An open mind leads us to the very knowledge that has eluded us during our lifetime.
Core Text, Chapter 9, “Just for Today-Living the Program”
When many of us come to NA, we imagine ourselves as reasonably open-minded people. For example, many of us have tried many different drugs! More seriously, we may have an "anything goes" or "live and let live" attitude and have been tolerant of others who are not like us. But were our minds even slightly open to the knowledge and opinions of others or to comments on our behavior? Could we even hear? Were we able to admit that we might have been wrong or that we didn't know something? Did we think we needed to change—and even if so, did we really think we could? Probably not that much.
Our experience tells us that an open mind is the foundation of change for us. While some NA members may insist that we must "change everything about ourselves," applying open-mindedness does not mean that everything we know—or think we know—is worthless. Instead, we gain some carefully worked insight into what attitudes and perspectives we want to maintain in our lives and what no longer serves us today – and we learn to share that insight with others. Asking questions, listening to the answers, and then letting those answers resonate helps us identify our old views and patterns, see our behavior more clearly, and act differently when needed.
An open mind is also one of the most necessary tools to get the message out to other addicts and to have productive conversations about NA services. We are learning to listen more to our supporters and service trustees, rather than planning what we want to say. In the process, we hope to become more comfortable with the concept of "I don't know." As one member put it: "We're not here to be right, we're here to be better."
An open mind prevents us from running away from problems, ourselves and others. Many of us believe that trying to keep an open mind keeps us closer to our Higher Power or the higher self we want to be.
My goal is to keep my mind and heart open. I will listen more and talk less. And I will allow my ideas and opinions to evolve as my recovery progresses.
