It seems, now more than ever, that everyone has strong opinions, views, and ideas that they genuinely believe to be right. It is good to be aware, however, that being right, is not necessarily a positive thing.
Being right is great, if what you’re after is an inflated head and ego boost. However, being right, means that you always make someone else wrong, which can cause separation, judgement and blame amongst even the most tight-knit families, friends and communities.
Is being right really worth that?
There was a time, when people genuinely believed they were right in thinking that the entire Universe revolved around the Earth. So much so that if you didn’t believe this, and were vocal about it, you were labelled as a heretic (‘conspiracy theorist’ is commonly used today) and sentenced to imprisonment or death! Can you believe that? Sentenced for not believing a view which we now know to be scientifically and unequivocally false! Proof, that even the most fundamental of beliefs, whether individual or societal, can dramatically change.
Probably not a good idea to get attached to something like beliefs, which are so fleeting in nature.
We can break free of the boxes that our beliefs keep us in and open our minds with a sense of wonder and curiosity to any and every possibility. Maybe giving up the fight to be right can make space for something more nourishing and wholesome; love.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather be accepting, tolerant, understanding, and loving, than right. It’s so important to build bridges rather than walls. We are strongest when we unite, support and are understanding of one another.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, after all.
Article inspired by Stew Bittman (great podcasts at bittmanbliss.com) & Deepak Chopra