Embracing the accepting/ criticising conundrum

A common theme in my readings thus far:

• Open your mind to what's in front of you. Drop judgments and conventional lessons in questioning.

AND

• Question it all, dammit.
  

To literally go from one reading espousing one of these things to the next is a comical experience. Just as one author has convinced me to be open, just as I nod my head in appreciation of their brilliance, I delve into the waters of a a view telling me to be as critical as possible.

This leads me to wonder: is there a synthesis of these two things that seem rather divergent? Can I be open to ideas, experiences, precious moments in my life, while also exercising a level of questioning that is appropriate to maintain the freedoms I hold dear? Is this even the point of criticism-- to keep my eyes open through questions? To protect myself by distancing myself from the material through doubt?

Or should I approach this the other way: to doubt, and then when I accept the information at hand, give it a big old bear hug?