If we did not care about what is going to happen next, we would be living with more mental freedom & happiness. In reality though, most people do care [a a great deal] about what will happen next in their lives . We care about keeping things as we know them, maintaining our health and that of the people we love, maintaining our jobs so we can support ourselves and our family. We care about a lot of other things in life, and that’s how we are always in pursuit of certainty.
What is wrong with certainty? Generally speaking, nothing and stability is an important factor which impacts our happiness.
However, the constant pursuit of certainty can sometimes get in our way because it can lead to rigidity and close-mindedness, making it difficult to consider new information or alternative perspectives. When we cling too strongly to our beliefs, it can lead to resistance to change and a reluctance to revise our understanding of the world in light of new evidence or experiences. This can inhibit growth, learning, and creativity. Additionally, the pursuit of certainty can also lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, as the fear of being wrong can cause individuals to become overly concerned with finding the “right” answer.
Chasing certainty can inhibit our sense of adventure and our openness to other views, opinions and ways of life.
The pursuit of certainty can often lead to a decreased enjoyment of new experiences. When we approach new situations with a need for control and a desire for a certain outcome, we can become overly focused on the end result, rather than the process of experiencing and learning from the situation. This can detract from our ability to fully immerse ourselves in the moment and enjoy the experience for what it is. Additionally, when we approach new experiences with a need for certainty, we may be more likely to dismiss or ignore information or experiences that do not align with our preconceived notions, reducing the opportunities for growth and learning. Thus, the pursuit of certainty can limit our enjoyment of new experiences by causing us to become too focused on the outcome and too rigid in our thinking.
- So, if you want to enjoy more of life and live more in the moment keep in mind that being open to life experiences requires a shift in perspective and mindset. Here are some way to help foster openess:
- Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
- Embrace uncertainty: Accept that not everything can be known or controlled and allow yourself to experience life without trying to predict the outcome.
- Seek out new experiences: Challenge yourself to try new things, meet new people, and explore new places.
- Be open-minded: Be willing to consider new ideas and perspectives, and allow yourself to question your own beliefs.
- Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything will be perfect and allow yourself to make mistakes.
- Cultivate a growth mindset: Focus on learning and growth, rather than the pursuit of success or achievement.
By adopting these attitudes, you can become more open to life experiences, allowing yourself to embrace new opportunities, learn from challenges, and grow as a person.
