The Third Mindfulness Training: Freedom of Thought
“Aware of the suffering brought about when we impose our views on others, we are determined not to force others, even our children, by any means whatsoever — such as authority, threat, money, propaganda, or indoctrination — to adopt our views. We are committed to respecting the right of others to be different, to choose what to believe and how to decide. We will, however, learn to help others let go of and transform fanaticism and narrowness through loving speech and compassionate dialogue.”
Freedom of thought is such a beautiful expression of our difference, and a reminder that when we allow ourselves and others to be free in this way, we are all able to grow in the ways we are meant to. Freedom of thought also helps to connect us deeper to each other as we learn how to discuss with compassion and understanding and learn how to simply meet others where they are at.