I was raised with the statement curiosity killed the cat – were you?
Are you curious?
All humans and many non-human animal species are hard-wired to be curious (Panksepp, 1998).
It’s can be fun when a problem or a conflict is present, curiosity keeps us open to learning. Curiosity makes life fascinating because we have no idea what the outcome of our inquiry might be.
To engage curiously is creative and can feel quite amazing. Eleanor Roosevelt described it as “the most useful gift.” But, is curiosity always a gift or does it have a double-edged sword?
Curiosity is an innate desire to solve riddles, want to discover things, wanting to understand. It arouses intrigue, increases options and definitely has a strong positive side, so what about the dark side – when curiosity drives an urge for us to explore things, not in our best interest!
What does this drug do? How fast does this bike go? Why did she leave him? What will happen if I flick the switch?
When I was a child I was incredibly curious this is how I learnt that electric fires have red bars that burn and much more!
The key that opened Pandora’s box was curiosity and all sorts of things popped out!
http://https://youtu.be/lXmHA-XySmk
The ultimate gift of curiosity is hope.
“Curious people have a tendency to recognize and pursue new knowledge and experiences, an open and receptive attitude toward whatever is the target of their attention, and a greater willingness to manage and cope with uncertainty and ambiguity (Kashdan, 2004). To the extent that people engage in these behaviours regularly, they can be expected to explore, discover, and grow in more profound ways than their less curious peers (Kashdan, 2009).” Read more here
Maybe you have a teenager who is engaging in behaviours that are worrying. Perhaps there is a colleague at work who is not pulling their weight? Maybe you are frustrated about something in your life and are not sure what action to take? Staying curious in these situations is not always easy. It sometimes requires a large amount of patience and emotional resilience! However, the rewards are high. When we clarify what motivates and underlies behaviours without labelling, blaming and shaming, we uncover an authentic identity. Within that authentic identity needs and values matter and we are more open to relating with heartfelt connection and intentions to contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Why are you curious?
What’s your intention?
Curiosity requires us to have a level of comfort with uncertainty.
Whilst writing this blog I decided to search curiosity on the internet and found this article which I enjoyed reading and so, to sum up here is a little about What kids say about curiosity written by Kath Murdoch 2012 – enjoy!
What can kids teach us about curiosity?
“I recently spent a fascinating morning with students at a local primary school – asking about a concept that I have been increasingly curious about – curiosity. What did they think it was? Did they think they were curious? How did they know? What about? Was curiosity important? Why? How could teachers encourage more of it? I have read many recent research articles on the subject and was keen to get the children’s ideas. I needn’t have bothered with the articles! The children’s insights not only affirmed this research– they added so much more. Read more
Curiosity is essential in my life.
Are you curious?
Do you have something you want to explore? You can contact me here
I am very curious to know new things. Because my hobby is learning new words or things. And thanks for writing this blog.