a cause or picking a side in case I may be wrong or criticized? And am I trying to have the best of both worlds?

The area of my life where this is most apparent to me is when it comes to those who believe to their very core that their religion or spiritual belief is absolute and nothing could shake their commitment. Don’t get me wrong I am happy for people to believe whatever they like as long as it isn’t hurting anybody in the process. It must take great courage and self-belief to know that you have chosen the correct belief system and be proud to have made that decision. There have been times where I have thought it might be easier to just choose a religion and run with it, but the fear of choosing the ‘wrong one’ has always stopped me because I don’t have the conviction most religious followers have. This in turn makes me feel like a fence sitter, letting everyone have their ideas and beliefs but never having the courage to fully embrace one for myself; all the while calling myself open minded. I also question if you could truly be open to others if you believe they are making the wrong religious or spiritual decisions?

I feel that it is a fine line between trying to be open and see things through other people’s eyes and not taking a stance on anything or making a decision. Looking at different aspects of my life I could probably be both of these at different times and in different situations. But despite my concerns and thoughts I do believe trying to genuinely be open to other people’s experiences and ideas is a good way to be and that it helps us to be more compassionate and caring towards others whether we know them or not. It also means we don’t condemn those who have a different view from our own. Maybe you can be open minded while still having your own opinion, but instead of trying to convince people yours is the correct one, be open to the fact that they may have their own truth.