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What if you spent every day looking for One Beautiful Thing?

Believe – On Keeping an Open Mind

6 Comments

Oatmeal

The Oatmeal

I’m a post-a-day kind of girl, but sometimes, I allow myself a little extra something on a Friday afternoon. This is one of those extra somethings.

I read this piece on Wednesday. I then scrolledlback up to the top and read it again. Yesterday, I read it a third time, and it has really made me think. The piece is an interesting take on why we react the way we do to certain facts that don’t fit comfortably within our world view. It’s utterly non-political, a quick read, and very visual.

These days, when technology and the media make it so easy to filter out dissenting opinions, I suspect we could all use a little help in really hearing what those with whom we disagree are saying. And a better understanding of where our reactions come from could help us be more receptive to other’s feelings on polarizing topics. I’m as guilty as anyone else of plugging my ears to opinions with which I disagree, and I don’t think it’s particularly good for my sanity or for my relationships.

I’m all for anything that helps us get along better, and this seems like an exercise that might actually make a real difference. Hope you find it as thought provoking as I did:

Believe by The Oatmeal

Have a nice long weekend, all!

Unknown's avatar

Author: Donna from One Beautiful Thing

I have committed to spending part of every day looking for at least one beautiful thing, and sharing what I find with you lovelies!

6 thoughts on “Believe – On Keeping an Open Mind

  1. Laura (PA Pict)'s avatar

    Thank you for sharing this. It’s a great explanation. I was chatting about this very psychological effect with my oldest sons not so long ago and struggling to explain it (the context being my desire not to retreat into an echo chamber of political opinion) so I’m going to show them this as a much better explanation.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Ellie's avatar

    Thanks, Donna! This is a fantastic find.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. John C. Morgan's avatar

    Thanks. It reminds me that looking for one beautiful thing every day changes how one perceives things all day.

    Liked by 1 person

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