Introduction
Hello everyone, I’m Greg. You know, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us. In 1999, when I was only 21, I had a stroke and was paralysed down my right side. A physiotherapist warned me that without proper care, my hand might become permanently clenched—what he termed a “club arm.” I took one look at her and decide this wasn’t going to happen! That moment marked the beginning of not just my physical recovery, but also a deep, encompassing journey towards overall well-being. And that journey is one I will be on for the rest of my life.
I’ve made a remarkable recovery since then. But as I started to dig deeper, meditating on mindfulness and self-reflection, I realised there were many other ‘club arms’ in my life—rigid thoughts, dogmas, or fears that restricted me. So, I decided to go on a quest to live my life with “Open Hands”—in a literal as well as metaphorical sense.
The Open Hands Program: Pursuing Wholeness
From my experiences, I developed the Open Hands program. It’s anchored around five pillars or modules: Wholeness, Enoughness, Beauty, Forgiveness, and ‘Of Love.’ Briefly, these are
Wholeness
Being whole means acknowledging and embracing all facets of yourself. This module promotes self-acceptance and helps you appreciate your complexities without seeking unattainable perfection.
Enoughness
Here, we explore our inherent worthiness. The revolutionary idea that “you are enough” runs counter to societal narratives, which constantly push us to be more, have more, and do more.
Beauty
Beauty is deeper than skin; it’s about appreciating the innate grace in ourselves and the world around us. Recognizing this beauty enriches our lives and mental well-being.
Forgiveness
Holding onto grudges is self-destructive. Forgiveness liberates you from the chains of resentment and anger, promoting internal peace.
Of Love
Love encapsulates all the other modules. It is about giving and receiving unconditionally, transcending judgments, and embracing humanity.
The Role of Ego
So, why is it difficult to embrace these modules in our daily lives? The culprit is often our ego. It thrives on control and the illusion of certainty. Living with Open Hands requires vulnerability, something the ego is notoriously uncomfortable with. It tightens its grip around our preconceived ideas and biases, restricting us from growing or experiencing life fully.
Doing Your ‘Exercises’
Recognising our mental ‘club arms’ is the first step to opening up. The challenge is in letting go—loosening our grip on our long-held convictions. This might be uncomfortable at first, but it allows us to live fully, to give, receive, and experience the richness of life.
Final Thoughts
My journey started with the literal act of opening my hand to avoid physical limitations. As the years went by, the idea of “opening hands” took on a richer, more profound meaning, transforming my life in unexpected ways.
Open Hands is not just a personal ethos; it’s an invitation to build bridges across cultural, religious, and societal divides, particularly here in South Africa, where such divisions are deeply rooted.
I aim to be as real and vulnerable as possible in this endeavour. My approach is multi-faceted—spiritual, scientific, and psychological. I’m interested in provoking thought rather than providing easy answers.
If you’re intrigued, let’s chat. After all, the pursuit of wholeness is a communal journey. Visit the Open Hands Website for more details.
Thank you for taking the time to be a part of my journey, and I hope you join me in living life with Open Hands.
Stay open,
Greg