With over 7 billion people spread across planet Earth today, each experiencing an environment different from one to another due to (but not limited to) things such as differences in resources, cultures, religions, governments, etc, it is only natural that we encounter and will continue to encounter throughout our lives people and things characterized by a plethora of differences.

Sometimes, however, we forget this and will place walls up when we encounter something that is different to us, something we are not used to. This is where the importance of keeping an open mind comes into play. To have an open mind is to be open to everyone and everything that comes your way, allowing yourself to embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, views and ideas.

Yes, I know. It's not that easy to be open to absolutely everyone and everything that comes our way. Especially if we have gained experiences over the years that have made us cautious and reluctant. But I promise you, keeping an open mind, or at least trying to keep an open mind in everyday life will make life a lot easier and less complicated.

I can't say that I'm always and completely open minded but I sure do try to be as open minded as possible. And I'm not saying that to be open minded we must believe and accept everything we encounter but we should at least listen and try to understand the different people and things that come our way.

Seeking to understand will go a long way as it has the ability to foster respect and healthy relationships amongst one another. The way I see it is if I show someone that I am willing and able to try and understand his or her views despite how different they are from my own then he or she may be more inclined to try and understand mine. Now I know it doesn't always work this way. Especially if the other individual has a completely closed mind but even then, it shouldn't deter us from trying to keep an open mind for those that are also trying to keep an open mind.

Not only will an open mind result in the ability to foster respect and healthy relationships, it will also help with handling all sorts of situations as well as your emotions. You might find yourself more in control of your emotions as you will be more understanding as to why certain people think and behave the way that they do. Instead of stressing over someone and their lack of respect or their display of ignorance, an open mind will allow us to simply acknowledge that their must have been something they've experienced or didn't experience that has led them to lack a certain degree of respect and to display such ignorance. This same open mindedness is what will ensure, among other things, that we ourselves learn to display a certain degree of respect and to be careful with ignorance.

If all else fails, at least try to keep in mind that we all come from different walks of life and we are each on our own individual journeys. And despite these different walks and journeys, we can still be united and create meaningful relationships with a little open-mindedness hear and there.