The Space Between Beliefs Where Compassion, Truth, and Understanding Live

We live in a world full of noise—opinions shouted louder than they’re listened to, and differences that too often divide instead of connect. But in the quiet space between beliefs, there’s room for compassion, curiosity, and understanding. This article is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what it really means to keep an open mind.

So what does it mean to be open-minded? Lately, I’ve found myself in tears more often than I’d like. Not because of my mental health conditions, but because of the world around me—the anger, division, and the constant hurt. I worry that the weight of it all could eventually pull me back into depression.

At my core, I’m just a woman who wants peace. I want to laugh with my neighbors, love people as they are, and feel a sense of safety for my family and friends. This isn’t about politics—it’s about humanity. My hope is that you’ll read this with an open heart and take a moment to reflect.

The other day, my husband donated blood at the Red Cross. He’s type O negative, which means his blood can help anyone—regardless of race, religion, politics, gender, or background. When he came home, I was crying after watching the news. I told him I was grieving for the future, for the violence and dehumanization I see happening in our country.

Then it struck me: if someone who once insulted him for his beliefs needed a transfusion, would they refuse his blood? Of course not. In that moment, his humanity would matter more than their differences. Imagine if we treated each other’s ideas and perspectives with the same openness we give to life-saving blood.

So, what does it mean to be open-minded? Psychologists describe it as being receptive to new ideas, willing to consider perspectives beyond your own, and showing empathy even when you disagree.

Open-minded people:

· Stay curious about new ideas and experiences

· Hold strong beliefs but still respect others

· Show empathy for different perspectives

Closed-minded people:

· Dismiss ideas that don’t match their own

· Think rigidly and refuse to consider alternatives

· Overlook or minimize others’ feelings

Even if you see yourself as open-minded, chances are there are topics where you dig in your heels. That’s normal. Having convictions doesn’t mean you can’t also be open. True open-mindedness means being willing to pause, listen, and even admit when you’re wrong.

One of the biggest barriers to open-mindedness is confirmation bias—our tendency to notice and believe the information that supports what we already think, while ignoring or dismissing the information that challenges us.

You see it in the news all the time. If we already like a political candidate, we’re more likely to believe positive stories about them and dismiss the negative ones—even if the evidence is weak. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has even warned that foreign actors manipulate our media.  In my opinion this is to stir up division. When you add in money and greed, it’s easy to see how the truth can get twisted.

The problem is, many of us stick to one or two preferred news sources and never look outside of them. Fact checking through unbiased sources is so important. Otherwise, it’s like telling someone who’s never seen the sky that it’s green—they might just believe it unless they look for themselves. Personally, I like using AllSides.com because it shows perspectives from across the spectrum.

But confirmation bias doesn’t stop with the news. It shows up in our friendships, relationships, and even in decisions about jobs or investments. We naturally gravitate toward people who think like us, which can create echo chambers where our views are never challenged. That might feel safe, but it can also lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities.

So how do we fight back? Experts suggest:

· Be aware of your own biases and how they might shape your decisions

· Look at all the evidence, not just what supports your view

· Seek out perspectives that are different from your own

· Be willing to change your mind when new facts come to light

The truth is, none of us are immune to confirmation bias. Even if we think we’re open-minded, it still creeps in. But just knowing it exists can help us catch ourselves. Continued on page 5

When I became a Certified Peer Specialist, I met people from all kinds of backgrounds—people with different hopes, dreams, and beliefs. Some had been discriminated against, others hadn’t. What I learned was this: most everyone experiences pain, and most everyone is capable of love. I believe much of the trauma in our world comes from fear and hurt. And the only way to heal that is through acceptance and compassion.

That means listening with patience, not rushing to judgment. Giving others the same grace we’d want for ourselves. There’s a Pink Floyd song called Keep Talking that comes to mind—it’s about the power of communication, and I think it fitting in regard to this topic.

I would like to challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. It might feel scary, but that’s often where wisdom lives. Try to truly listen, even when it’s uncomfortable. More often than not, you’ll find that beneath anger is fear, and beneath fear is hurt.

People of every race, belief, and background have sacrificed for this country. Let’s honor them by being informed, by having constructive conversations, and by keeping our minds open. If we can accept each other’s blood to save a life, why can’t we accept each other’s voices to build a better one.

I know I’ll never walk in anyone else’s shoes, and no one can walk in mine. That’s why I choose not to judge. Honestly, it’s a relief—I have enough to carry without adding that burden. Instead, I’d rather spend my energy on being the best human I can be.

The space between beliefs is where humanity lives—let’s meet each other there.