Choosing to Keep an Open Heart toward those with whom We Disagree – Step 3

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in

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“Do not let any
prejudice you may
have against spiritual
terms deter you from hon
estly asking yourself
what they mean to
you.” (The Big
Book, p.47)

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What prejudices, ‘evil practices’ or barriers to spiritual growth have you had to face, lately?

OR

Can you listen to someone you disagree with without getting upset?

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Children Separated From Parents -2018 (7:47)

Free Your Mind – En Vogue (4:14)

Open Mind Practical Tips (2:41)

Lakota Healing Meditation (5:26)

Analysis: The Open Heart

Prejudice acts as a thick veil. The Big Book warns us against spiritual blocks. We often dismiss terms we do not understand. An open mind invites true wisdom. A Higher Power speaks through many voices. We must listen beyond our own labels.

Many people doubt their problems involve spirit. Overeaters Anonymous notes this common mistake. We assume the Higher Power ignores our daily struggles. This belief keeps us trapped in isolation. Humility invites a broader perspective. We learn to value every small lesson.

Black Elk celebrated the wisdom of children. Their pure hearts see truths we often miss. Wellbriety teachings echo this simple, sacred clarity. “Healing begins when we quiet the ego” (White Bison, 2002, p. 44). Thich Nhat Hanh championed this same deep awareness (Hanh, 1991). He taught that peace requires mindful listening. We find unity through intentional, kind observation. Disagreement does not require hostility or rigid defense. Each person walks a unique, valid path. We choose grace over certain victory.

References

Hanh, T. N. (1991). Peace Is Every Step. Bantam Books.

White Bison. (2002). The Red Road to Wellbriety. White Bison, Inc.

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Traducción al Español

Citas, Títulos y Referencias

ELEGIR MANTENER EL CORAZÓN ABIERTO HACIA AQUELLOS CON QUIENES NO ESTAMOS DE ACUERDO – PASO 3

EL PREJUICIO CIEGA –

“No dejes que ningún prejuicio que puedas tener contra los términos espirituales te disuada de preguntarte honestamente qué significan para ti.” (El Libro Grande, p. 47)

MEJOR MANTENER UN CORAZÓN PURO Y ABIERTO –

“Quizás no creíamos que nuestra alimentación compulsiva fuera un problema espiritual, o sentíamos que Dios [o nuestro P.S.] estaba preocupado por asuntos más importantes y esperaba que controláramos algo tan simple…” (Overeaters Anonymous, p. 15)

BLACK ELK – HEHAKA SAPA –

“Los corazones de los niños pequeños son puros y, por lo tanto, el Gran Espíritu puede mostrarles muchas cosas que las personas mayores pasan por alto.”

Black Elk (1863 – 1950)

Análisis

El prejuicio actúa como un velo espeso. El Libro Grande nos advierte contra los bloqueos espirituales. A menudo descartamos términos que no entendemos. Una mente abierta invita a la verdadera sabiduría. Un Poder Superior habla a través de muchas voces. Debemos escuchar más allá de nuestras propias etiquetas.

Muchas personas dudan que sus problemas involucren al espíritu. Overeaters Anonymous señala este error común. Suponemos que el Poder Superior ignora nuestras luchas diarias. Esta creencia nos mantiene atrapados en el aislamiento. La humildad invita a una perspectiva más amplia. Aprendemos a valorar cada pequeña lección.

Black Elk celebró la sabiduría de los niños. Sus corazones puros ven verdades que a menudo pasamos por alto. Las enseñanzas de Wellbriety se hacen eco de esta claridad simple y sagrada. “La sanación comienza cuando aquietamos el ego” (White Bison, 2002, p. 44). Thich Nhat Hanh defendió esta misma conciencia profunda (Hanh, 1991). Enseñó que la paz requiere una escucha atenta. Encontramos unidad a través de la observación intencional y amable. El desacuerdo no requiere hostilidad ni defensa rígida. Cada persona recorre un camino único y válido. Elegimos la gracia sobre la victoria segura.

Pregunta Concluyente

¿Puedes escuchar a alguien con quien no estás de acuerdo sin molestarte?

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Comments

13 responses to “Choosing to Keep an Open Heart toward those with whom We Disagree – Step 3”

  1. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    When hearing someone with opposing views, I have started the practice of reciting the serenity prayer while listening so that I can remain at peace.

  2. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    My faith is secure in Jesus and it doesn’t need someone else’s validation… I can agree to disagree with anybody respectfully…

  3. Zen Avatar
    Zen

    It is important to keep an open heart even when people disagree with us because the world will not always fit our expectations. If we close ourselves off from other people, we lose the opportunity to learn something new. We must always remain open-minded and willing to expand our beliefs or extend curiosity.

  4. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    Inclusion. How can we include all people and not exclude. When my mentor interview His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama and asked him about how to reconcile with China, his answer was to have more partys, break bread together socialize with someone we don’t agree with to build inclusion and friendship which reduces conflict. Whenever we have the chance to engage with someone that has a closed heart, we should take it, be kind, show that person a different path. One that is inclusive and not built on exclusion.

    Thank you for the opportunity to share, I am grateful.

  5. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    I’ve had some unhealthy relationships in the past and that created a barrier to my spiritual growth… also anything I do in excess can hinder my relationship with God… and learning to agree to disagree is a healthy trait for me… trying as best I can as to accept the things I cannot change

  6. Wayne Avatar
    Wayne

    Today I have cultivated a relationship with my HP.

  7. Simon Yebio Avatar
    Simon Yebio

    Smoking and wanting at times to quit. That is an insidious one.

    1. Tony. O Avatar
      Tony. O

      I battle with this myself. One thing that I have heard is to change your identy. Do you identify as a smoker. Try saying “I dont smoke”. “I am not a smoker”. Its weierd. Proably wont work the first time. but you with defently recieve a reaction from people.

  8. Bohdi Baba Avatar

    This situation with children being separated from their parents really hits me where I live. It feels like evil. How can anyone justify this? It is a struggle for me to have love for those who would support this horrible practice. I keep reminding myself to breath, not take it personal and realize that some people view the world with such fear of others that this would seem to be their only answer. And that helps me have compassion and reminds me not to behave in a way that confirms their fears. But do the opposite and try and engage with kindness.

    1. Tony. O Avatar
      Tony. O

      The price of peace. How do you touch any political issue without causing desention. I feel for these families. We put our faith in politians to repsent our values and make the decisions that we would be proud to say is what we belife is right. Take that energy and go to action, putting the person that you want repesenting you in office. Express yourself. Make some art, or write what should happen.

  9. easy does it Avatar
    easy does it

    Believing that God wants the best for me has been an obstacle in the
    past

  10. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I have found dialogue btwn cultures to be challenging lately.

  11. Margot E. Avatar
    Margot E.

    It occurs to me that I have lived in fear for so long that I do not know how to live without it. What does it mean that I can say the words I honestly mean? What does it mean to see the world with wonder, awe, honest wishes that everyone find the love we so desperately crave…and more? I can only go forward with my Higher Power firmly in charge of my life – doing my legwork as I understand it – letting go of the outcomes – letting go and letting God. I can learn to be naive.

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