One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.
Albert Einstein
Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you. We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective personal growth journeys.
Life goes in circles...all aspects of life...expansion, contraction, every part is equal, valued, necessary to be in balance...
The seasonal cycles play a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our moods, energy levels, and overall well-being. The annual and monthly Co-Creative Mandalas have a vibration that anchors, activates specific qualities, and represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at a particular time. The mandalas support aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of the Great Mandala and enhance our sense of connection--within, with each other, and the world.
This time of year marks the opportunity for envisioning the future and for opening to how we want to feel throughout 2024--whatever our goals and intentions are.
This month's mandala is Curiosity.
I trust that 2024 is off to a good start!
Do you remember growing up hearing that ‘curiosity killed the cat’? The saying originated in the 1500's in a play written by Ben Johnson as ‘care killed the cat’. It was later adapted by William Shakespeare in Much Ado About Nothing in an attempt to stop someone asking unwanted questions.
I frequently heard that phrase, along with "little pitchers have big ears"--which confused me for many years because I thought they said little "pictures". But I digress. My parents and other caregivers probably recognized that I was curious by nature (as kids are--it's one of our developmental tasks)--I often wondered off on my own and I asked way too many questions. Their generation was unfamiliar with child development and the importance of kids being curious as a way to make sense of the world. For them, instilling the belief that being curious is dangerous was their way of keeping me safe. And, in all honesty, a way to keep me in line. After all, what kid wants to be responsible for killing cats?
Even so, instilling beliefs about curiosity that kept me quietly in line would prove to be a daunting task for them.
Case in point. I lived on or frequently visited my grandparents' farm when I was growing up. I loved the animals, all the places to explore, following my grandmother around as she completed her chores, and learning about growing things--particularly flowers. There were also other ways to keep me engaged when the grownups were otherwise occupied with farm life. I don't have total recall about the details surrounding the events of one particular day. I likely was exploring all the wonders the farm presented. I do remember I saw quite a stir as I looked on while the grown-ups searched for me, hearing them frantically calling my name. From my vantage point--a few feet above them, perched on the rungs of the windmill ladder--I could see the fear in their eyes when they looked up, hearing my quiet, small voice (imagine a Southern accent) ask: "Ya'll lookin' for somebody?" The expression on their faces conveyed fear, concern, relief...and ultimately, anger. My curiosity may not have killed me (or the cat) that day, but the look in their eyes and their responses put a damper on it--at least temporarily. Thank goodness that constraint wouldn't last long.
And, thank goodness I didn't get hurt that day. Their need to keep me safe was totally understandable. At the same time their responses conveyed subtle, and not so subtle, messages that helped shape my beliefs (both expansive and constricted) about myself and about the world.
Many of us were trained by our family and society to override our feelings and to override our curiosity. Because conditioning is strong, we forget our Wholeness, our intuition, our divine inspiration to learn and grow. And, it's also safer. Even though curiosity continues to add vibrancy to my life there are times I lean into being safe, to "staying in line", to not asking questions, to seeking approval, and forgetting my Wholeness. At the same time, as I've gotten older I sometimes feel like that little girl. I have a hunch that when I climbed up the windmill ladder I had a strong desire to see the world from a new perspective, too see what was "out there". Which I couldn't discover with my feet on the ground.
Fortunately, Wholeness is never completely overshadowed. It's always with us, and always gently calling us to remember. Curiosity reminds us that we can always begin again in any moment. In a way, we're always curious, even if we're not intentionally practicing curiosity. The present moment is always leading us toward stepping into the unknown. Like my child self, I believe the world still seems like a big adventure that offers opportunities for seeing myself, others, and the world through the lens of wonder.
As the world continues to shift and change around us at a rapid rate, helping our children and ourselves foster curiosity opens our mind, opens our heart, and is the first rung on the ladder of activating Wholeness. The power of curiosity gives us access to that innate, insatiable desire to learn more, spark the passion for discovery, be present in the moment, and take risks.
I like that term – "holy curiosity". Wonder comes from our natural curiosity about the grand adventure of life--inner and outer. It's a concept that is connected to our spiritual lives!
As a practice, holy curiosity can lead us to love and accept ourselves, even when our critical voice is louder than self-compassion. I think practicing holy curiosity leads to remembering who we are, the truth of our being. The more we embrace this practice, the more it becomes a way of being in the world that challenges the status quo and opens us to learning--about ourselves, each other, and the world. With deep listening and genuine inquiry we can revive and keep curiosity alive by being present, asking questions about ourselves and each other, and by giving others' questions the respect they deserve.
