Some of us are very fortunate to have the opportunity to be in close contact with people from many cultures and walks of life. Being exposed to different languages, accents, clothes, food, customs, ideas and spiritual perspectives, gives us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and opens up the possibility of new ways of thinking, doing and being.
When we are curious about others, rather than being fearful or dismissive, we are opening ourselves to deeper understanding of ourselves, our own assumptions and beliefs, and our own deeper humanity.
Exploring alternatives gives us the chance to learn, grow and change, yet we are often fearful to step out of our comfort zone.This is to be expected. Many of us do not enjoy the uncomfortable feelings that arise when we are unsure, and the uncomfortable feelings that come with challenge and newness. Being “out of our depth” or “walking on shaky ground” or “being on a path that no longer feels right” can be disconcerting indeed.
Yes, new experiences and ideas can challenge our accepted norms and can bring up questions, doubts and uncertainties, but with time and practice we can embrace and feel more at ease with our uncertainties and more comfortable with our questions and doubts. I believe we all can learn to tolerate and even welcome our own uneasiness, and in doing so become more emotionally resilient and intellectually flexible in the face of change, growth and newness.
I still find that being unsure is sometimes very daunting, but I also find it can be very freeing.
Now that I am far more willing to see something in a new light and hold a number of perspectives at the same time, life is easier. I don’t have to be right. I don’t have to have the answers. I don’t have to be an authority or expert. I can happily keep on being curious and challenged every day (and the shaky ground is starting to feel more and more comfortable).