The state of openness !

The first two photos of flowers in this post are open but the centre of the flowers are covered. 

All the other flowers are fully open giving a full view of the inside of the flowers. There is a full self disclosure in these flowers. They are so open that there is nothing more hidden.

The state of openness can be partial or full 

We can remain covered by the external with no further access to be known any further. Or we can gradually grow to be open that our true self is made known as we really are inside !

That is a form of self disclosure whereby we live transparently integrating our words and deeds. 

It is when we discover more of ourselves and feel familiar with the innermost canvas of our being, we feel comfortable to reveal our true self!

Some of us live hidden even to our spouses and children! Some hide themselves for fear of being discovered. Some others live dichotomously being one person externally but different inwardly. Some others are like the latter group of flowers who live openly in full self disclosure! 

A human life is potentially like a flower which has enormous richness of colours, charm and fragrance. The sight of flowers makes an artist to paint, a poet to compose poetry, an environmentalist inspired to conserve and bees to come to them for nectar. The fully open flowers feed into the lives of others different messages of inspiration and movement !

We make ourselves known to others through our being and doing! That is one level of self disclosure. 

The other level of self disclosure is openness to receive others as they are. Most people with whom we live and relate are different from us in many ways. The differences can divide, separate or distance us from others. We see a lot of it in the public space. 

The nation of Singapore is often quoted as a nation of people who live in openness towards each other. The Singaporean nationality is composed of four categories of people of different ethnic origin: Chinese (74-76%), Malay (13-15%), Indians (7-9%) and others (1.8-3.2%). The Singaporean nationality is an integration of these ethnic groups. It is historically a nation of fraternal relationships between these ethnic groups. About 40% of the work force in Singapore comes from different countries and they live as non-residents. 

The best example of friendly neighbourhood relationships is seen among Singaporeans, who regard their ethnic diversity as a cultural richness and  strength!  

The key to such a fraternal and cordial relationships is attributed to openness, acceptance and ongoing dialogue to know each other.  True knowledge disarms a person of fear or anxiety! When wellness of each other is an explicit language of communication, there is comfort and peace within, which flows into the public space. The Singaporeans live with a sense of belonging and loyalty to each other.  It is a nation of an outstanding identity of human brotherhood. 

Being open involves a risk of rejection, envy and reaction! That risk did not stop Singaporeans to be open and be accepting of each other!

While visiting the Botanical garden in Singapore once in 1987, I noticed that some regular wakers in the garden and a cloth bag with them, into which they gathered anything on the pavement and footpath which had to be put in the trash box. They lived responsibly keeping the common good in mind. Anna while visiting Singapore on another occasion observed how people behaved towards each other respectfully and regardfully! 

The natural way of the flowers is to be open! The natural way of human behaviour is to be open!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)