An Open Mind...

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A few months ago I learnt how important it was to be open to new ideas.A mind closed to new thoughts,ideas or beliefs that are different from our very own is deprived and ignorant.And in due course of time, it becomes dull and incapable of thinking beyond hackneyed.You ,in that case, are no better than-A frog in the well, ignorant of the beautiful world beyond.So break free from all the hassles...dare to dream,dare to welcome ideas.Feed your mind as you feed your body...and not to mention..feed your soul too.

With the stage set for the drama let me not beat around the bush and come to the point I've been wanting to make.

I ,being an avid reader, love reading rainbow range of books from science to mystery,folk tales to general awareness...an entire gamut would still not satiate my appetite for reading & learning.But I had biases,especially one of which I can remember well and am about to relate.Being a pure vegetarian(or atleast 99.99% as I can claim), the name "Chicken Soup..." always averted me.I never picked a single book by the name though they abound in my school library.It's a strange uncanny notion,defying all logics.It was not until recently that I realized how ignorant I was to the treasure that lay hidden in those pages.A dear friend gifted me one of the Chicken Soup books by the name "Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul" as a present on this birthday.I feel ashamed for being blinded by dogmas and restricting my thinking.I regret my ignorance but this experience serves as a lesson for lifetime.After all ,its aptly said..Better late than never!!Isn't it? It's never too late to mend your ways.A closed mind is as good as dead- is the learning I would carry to my grave.

My sincere thanks go to the friend who insisted me read the book.I read a few pages and I couldn't help myself fall in love with the book.It's a collection of everyday experiences of people like you and me(and also a few celebrities),with subjects as close to living as love,parenting,living your dream,teaching,overcoming obstacles etc. The book opened up a world which I could relate to because it comprised of people,their emotions.It helped nourish my humanitarian side.I feel more alive....I feel more human...

I hope this experience opens up many other minds which harbour biases relating to culture,religion,caste,region,beliefs with illogical foundations.Proudly I quote,"I have an OPEN mind..do you?" :)

Comments

  1. NikhilAugust 25, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    Hey Swarna :)
    Yup, the book is a very good read. I enjoyed reading the series a lot too.. started off with Chicken soup for the college soul. Reading so much senti stuff initially made me feel a little silly but soon I realised how valuable these simple lessons were.

    Chicken soup for the Indian soul is very special to me for two reasons - firstly it reminds me of my beloved homeland and the cultures, traditions and values that are respected back home.
    Secondly as providence would have it, even I received this book as a gift from a veryyy dear friend!! Hope to have some interesting conversations about the anecdotes in the days to come and open my mind to new ideas !

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Not sure if you've read it, but try reading "India Unbound" - the way our ethos and sentiments (religious and otherwise) influence the choices we make as individuals and as a society....!! I love reading books, couldn't resist posting this. :)
    Regards,
    P

    ReplyDelete

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