Curiosity requires self awareness and noticing what is happening in any given moment. It involves letting go of fixed ideas and opening up to new possibilities and understandings about ones self and the nature of existence. It is relatively easy to be curious about the aspects of life that inspire us, bring us joy and ignite our passions. The invitation is also to be curious about that which causes us pain, discomfort and apparent suffering. For instance if I feel angry, can I notice what happens in my body, what are my triggers, is there a root cause underlying the angry feelings? and so on.
Our views of the world can become quite static. The perspectives we hold are influenced by a variety of filters that we see through, these develop over time, as a result of social conditioning and previous experiences. It's awesome when we can recognise these filters and see things from a new perspective. Let me give you an example of someone whose father left when they were young and now they (usually subconsciously) expect that all men will leave and abandon them. This may be a real experience for them though it is not necessarily true.
Curiosity invites us to think outside of the box and challenge our habitual ways of thinking. It is a driving force for learning, development and change. When we become curious about something it encourages us to let go of any certainty and absolutes we may hold and be open to new alternatives. In the example above of the person who expected to be abandoned by men, becoming curious opens to the possibility that perhaps some men do stay and even if they do leave, that's okay. She can look for alternatives to her currently held beliefs and open to new opportunities. Perhaps she can uncover the root cause of her belief system and heal aspects of the trauma that she experienced as a child.
“Enjoy every step you take. If you're curious, there is always something new to be discovered in the backdrop of your daily life.” Roy T. Bennett
Using curiosity to gain insight
Being curious about the situations we find ourselves in helps to remove any extra energy from a situation. It means we no longer need to change it or fix it or blame something or someone. From this perspective there are no mistakes, just opportunities to learn and grow. It enables us to accept things exactly as they are and explore why we may have drawn these circumstances into our lives. It encourages acceptance, though not blind acceptance of anything goes. Rather an acceptance that this is how things are, along with a curiosity as to what are the next steps to take, where do we go from here? From the place of curiosity and wonder we may gain insight into why we feel as we do and find ways to move forward.
Continual Process of Enquiry
A continual process of enquiry encourages us to live our truth and find increasing joy and freedom in our lives. Open of Openhand uses the phrase "constant conscious choice" in relation to how we meet situations and choices that arise in our lives. Making constant conscious choices encourages us to remain aware and watchful of the choices that present to us and choose from the most aligned place.
“What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything.” Laurence Sterne
Wonder and magic
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day." Albert Einstein
With love and blessings, Fiona