Curiosity and Connection

Nowadays, Americans are more and more aware of our differences. From religion to economic status, it's easy to separate and group ourselves based on backgrounds and perspectives. However, democracy thrives on diversity in thought and experience.

So we're faced with crucial questions: how can we navigate these differences while remaining a united country, and how can we ensure these differences don't lead to ruin? In other words, how can we coexist harmoniously?

To respond to this question during immense polarization, we must first begin on a self-reflective journey. We must dive deeper into how we've formed our own opinions, values, and perspectives. This isn't always easy — examining our judgments and assumptions requires openness and keenness to confront uncomfortable truths.

By fostering a sense of curiosity within ourselves, we can begin to understand the people around us. Making space for a multitude of viewpoints is what helps build a strong democracy — one that embraces diversity in how we think, dress, and teach. Practicing citizenship requires us to interact with people who are both similar and different from us, to lean into opportunities to understand how we relate to them, and vice versa.

Ultimately, if citizenship is about actively exploring the question, "How shall we be together," we must begin with knowing how we each are part of that 'we.' Leading with a heart of curiosity and connection is key to building civic empathy.

Your task this month

Build habits of curiosity and connection — first with yourself, and then with others.

Get curious about how you see the world. How did my opinions form? What do I pay attention to, and what am I missing? Where might my assumptions and judgments prevent me from connecting with others?

Invite curiosity with those around you, whether through casual conversation or through an organization whose mission is to nurture this kind of activity.

Create a culture — no matter how small — where this practice of reflection and connection becomes the norm.

Resources for committing to curiosity

Three ways to develop your skills to cultivate a culture of connection

1. A Call to Connection: Rediscovering the Transformative Power of Relationships - Einhorn Collaborative developed “A Call to Connection” in an effort to help leaders in multiple sectors better understand how vital human connection is to effectively addressing the challenges of our time. Their findings are echoed and enriched by wisdom teachings and cultural practices going back thousands of years.

2. Bridging Differences Playbook: Learn research-based strategies to promote positive dialogue and understanding - Bridge Builders close the psychological gaps between Us and Them, encouraging others — and themselves — to recognize that their differences don’t need to define or divide them and that they can disagree with someone without dehumanizing them. This playbook from The Greater Good Science Center helps you be a bridge builder.

3. SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change The World - written by @scottshigeoka, SEEK will show you how to practice deep curiosity through my signature four-phase “DIVE” model—Detach, Intend, Value, Embrace—so you can build the courage to be transformed by the people, places, and experiences you encounter.

Learn more about the Spark Citizenship project →