Curiosity

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Are there things you would like to explore or learn more about, but something about doing that feels dangerous or unapproved?

Did you grow up hearing "curiosity killed the cat" and it planted a seed that you should play it safe? (I researched that idiom a bit and found something interesting. See the * paragraph below...spoiler, the cat didn't die from exploring something new.)

Here is what we know about curious minds:

  • they are more empathetic and compassionate toward others

  • increased willingness to experiment and explore

  • they are better problem solvers, much quicker to innovate solutions

  • increased resiliency and feeling okay about facing the unknown

  • are more likely to find God's calling in their lives

  • greater humility, realizing they don't know all of the answers

  • run more successful businesses (some Harvard Business Review data here)

  • have higher survival rates and longer lives (so much for the curious cat!)

  • are more attractive to others - they are less argumentative, better listeners, open to new perspectives, and more willing to try new things - all very attractive traits

Dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, releases in your brain when you discover something new. Being curious triggers endorphins. People who approach life with curiosity have more fun and report a greater sense of well-being in their lives.

What if you woke up every day and chose something to be curious about? How much better would you feel about getting out of bed?

Wouldn't it be fun if instead of greeting one another with the trope, "how are you?" we asked, "what are you curious about right now?" Think of the great conversations that could lead to!

What are you curious about right now?

  • a new hobby

  • a place you want to visit

  • something to study

  • a religion

  • an art form

  • a DIY project

  • a genre of music

  • historical eras

  • political topics

  • animal species

  • how something works

  • what dreams mean

  • the list can go on and on

Children are great models for us in developing curiosity. Watch a child explore the world, uncover things, and ask "why?" Follow their lead. Maybe this was what Jesus was getting at with multiple teachings on the mind of a child.

Get curious. Explore. Expand.

Everything in nature is wired to grow. You are too. Grow your mind by exploring something new.

What do you want to know more about? Go there. Do that. Learn.

Einstein said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Let's all become passionately curious this week and see what happens.

If astrology, numerology, or angels and spirit guides are on your list, join the Compassion Fix Community now. We are exploring these topics and finding God in it all. Join us in this safe, non-judgemental, encouraging group and open to the curiosity of wonder.

Sending you lots of love as you explore the world,
Ginger

 

* "Curiosity killed the cat" is an idiom dating back over 300 years with links to Shakespeare, Irish proverbs, and American newsprint. Legend has it that curiosity didn't end well for the cat. But, like always, there is more to the story. "Curiosity" in this context of old wisdom meant not to worry about other people's affairs. Instructing us away from modern-day gossip. The full adage is "curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." Take that for what you will. And don't let this silly phrase stop you from being curious!