Our perspective on life is often shaped by our point of view. What we see, hear, and believe may or may not be based on truth or fact. Our point of view also influences how we respond to the world around us.
This is demonstrated by examining why we think one race, religion, or political group is better than another. Some of these points of view have been held for generations.
I remember distinctly, as a child, believing that being a Catholic was the only true religion and the best way to live in heaven after I died. Of course, my mother, who was raised by Catholic parents, passed this belief to me. (Who knows how far back the belief went before my grandparents).
Ernest Holmes referred to this as race consciousness (which doesn’t relate to the different ethnic races). 
As I got older and started exploring the world, I began examining this point of view. Expanding my focus beyond my family, I became more open-minded to alternative perspectives that made more sense than my early teachings.
We go through many changes and learn more perspectives in life that help us see the world differently. Sometimes, we need to learn to actively drown out some narrow-minded points of view!
In today’s world, I have observed that many of us find it easier to cling to these old beliefs, only to the detriment of our lives and communities. For example, who decided that POC (people of color) were less than white Europeans? We are all in the world trying to live our best lives. In-kind, why do we believe that certain religions are better than others — so much so that it was decided that six million Jews deserved to die less than a century ago?
Looking around our country, I see that we have given the people with the most money the right to make decisions for all of us. Once again, this group of people is viewed as deserving of more than others. Why do we continue to fall into these point-of-view traps?
Changing our point of view
I have worked to rid myself of some of these race-conscious viewpoints. One technique I have used is to truly listen to people without trying to judge them or what they say. Reading and studying other cultures and religions is also helpful.
Examining our own private pet beliefs, especially when confronted by another viewpoint, can help us become more open-minded. In today’s world, I feel this is a critical spiritual practice for all of us to engage in! Will you join me in doing the same? We can keep each other accountable!