As Jean Wise says (I wonder if that's her given name or did she adopt it?)
Be curious.
Don’t be judgmental. We tend to criticize ourselves so easily. We get upset that we continue to do what we don’t want to do. Overeat. Gossip. Allow self-doubt, fear, and disappointment to overtake our hearts.
Don’t judge yourself so harshly. Be curious, instead.
When we learn to observe ourselves with compassion – we become more childlike, we cultivate a "beginner's mind", and see our self with wonder and awe. What a wonderful trait/skill to develop. I would rather respond with curiosity, then with shame, guilt, or anger any day!
Being curious also creates more peace and harmony with each other. Wouldn't it be wonderful if, when we encounter people who are different from us, whose words and actions fly in the face of our values and beliefs, we listen, we ask questions, we learn from them, and get to know them instead of quickly rushing to judgment? I'm still working on that!
Curiosity is your super power.
Practicing curiosity:
1. Is a wonder-full twist on how we see ourselves, each other, and the world.
3. Gives us the space to step back study, learn, and grow.
4. Reveals options we never realized before.
5. Opens our heart and mind and increases wisdom.
5. Gives us hope.
Every spiritual person I’ve ever known is curious.
Philip Gulley,
Quaker pastor and author.
In case you need more reasons to cultivate curiosity, here are a few from this Deepak Chopra article: Curious people report higher levels of life satisfaction, are more creative, more resilient, have healthier relationships, and are better at remaining calm when life happens.
Contemporary human potential thought leader & author, Bryant McGill says: Curiosity is one of the great secrets of happiness.
Curiosity might not come to us as naturally now as it once did, so we may have to schedule time to be curious. The more you take time to be curious, the easier it becomes. You’ll start to re-awaken and relearn that curiosity from your childhood and start looking at yourself, others, and the world from a new point of view.
I want to remember this:
Curiosity is such a great way to unlearn what we were taught as kids, "re-see" ourselves, each other, and life. And equally important...Re-imagine a life of possibility, of peace, and potential.
How can you open to more wonder, awe, and appreciation for your marvelous, precious life? How can you make curiosity a regular practice in your daily life?
Here are some curiosity activities for organizational coach to get your started:
So, back to the beginning of this blog: To complete the phrase, “curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back…”
… Satisfy your heart and mind...step into the unknown, look for windmills to climb--even if you're a little nervous!
This Co-Creative Mandala, "Curiosity" from photo of ice crystals (symbolizes innocence) and blue sky (symbolizes trust) is associated with the root, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. It reminds us that the capacity to be curious, delighted, and experience wonder is a gift that enriches life. Just let go. Let go of how you think your life should be. Something incredible is brewing behind the scenes.
Keep some space in your heart for the unimaginable.
Mary Oliver
Curiosity Exercise
Intention:
The real power of the exercise is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, and for remembering your Wholeness. Create a space in your experience into which the energy of Wholeness can emerge.
Why choose to Curiosity?
You haven't now or ever lost your Wholeness...you've simply forgotten.
Activating Wholeness within has special meaning at Co-Creative Mandalas. Our focus, and message, is on offering you support for remembering your Wholeness and coming to a deeper understanding of what is possible for you.
There are many methods, techniques, and teachings that support activating, remembering, awakening to Wholeness. Curiosity, the "beginner's mind", is at the heart of all of them.
It’s fine to be inquisitive for the fun of it. But at another level, we’re called to remember that Curiosity is not game. Well, maybe it’s the greatest game. The one that drives us to constantly become more, for your sake, for the sake of others, and for the sake of the world.
Taking time to be curious doesn’t require a lot of money or resources--but it does require intention. As you take small steps to let your brain explore and ask questions, staying curious will become more natural. It's so important to invest that time in your day to let thoughts form, to be inquisitive, and to have ideas bubble up.
There's a part of you within that knows the truth of your being, who remembers your Wholeness. When you regularly remember the peace of your true nature, no matter how much you forget, you are inherently activating your Wholeness.
Begin and end with compassion. Ironically, it's when we cultivate compassion towards the least "awake" parts of ourselves -- the parts that are the most stuck that the path to Wholeness opens up.
Revealing the heart of your true nature isn't the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. With Curiosity you step into the world, embracing the personal growth you have worked so hard to achieve--with renewed vigor and purpose.
