The case for curiosity
It is easy to become preoccupied with all the things we need to do, whether because of obligation or choice.?Our responsibilities can start to feel like burdens.
And so often our modern day obsession with personal productivity blinds us to other more valuable things— like making mistakes, learning from them, and having fun along the way.?
Children have an incredible ability to do all three.?Perhaps it is because they take themselves less seriously and bring a novice’s perspective.?This way of looking at life is sometimes referred to as “beginner's mind.”?The kind of mind that remains open to learning, seeking out varied information, and finding new possibilities.?
Cultivating beginner's mind throughout our adult lives, allows us to approach situations with grace and humour.?The American Poet, Walt Whitman suggests that we should?'be curious, not judgmental.'?These four simple but powerful words remind us to bring a lightness to life, remembering that our days are fleeting.?What value does all our rushing around and supposed efficiency have if we stop being playful??If we lose that spark of wonder that we naturally had as children?
Imagine how much easier it would be if we approach our busiest days with a sense of curiosity instead of dread.?And how much better we could handle our stress if we nurture kindness instead of judgment.?Now what if we extended that attitude to those around us??To our families, friends, co-workers, strangers. Could they be feeling as much stress? Would they appreciate our warmth rather than judgement.?Making the choice to prioritize curiosity and setting an intention to approach life with kindness can have profound ripple effects on those around us.?We may actually get more done, while reducing our collective sense of drudgery.
This kind of mindset requires us to change how we define success on a fundamental level.?It means focusing not just on how much we get done, but also on the quality of mind we bring to getting things done.?It means seeing the deeper lessons we can learn about ourselves and others while completing a task, rather than just the mechanics of seeing it through to the finish line.?In that sense, everything we do, every task we take on, has something deeper to teach us.?If we can remain present with curiosity and kindness, we can embrace each day as the unfolding of the curriculum of life. And maybe even smile a little more through it all.