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The Spiritual Practice of Being Curious

November 26, 2019 By Jean Wise

Being curious

“Be curious”

This phrase was advised by a speaker I heard a few weeks ago in her talk about learning to observe ourselves – our behaviors, our patterns, our self – talk.

“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.“

The Spiritual Practice of Being Curious

What a wonderful trait/skill to develop.  I would rather respond with curiosity, then with shame and anger any day!

  • Being curious allows us to be more objective in viewing our responses in our thinking, doing and feeling.
  • Being curious shines the light on patterns and to give name to what we experience.
  • Being curious gives us the space to step back to study, to learn and to ask questions.
  • Being curious reveals options to our behavior and thoughts we never realized before.
  • Being curious gives us hope.
  • Being curious invites God to open our hearts to see our true self through God’s creative love.
  • Being curious works not only in our spiritual inner work but at all intersections with others and the world.

Phillip Gulley wrote in this article,  “Every spiritual alive person I’ve ever known is curious.”  His reflection on curiosity is interesting.

Need more reasons to cultivate being curious?  Here are a few from this article:  Curious people report higher levels of life satisfaction, are more creative and are better in remaining calm.

Being curious can be holy.

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

I like that term – holy curiosity.

I wonder if God first experience holy curiosity when he decided to create the world out of nothing.  “I wonder what would happen if in the next seven days I started with light, then added…”

Are we nurturing a holy curiosity about the Lord as we study God’s Word to know Him better?

Can holy curiosity lead us to love and accept those different from us when we ask questions, get to know them instead of so quickly rushing to judgment and voicing our opinions?

Holy curiosity leads to wisdom.

This practice helps us be more childlike in our wonder as I wrote in this past post from 2010!

Practicing this Practice

I am going to practice being curious more often.

  • Less judging, more wondering.
  • Less jumping to conclusions and more listening and asking questions.
  • Less criticism, and more wonder, awe and beholding the marvel of life.

What do you think about being curious? How would this practice bring you closer to God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. Lisa notes says

    November 26, 2019 at 8:37 pm

    I love this holy curiosity concept, Jean. Curiosity is such a better approach to each other instead of judgment! I want to remember this.

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving, friend!

    • blankJean Wise says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Isn’t this a wonderful twist on how to see things? One I am practicing. Hope you have a delightful holiday!!

  2. blankNancy Ruegg says

    November 26, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Oh, my goodness. I thought I invented the phrase, holy curiosity! I’ve prayed over the years for many unbelieving loved ones, that God instill a holy curiosity in their spirits so they will CRAVE to know the truth about Him and His Son. And here Albert Einstein invented the phrase! At least I’m in good company–LOL! I’m CURIOUS to read that article by Phillip Gulley. (BTW, are you familiar with his book series set in fictitious Harmony, Indiana? Delightful reading!) I think curiosity adds vibrancy to life, especially curiosity about God and His Word. Thank you, Jean, for highlighting a concept we don’t often (if ever) connect to our spiritual lives!

    • blankJean Wise says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Love your prayer, Nancy. Oh yes I have read his fictional books. so good!!

  3. blankMartha J Orlando says

    November 26, 2019 at 9:34 am

    I never thought about curiosity in this way, Jean, but you have described it in all its potential to bring us closer to God. I love that!
    Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Isn’t this a great way to resee our life instead of so much self judgment? Hope you had a delightful holiday

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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