Are you willing to open your heart to your true nature and remember your Wholeness? Then this four part Curiosity exercise is for you!
The Curiosity Exercise:*
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this exercise. You can use this exercise throughout the day and the weeks and months ahead. Remember, as you co-create this exercise, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.
Before you begin the exercise:
There are three parts to this exercise. You'll need paper, pen, pencil, color crayons, colored pencils, and/or a journal. I invite you to write, draw, color, and/or create music that reflects your experiences as you complete each step.
Preparation:
Invest time toward moving into stillness.Create your sacred space. Light a candle. Create an altar that contains items that bring you joy, delight, and peace. Include items that reflect the season--evergreens, pine cones, crystals.
Take a few deep breaths to ground & center.
When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred space. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.
Part 1: Power of Mandala Meditation
Incorporating mandala meditation into your routine gives added support to your Curiosity. Mandalas are sacred geometric patterns that can help focus the mind, induce a sense of calm, and unlock deeper levels of self-awareness.
Step 1: Sit comfortably, read and reflect on the Curiosity mandala, the description, and the message. Let your gaze fall gently on the mandala. Take a few moments to observe its intricate details and patterns. Then, gently close your eyes and bring the image to your mind's eye. As you visualize the mandala, allow your attention to rest on each shape and color, observing, without judgment, any thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise. Use your breath as an anchor, returning to it whenever you find yourself getting distracted. It's okay to feel distracted--simply gently return your focus to your breath and to the mandala.
Step 2: Ask yourself: What message does the mandala have for me? What does it want me to know? How can I incorporate Curiosity into the mandala of my life?
Continue this practice for at least 10 minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.
Step 3: Journal, draw, create music...about any thoughts, feelings, or insights you have.
Part 2: Curiosity Exercise
When it comes to curiosity, we often leave out ourselves. Saint Augustine captured this perfectly when he wrote, “People go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”
We all want to be seen, heard and understood by others. Equally important is to be seen, hear, and understood by ourselves.
Get Curious About Yourself: *
You're invited to get curious and wonder about yourself. Aim your inquisitiveness your way. Do one or both of the parts.
When you go into your interior life, you experience new seeing. You get to know yourself with fresh eyes, opening up to aspects of self you may not have consciously encountered before.
Step 1: Think of and answer questions that get at the heart of who you are.
Examples:
1. What makes me light up with joy?
2. When was/am I most daring?
3. What are qualities I most like about myself? Start with 5--the list will likely expand.
4. How happy am I?
5. How do I nurture myself?
6. When do I remember my Wholeness?
7. What scares me?
Step 2: Journal, draw, create music...about any thoughts, feelings, or insights you have.
Step 3: Second only to your self-inquiry, there’s no better way to get curious about yourself than with the help of an honest and trusted friend. Often, we only see ourselves clearly when looking through the perspective of someone else. This exercise invites you to get curious about how others see you.
Step 3 Directions:
1. Choose from the questions you asked yourself.
2. Then ask out a friend for coffee or invite them to take a walk and ask them how they would answer these questions about you.
3. Sit with and get curious about their answers. Mull them over. Notice how they challenge, open, affirm and/or redirect you.
Over the next days, weeks, and months ahead, be sure to journal about your and your friend's responses. What did you learn about yourself--from your perspective and your friend's perspective? What surprised you? What delighted you?
Part 3: Get Curious About Your Wholeness
Set aside some time each night to get curious about your Wholeness.
Think back on the events of the day and ask the question, “Where was my Wholeness in this day?” or “Where today did I really hear the Wholeness of my life?” It’s a powerful way to see the sacred in your daily life.
Incorporate this practice by ending each day by simply meditating on the questions or taking it to the next level by journaling about them. Either way, explore how this spiritual practice altered your day.
Activating Wholeness--with daily curiosity practices--give us a chance to hear the call of divine inspiration. Curiosity practices meet us as we are, and catalyze remembering our Wholeness.
The goal of curiosity practices is to figure out which question is “yours.” Which question captures the call of your inner voice and what is it trying to get you to notice? Which one contains “your work”? You're invited to set aside regular times to explore other ways to expand or deepen your understanding and practice of curiosity.
Where you inspired by this blog. Let me know your thoughts and feelings in the comments. I'd love it if you could share the link to this blog, as the more of us who get to discover ways to activate our Wholeness, the more joyful the world we create:)
I hope, somewhere in the days, weeks, months and next year, you surprise yourself.
Peace, joy, and curiosity to your seeking heart,
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