It certainly is a beautiful paradox that having no opinion frees the mind

This is the case for several reasons. Firstly, when we absolve ourselves of negative opinion, on any given subject, we stop reinforcing our biased or prejudiced beliefs. Secondly, when we genuinely have no opinion, and there is no associated thinking beyond this point, we stop the thinking process. You might now ask: ‘Why would I want to stop thinking?’

Thinking is the precursor to emotions and actions

If we’ve freed ourselves of having strong negative opinions, it naturally follows that we’ll be calmer, individuals. Allow me to give you an example. Just recently someone approached me waving a newspaper in his hand, angrily exclaiming, how all jihadist brides should be shot. He then asked me what my opinion was. My response, as you might have already guessed, was to say: ‘I have no opinion.’ Having no opinion (and no related afterthoughts) has left me feeling neutral toward the subject of jihadist brides.

What would having an opinion achieve?

Forming an opinion would be based on the information to hand. This would have been garnered through the British media, and provided they’d done their job right, it would no doubt have created an emotional response. It’s highly unlikely the emotion generated would have been a positive one. So in this respect, opinion, would have achieve nothing of any benefit at all, to me as an individual.

Opinion is driven by ego

Once we have command of our ego, and no longer need to outbid or agree with anyone else’s point of view, all is well. Our point of view or opinion is driven by the need to play games of the fragile ego. In the process of this, we create all kinds of ripples and disruption, within our own minds. If we want to remain calm (or find calmness) we must stop the negatives from forming in the first place.

Purge yourself of negative beliefs

Opinions are based on either our beliefs or those of others. In the example above, our opinion, would have been based on the information supplied by the media. Something to be avoided. It is important to remember that our beliefs are very rarely formed through having all the relevant, factual information, to hand. Often our beliefs, and those of others, are proved to be incorrect. Sometimes they’re damn right harmful.

Opinions build and reinforce beliefs that may have originated in the imagination of a journalist. Journalists are working to a script as much as the rest of us are, and as such, caution is advised. Above all, avoid forming opinions that are based on the negative beliefs, of others. They limit you.

If you would like to learn more about beliefs (in particular core beliefs) you will find many additional posts that make reference to this. Also, if you’re currently studying, with an interest is in the psychology of beliefs, taking a look at the discipline of GOLD Counselling: Analytical and Creative Transformation, will prove extremely beneficial.