So what if curiosity DID kill the cat? BE CURIOUS.
Curiosity killed the cat. I was fixing something in my living room when my daughter's cat jumped down off the chair where he had been quietly snoozing. As he poked his nose into the middle of my task, that old saying came to mind.
And it reminded me once again of how many ways we are trained from childhood to live in boxes. Boxes like, "Don't be curious or you'll end up like that cat."
Imagine that! People have been telling children for an untold number of years to not be curious. I mean, obviously, the child does not want to meet the same fate as the cat, but children are naturally curious. It's who they are and how they learn and grow. So the message is even worse. Don't be you. It's dangerous to be you.
Curiosity is necessary for any kind of forward movement. For any kind of expansion.
Without curiosity, there would be no scientific discovery, technological innovation, art, or music. Curiosity is necessary for learning any new skill. It is the catalyst for exploring the world and for looking for any way we could possibly make our lives better. Curiosity is also required for growth and healing.
When it comes to encouraging my clients to get curious, one of the stories I tell over and over is the story of…
The Ham In The Pot.
Once there was a girl who asked her mother why she always cut the ends off of the ham before placing it in the pot. Her mother said, “I don’t know. That’s what my mother did.” So she asked her grandmother why she did it, and she said, “I don’t know. That’s what my mother did.” She then goes to her great-grandmother and asks why she cut the ends off of the ham. Her great-grandmother laughed and said, “Well, back in the day, I just didn’t have a bigger pot.”
Just like the mother in this story, there are so many things that we do, or believe, for No. Good. Reason.
We do them because that’s just what you do. Because someone told you to or because it made sense or worked for someone else at some other time and we haven't taken the time to question it. Or even to realize that there is something there to be questioned. Because...curiosity killed the cat. Don't question. Don't be curious.
But when we start to get curious and ask questions, we may find there are a million different and valid ways to do or think about something.
I use this story often. It's easy to refer back to something silly like "the ham in the pot" to illustrate a need to question something.
There are so many things that we do and beliefs that we have that keep us trapped in unnecessarily small boxes.
And unless we get curious, we don’t know if the boxes actually make sense. Also, unless we get curious, we often don’t even realize the boxes are even there. And it’s not until we realize the boxes are there that we can discover the many ways to break out of the boxes. The many ways to see things in a new light and experience the excitement of the novel and the unfamiliar. The excitement of new discoveries. The excitement that brings joy to life and advances the world.
Curiosity killed the cat. How many of us have been robbed of our natural curiosity by that and similar teachings? And how many times do we have to hear that as kids before we learn to start fearing curiosity?
And as we start to fear curiosity, we start to decide it’s best not to ask questions, not to try new/unfamiliar things, not to rock the boat (another saying that merits it’s own post), not to challenge what everyone around us seems to believe. Because we don’t want to be the dead cat.
Consider just a few of the benefits of curiosity…
1. Curiosity Cultivates Empathy and Understanding. When individuals are genuinely curious about others, their cultures, and their perspectives, they become more compassionate and tolerant. This open-mindedness promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of global community.
2. Curiosity Supports Emotional Intelligence. Curious individuals are often more willing to tune in to their emotions and the emotions of others. This more flexible response to emotions opens the door to questioning in order to understand what they and others are actually experiencing which also helps in building stronger relationships.
3. Curiosity Encourages Growth Mindset. It encourages us to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. When we approach life with a growth mindset, we become more resilient, determined, and proactive in overcoming obstacles. Our curiosity becomes a driving force to push our boundaries and unlock our untapped potential.
4. Curiosity Inspires Exploration and Adventure. It compels individuals to step outside of their comfort zones, seek new experiences, and discover the world around them. This spirit of exploration not only broadens their horizons but also enriches their lives with meaningful and unforgettable moments.
5. Curiosity Ignites Creativity and Innovation. A curious mind is like a blank canvas, always open to new ideas and possibilities. When we ask questions and explore the unknown, we stimulate our imagination, paving the way for innovative thinking. Curiosity has been the catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries and revolutionary creations. It enables us to think outside the box, connect seemingly unrelated concepts, and come up with original solutions to complex problems.
6. Curiosity Cultivates Adaptability and Resilience. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial for success. Curiosity encourages us to remain flexible and receptive to new ideas, experiences, and technologies. As we embrace change rather than fear it, we become more adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainties. Curious people more quickly adjust to new circumstances and seize opportunities for growth. Challenges are stepping stones, not roadblocks.
Like any good thing, you can have too much curiosity I suppose.
For example, not being able to finish a task because you get curious about some random question that pops into your mind and must immediately consult Google for the answer, which leads you to check your social media of choice, which reminds you that you wanted to. . . and on it goes. However, I think a better word for that would be ADD 😉 . We are currently all being trained to have the attention span of a goldfish. This is a different issue.
Curiosity is a beautiful trait that unlocks the door to personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment. By nurturing our innate curiosity, we become lifelong learners, constantly expanding our horizons and discovering new passions.
Curiosity sparks a sense of adventure, propelling us to explore the unexplored and embrace life's wonders.
Let’s celebrate curiosity as an essential aspect of our humanity, encouraging ourselves and others to
ask questions,
experiment with the unfamiliar,
and consider new possibilities.
By doing so, we unlock the true potential within us and embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and fulfillment. So, let your curiosity propel you to unlock the mysteries of the world that await your exploration.
And while you're at it, thank a cat for courageously paving the way.
If you’re curious about working with me as your Coach or Emotion Code / Body Code Practitioner, you can find my contact info here. Or just schedule an appointment and we’ll jump right in.
If you’re curious about working with me as a licensed therapist where you can experience both Emotion Code / Body Code and EMDR (you must be physically located in Ohio, Kentucky, or Florida, USA), please visit my therapy website JessicaCampbellOnline.com.