If you want to open up to different ideas, beliefs and situations, you are in luck: there are simple and fun ways to broaden your mental horizons. Try something you've never done, meet new people whenever you can, and make an effort to listen rather than talk. Everyone has their own biases, so question yours and be careful when expressing a bias. The more you train, the more you will be able to relate to people from all walks of life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Try Something New
Step 1. Diversify your music choices
Listen to a different genre every week. Do some research on your streaming show's channels, surf the Internet, or ask a friend for advice.
Listening to music coming from different parts of the world and embracing different historical moments, you can mentally prepare yourself to live new experiences. For their part, the most recently produced songs and tracks can help you connect emotionally with people and environments you don't know
Step 2. Read novels and short stories
Good fiction allows you to step into the shoes of a person who lived in another place or at a different time. Go to the library and look for some books that tell stories, situations and characters you don't know.
For example, you might read books by foreign authors or books that describe the difficulties of having an identity (gender, ethnic, or sexual) different from yours
Step 3. Learn a foreign language
Learning a foreign language will allow you to communicate with new people and appreciate cultures different from yours. Sign up for a course or use an app to start learning the basics.
By doing so, you will also be able to better assimilate the character and specificity of a culture. The way he translates thoughts into words can give you a broader view of his values and traditions
Step 4. Go to a place of worship other than your own to attend a religious service
Try to understand another religion better. Ask a friend who professes a faith different from yours if he can accompany you to a liturgical rite. You could also visit a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple on your own.
- Out of politeness and respect, first ask a minister of worship if you can attend a service. Avoid finding yourself at a wedding or religious ceremony without being invited.
- Assist by showing open-mindedness. Don't think about explaining your faith or proving that other people's beliefs are wrong. It is enough for you to listen, observe and thank the community that hosted you for sharing their time and religious precepts with you.
Step 5. Take a manual labor course
Learning a new skill is a great way to open up to new experiences. If you already have some interest, you may want to learn more by taking a course. Alternatively, find a new hobby. For example, you could sign up for a gardening, cooking, yoga, or martial arts class.
- Cultural associations and parishes often organize these courses, free or at low prices.
- Maybe you could fuel your creativity by taking a dance, painting, drawing or acting class.
- Group lessons will also allow you to make new friends.
Part 2 of 3: Meeting New People
Step 1. Make an effort to listen rather than speak
You can hang out with tons of people, but you'll never really know them if you're used to hogging conversations. Try to ask questions and listen carefully instead of thinking about what you need to say.
To actively listen, you need to give your full attention. Don't play games on your cellphone and don't get mesmerized by thinking about something else while someone is talking to you. Make eye contact and nod every now and then to show that you are listening. Try to imagine the situations, objects or people he describes to you
Step 2. Have a conversation with people you don't know
A different point of view can help you see things differently and grow on a personal level. So, do your best in everyday life to chat with people of different backgrounds or faiths.
- For example, during your lunch break at school or at work, sit next to someone you wouldn't normally talk to.
- Let the conversation develop spontaneously, instead of asking immediately what your interlocutor's religious or political beliefs are. Try to get to know him by asking him: "Where are you from?" or "What do you like to do in your spare time?".
- Some cultural associations organize events designed to bring together people with different experiences and beliefs. If you have the opportunity, attend these kinds of events to connect with a wide variety of people.
Step 3. Take the opportunity to visit new places
You don't have to travel far to enjoy the benefits of a trip. Find a place where the way of life is different from yours. Immersing yourself in the local culture is a great way to see the world from a different perspective.
- Traveling abroad allows you to get in touch with various cultures. Go to a country you don't speak the language of or don't know much about. By learning to get by in a part of the world that doesn't have your own points of reference, you will be able to broaden your mental horizons.
- If you can't make it overseas, look for something inspiring. If you live in the city, go to a campsite for a few days. Do you live in Northern Italy? Try going to Sicily to meet new people, taste particular dishes and stay in contact with different life habits.
Step 4. Volunteer with a charity or nonprofit
Find time to join the volunteer activities of an association that offers you the opportunity to meet different groups of people, such as a food bank, a homeless shelter or a youth center. Helping others, especially those other than you, could allow you to understand how desires, needs and dreams cross all boundaries.
If you want to have a truly unique experience, consider combining a trip with the possibility of helping. Volunteer missions abroad - or even the opportunity to offer your contribution for just one day when you are in a new place - will allow you to open up to completely different people and perspectives
Part 3 of 3: Questioning Your Beliefs
Step 1. Ask yourself how you developed your beliefs
Consider all your most granitic ideas and ask yourself: "How did I come to believe it?". Think about who instilled them in you and how your life experiences may have helped consolidate them.
For example, if you grew up believing that working hard is all you need to be successful, ask yourself, "Are there people who, despite hard work, have had a hard time in life? Are there other factors that can affect the possibility of having success in addition to a strict work ethic?"
Step 2. Notice when you have an injury
It is normal to start from some assumptions. However, if they are not balanced, they can promote mental closure. When you meet new people or find yourself in different situations than usual, pay attention to your expectations. Ask yourself if your preconceptions affect the way you act.
For example, suppose you have never eaten pasta with pesto, believing you don't like it. Ask yourself why you come to this conclusion. Why does the sauce have an uninviting color? Why don't you like the smell? Maybe you don't have a valid reason, so you should just taste it
Step 3. Learn about different topics and points of view using the Internet
Make the most of your downtime by looking for new information as soon as you have a few minutes. Try surfing the net by tracking articles, videos and podcasts on academic topics, recent events, religions and foreign cultures.
- For example, start reading an article when you are in line at the bank or try listening to a podcast on your way to work.
- Trust in reliable sources. On the Internet you can find a lot of false and distorted information. Then look for academic articles, reports published by independent third-party bodies, and information disclosed on reputable sites, such as government portals, universities, and authoritative news agencies.
Step 4. Think about the reasons why someone might have opposing opinions to yours
Pick a topic that catches people's attention and check out some articles or podcasts about it. Look for sources that show different perspectives than yours and try to frame the problem from their point of view.
Suppose you delve into the question of raising the minimum wage. During your research, you may come across interviews with small business owners who fear that rising staff costs will force them to close. Even if you remain of the same opinion, you may realize the validity of some arguments even though they come from an antithetical position to yours
Advice
- Questioning your beliefs does not necessarily mean abandoning them: you just need to see things from another point of view and understand that a different opinion could offer you valid reflection.
- You can also open your mind by facing your fears. If you suffer from acrophobia, try hiking in the mountains by choosing a trail for beginners. Once you get to the top, remember that you are safe and enjoy the view.
