I cannot change a closed mind.

I notice that no one can change my mind when it is closed. 

All they can do is make their perspective available so I can discover it if and when my mind is open.

So it stands to reason that I cannot change anyone else’s mind when it is closed. 

All I can do is make my perspective available so they can discover it if and when their mind is open. 

In my experience, force, judgment, fear, punishment, and shame close my mind. 

And I notice that when my mind is closed, all I experience from others is force, judgment, fear, punishment, and shame. 

My job - when I can do it - is to open my mind to the mind in front of me.

Because it is only through a mind free of a story about what a mind “should” and “should not” do that I can move beyond force, judgment, fear, punishment, and shame and experience the true gift of the mind in front of me. 

And when I do, I experience that gift immediately. 

And when I walk around in that gift, people’s minds, including mine, seem to open all on their own. 

Until my mind innocently snaps shut (with ideas like “Everyone’s mind should be open.”) and I get to work on opening my mind to the mind in front of me all over again.