It seems so many at this time are dealing with clouded vision.
What should I do? How can that work? What’s the value in that? Who should lead us? Why?
However you cannot answer any of these questions if you are not able to allow yourself to see past the walls that either have intentionally been placed in your path, or that you have constructed yourself.
What is hindering your view? On this edition of “Becoming Today” we’ll explore the need to let go of preconceptions.
Before I begin my own process of releasing, since today’s issue involves a term that may not be part of everyday conversation, let’s come to a shared understanding of what it means.
Preconceptions are ideas or opinions about something that you have before you know much about it. They can be based on your own experiences, the experiences of others, or things you have heard or read. Preconceptions can be helpful or harmful. They can help you to make quick decisions, but they can also lead to you making assumptions about people or things that are not true.
It is important to be aware of your own preconceptions and to be willing to challenge them. If you find yourself making assumptions about someone or something, ask yourself where those assumptions come from and why you believe them. It is also important to be willing to listen to other people’s experiences and to be open to new information.
Overcoming preconceptions can be a challenge, but it is an important step in ‘becoming” a more loving, open-minded and tolerant person.
In order to ensure I could deal with restricting my own need or habit of having preconceived ideas, notions or thoughts therapeutically I decide it was best to write a letter to myself about it.
So now for further accountability I’m sharing that note publicly:
Dear Rochelle,
It is important to be aware of our own preconceptions and to challenge them when necessary. We should also be open to new information and to learning about different cultures and perspectives.
Preconceptions can be formed from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, cultural norms, and media representations. They can also be influenced by stereotypes and prejudices.
So how do we determine if we are having preconceived notions?
It begins with thorough self examination. We must become aware of our own biases. Everyone has them, and they influence the way we think about and perceive others.
Once you are aware of your biases, you can start to challenge them.
By seeking out new information, being open to change and practicing empathy.
Empathy affords us the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
So now that you have identified the areas where you have been subject to acting through preconceptions how do you release them?
Yes it involves more effort and due diligence.
Questioning yourself and reflecting and seeking honest insights.
Begin by asking why you believe what you believe. What evidence do you have to support your assumptions? Are there other possible explanations?
Then seek out support. Speak with people who have different experiences from your own. Read books and articles about topics that you are unfamiliar with. Plus be open to change. If you are presented with new evidence, then you must prepare yourself by being willing to adjust your preconceptions.
Releasing preconceptions can be a challenge, but it is an important step in becoming a more open-minded and tolerant person.
Plus there are more benefits.
Yes, releasing preconceived notions can improve your health.
Preconceived notions can cause us to feel stressed and anxious. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones that can have a negative impact on our bodies, minds and spirit.
The process of ‘giving up’ these biases can also improve your relationships. Plus it increases self-acceptance. Preconceptions can also lead to negative self-talk. When we release these notions, we can start to accept ourselves for who we are, leading to improved self-esteem and a healthier outlook on life.
I hope this letter will help. That it will aid you in seeing the way towards releasing these blocks that are deterring your progress at this time.
Let me know if you’d like to discuss it further,
Rochelle
The problem of holding preconceived notions as being true is that they can lead us to very negative and critical beliefs about others and that can affect our behaviors toward others.
In some cases they can even cause us to falsely judge ourselves and lead to self-criticism and doubt.
So here is an 8-step process to overcoming preconceptions:
- Be aware of your own biases. The first step to overcoming preconceived notions is to be aware of your own biases. Everyone has biases, and they can influence the way we think about and perceive others. Once you are aware of your biases, you can start to challenge them.
- Seek out new information. One of the best ways to overcome preconceived notions is to seek out new information. This can be done by reading books, articles, or watching documentaries on topics that you are unfamiliar with. It can also be helpful to talk to people who have different experiences from your own.
- Be open to change. Once you have sought out new information, it is important to be open to change. This means being willing to adjust your preconceived notions if you are presented with new evidence. It can also mean being willing to accept that you may be wrong about something.
- Practice empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It can be helpful to practice empathy when trying to overcome preconceived notions. This means trying to see the world from the perspective of someone who has different experiences from your own.
- Be patient. Overcoming preconceived notions takes time and effort. It is important to be patient with yourself and with others.
- Celebrate your successes. As you overcome preconceived notions, it is important to celebrate your successes. This will help you to stay motivated and to keep making progress.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they are trying to overcome preconceived notions. It is important to not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the learning process.
- Keep “Becoming”. The more you learn about different cultures and perspectives, the easier it will be to overcome preconceived notions. It is important to keep learning throughout your life.
Following these steps can help you to overcome preconceived notions and become a more open-minded and tolerant person.
Though it is important to note this is a lifelong journey. It takes time and effort to change the way you think about the world. However, it is an important step in becoming a more open-minded and tolerant person.
I encourage you to consider doing your own exercise to release any preconceptions you may be carrying into this new week. Restricting allowing these notions to become empowered, you can truly seek and find a rewarding time ahead.
So whether in a journal, a document, video diary or scribbled on the back of a receipt just select whatever form you feel most comfortable with, and explore what biases, inclinations or even prejudices that you may have. You could also opt to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section.
Writing or talking your way through them can be quite revealing and allow you to move beyond these self-imposed limitations..
Think about it. Pray about it. Meditate on it. Consider it and let me know how it all works out.
Then decide to join us for again, tomorrow on our next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 