What breaks you out of your patterns of dislike?
When I think about my dislikes they tend to come from two places, previous experiences and judgements made prior to experience. While I would like to think that I approach new situations or people with an open heart and mind I know that this is not always the case. What I have realized is that to break out of those patterns of dislike require experience and willingness to be open to those experiences. For example, when I have a bad experience trying something new I have to remind myself that this might be a one time occurrence and that I must give it another chance before making up my mind. This requires that I put that singular bad experience behind and be open to new possibilities. Another example would be when I come across a new person, whom I have personally never met, but assume that by their appearance or by their words or by their actions I know I will not like them. However I must be open to give that person the benefit of the doubt, that perhaps this person will be different than the others. And more often than not that person surprises me and breaks the mold I put them in. Ultimately to break out of my patterns of dislikes requires an open heart and an open mind.
Lord, help to be more open in both my heart and my mind so that I can give new people and new experiences the benefit of the doubt they deserve; help me so that I do not judge before I have had time to reflect upon those experiences. Amen.
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