A Year of Curiosity
Girls, it’s the new year and many of us will feel more anchored as we consciously return to a journey of self-improvement and setting goals to enhance our lives.
Among the myriad of habits one can adopt for personal growth, cultivating curiosity is a powerful and transformative practice, especially when purposefully seeking out new beginnings. This mindful habit stimulates our growth and fosters a positive mindset, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching new year.
Sisters, don’t believe the saying that “curiosity killed the cat.” Au contraire mes amies. Curiosity is an innate human quality that propels us to explore, learn, and discover. It is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and personal development. By deliberately embracing curiosity as a habit, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities and pave the way for continuous learning and growth. According to world-renowned teacher Dr Jon Kabat-Zin (Professor emeritus of medicine and founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic - a mouthful we know), cultivating curiosity in mindfulness involves approaching our experiences with an open and non-judgmental awareness. Instead of reacting automatically, we can learn to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations with a sense of curiosity and exploration. This curiosity opens the door to greater understanding, self-awareness, and a more profound connection with the present moment. It’s as simple as asking yourself, “Whoa, what am I feeling? Where am I feeling it in my body? Why am I feeling this way?” What a great way to understand yourself a bit better.
At the start of a new year, curiosity serves as a beacon guiding us through uncharted territories. It encourages us to question the status quo, challenge assumptions about our worldview, and seek understanding in areas we may have overlooked. How many times does a sudden thought pop into your mind about a conversation you may have had? You have this niggly feeling that maybe, just maybe, whoever you were talking to has a point. That’s a good thing. You see, the point of a difference in perspective is not to prove one another right or wrong but to give you various lenses to have a better understanding of a situation to make a more informed decision about yourself or your actions. This deliberate inquisitiveness promotes a proactive approach to life, steering us away from complacency and encouraging a mindset of constant improvement.
Moreover, curiosity fosters resilience (breathe through the word because many of us may be asking ourselves how much more resilient we need to be) in the face of challenges.
Instead of viewing obstacles as roadblocks, curious individuals approach them as opportunities for learning and adaptation. This mindset shift enhances problem-solving skills and contributes to emotional well-being as the focus shifts from frustration to exploration.
Cultivating curiosity also enriches our relationships. Yes, to enriching relationships. By showing genuine interest in others' perspectives, we build stronger connections and foster a culture of open communication. In a world that can often be divisive, curiosity becomes a bridge, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse backgrounds and opinions. This is how we create safe spaces. This is how we find safe spaces too.
Practising curiosity in daily life can be as simple as dedicating time to explore new topics, read diverse literature, or engage in thought-provoking conversations. Embracing a curious mindset also involves:
Acknowledging and challenging personal biases.
Remaining open to different viewpoints.
Being receptive to learning from every experience.
Let curiosity be our guiding light as we embark on a new year, sisters. By nurturing this mindful habit, we not only embark on a journey of self-discovery but also contribute to a more vibrant, interconnected, and fulfilling world. So, let curiosity be the compass that steers us towards a year of growth, resilience, and boundless possibilities. Let it be said that "curiosity pushed the cat beyond its self-limiting beliefs."