Sometimes I wish I could forget for a while all the things I know or all the beliefs I am usually willing to fight for. I wish I always had this magic trick at hand to get out of my cozy corner of knowledge and experience, to explore with an unbiased eye what is next to me, and to curiously explore new perspectives on the world and the people around me. Every time I manage to free myself and put myself in that mental and physical state of curiosity, I experience awe and wonder – like a child who sees the world as an exciting mystery to be discovered. Then, when I return to my safe and comfortable default brain state of „I know it – I’ve seen it before – so it will be…“, it feels like coming home – with enhanced vision.
In fact, it is possible to cultivate this growth experience in our daily lives!!! The difficulty is that the execution is not as easy as it may seem. Which state do you normally choose? Being in the „knowing“ or being in the „unknown“?
Curiosity has to do with our willingness to embrace uncertainty. Being uncertain takes away a lot of our security. To act in the uncertain requires a good handling of our own vulnerability. Curiosity therefore always goes hand in hand with blocking feelings such as fear or shame. However, if you want to grow beyond your previous experiences and cultivate your curious view of what surrounds you, it helps to:
- train your brain (am I open or fixed?),
- be aware of your body state (am I safe or alarmed),
- observe and counteract cognitive blocks such as judgmental perception in yourself,
- let novelty and discovery flow into your interactions,
- actively share your fears with others.
It’s hard work to surprise yourself with your own wonders. And it’s worth it!
