Childlike Not Childish--Happy 2024!
Channel: Eye of RA Productions
Date: 25/12/2023

Let's delve into the contrasting qualities of having a **beginner's mind** versus being **closed-minded**, drawing parallels to childlike and childish tendencies:

1. **Beginner's Mind (Childlike)**:
   - **Definition**: A beginner's mind refers to approaching situations with openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions. It mirrors childlike qualities in several ways:
     - **Curiosity**: Like a child exploring the world, a beginner's mind is curious and eager to learn. It embraces new experiences without judgment.
     - **Absence of Assumptions**: Just as a child doesn't assume anything, a beginner's mind approaches each moment without rigid beliefs or fixed ideas.
     - **Fresh Perspective**: A beginner's mind sees things afresh, even if they are familiar. It appreciates the beauty and wonder in everyday occurrences.
   - **Spiritual Connection**: In spirituality, having a beginner's mind allows us to encounter God, truth, and wisdom without the baggage of past biases. It fosters growth and openness to divine revelation.

2. **Closed-Mindedness (Childish)**:
   - **Definition**: Being closed-minded involves stubbornly clinging to existing beliefs, rejecting alternative viewpoints, and resisting change. It exhibits childish traits:
     - **Rigidity**: Like a stubborn child, a closed mind refuses to adapt. It dismisses ideas that challenge its comfort zone.
     - **Fear of Change**: Childish closed-mindedness fears stepping outside familiar boundaries. It avoids growth and transformation.
     - **Intellectual Stagnation**: A closed mind stops learning. It marries its ideas and refuses to explore beyond them.
   - **Spiritual Implications**: Closed-mindedness hinders spiritual progress. It prevents us from deepening our understanding of God, limiting our capacity to experience divine truths.

It appears that cultivating a beginner's mind—remaining open, curious, and willing to learn—is akin to embracing childlike qualities. Conversely, being closed-minded—marrying ideas and resisting growth—is a form of childishness that obstructs our spiritual journey. 

May we choose openness over rigidity as we explore the vast realms of inclusive spirituality. 🌟