Dearest Amon,

One of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves is an openness – both an open mind and heart – to cultivate in ourselves the willingness to see the world through the eyes of others.  Other genders, races, cultures, orientations of all kinds.  Too often the greatest battles and the smallest feuds begin with a hard lined view of what is right or wrong according to our own world-view.  When we take the time to soften the edges of our belief systems, we can we begin to make out the fuzzy-lined edges of a new reality.  A different reality.  Someone else’s reality.  Not right or wrong.  Just different from ours.

Going through life without bias or judgement is nearly impossible.  Our beliefs and even values come from our unique walkabout.  The benefit of being firm in our convictions is a strength of knowing our way.   But life will toss you into the air and you may not always land on your feet.   Sometimes we land on our heads, where everything is upside down.  In these times, it’s best we soften our view and look at the world through another lens.    And being open to other cultures, religions, and perspectives will be a tremendous asset.   So too will a willingness to stop and try to imagine what the world is life for the other people you encounter.  Because you can be sure, it’s not the same as yours.

So travel the world.  The one outside your country and the outside yourself.  And always employ curiosity as you observe the ways others live.  Take those lessons into your own life and use them to be a better man.

Love, Dad