This week: Choose Curiosity Edited by: Sophy New Year  
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Hi, I'm Sophy New Year ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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Choosing curiosity over judgment as a spiritual practice offers endless possibilities – imagine if curiosity was our go-to response instead of judging? I can certainly be quick to judge someone else based on any number of factors – lately it happens most often regarding politics. But I can also respond with knee-jerk judgment based on where someone lives, what music they like, how they dress, and how they feel about dogs.
But lately I’ve been working on choosing curiosity over judgment as my initial response to someone with whom I may disagree or have little in common – and it’s been an interesting, if not challenging exercise. For instance – my curiosity about my family tree has led to all sorts of information about my ancestors. Some of the most meaningful discoveries are not about my 8th great grandfather who immigrated from England in the early 17th Century, though that is certainly fascinating stuff. But my curiosity has also led me to understand both of my grandmothers, whom I judged somewhat harshly based on my relationship with them, in a new light based on their own family history.
Curiosity as spiritual practice can certainly go beyond family connections. Because we are in the midst of another election season here in the US, it’s easy to get dragged into debates about politics and political candidates. So I’ve been trying a little harder to respond differently. Instead of reacting with instant judgment and derision when someone expresses a view opposite of mine about a candidate or an issue I care about, if it is possible to do so I try to ask questions and find out where they are coming from, as opposed to arguing with them, or just shutting down and walking away.
Michel Foucault, (The Masked Philosopher) writes: “Curiosity is a vice that has been stigmatized in turn by Christianity, by philosophy, and even by a certain conception of science. Curiosity [is seen as] futility. The word, however, pleases me. To me it suggests something altogether different: it evokes ‘concern’; it evokes the care one takes for what exists and could exist; a readiness to find strange and singular what surrounds us; a certain relentlessness to break up our familiarities and to regard otherwise the same things; a fervor to grasp what is happening and what passes; a casualness in regard to the traditional hierarchies of the important and the essential.”
"Curiosity evokes concern – it evokes the care one takes for what exists and what could exist" – I love that. Taking time to reflect and choose our response rather than reacting, well it is not easy. It is work to be sure, spiritual work, a creative process that focuses on potential and possibility, connects us to inner wisdom, allows the spirit to move freely, and grows empathy and connection to others. In nearly any situation we can choose between being curious or judgmental. For example: Someone says something or posts an opinion on social media with which you disagree. You might argue or judge her and write her off as foolish, or you might ask a few questions, such as genuinely inquiring what beliefs or life experiences led her to those conclusions. If you choose curiosity, you might learn a new perspective, or experience empathy, or practice respectfully disagreeing with someone. Or you might even change someone’s mind – something judgment rarely accomplishes.
Sandra Possing writes, “When you’re curious, you forget to be afraid. When you’re curious, you’re less attached to your ego and getting things right. When you’re curious, you’re open to new ideas and possibilities.” [The opposite of this sort of curiosity is judging.] “When you default to judging things, you contract. You shut yourself off to the limitless possibilities all around you. It may feel good temporarily, because it makes you feel superior, which feeds the ego. But, in the long run it just breeds negativity.”
Curiosity is open, kind, and leads to more accurate conclusions. Judgment is the easy way, but can be so triggering, and tends to lead us astray. How do we save our world? Maybe it all starts with curiosity – with kindness, acceptance, love. Maybe we can begin to save ourselves and our world when we can release judgment and open up to curiosity. Ask questions. Seek alternative possibilities. Assume positive intent.
Where could you let go of judgment and replace it with curiosity this week? |
Below you'll find some spiritual offerings from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review. If you have something you would like me to highlight, please do share it with me, thanks!
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Here is a response to my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (October 16, 2019)" about "Mindful Maintenance:"
From shepherd46
This a short but very good piece! I like how you describe the good and bad of life; clearly the bad, at present, is taking the lead. However, God promises His help and love, no matter how bad it becomes on this earth. God requires us to love, trust and obey. It is not always easy but it is His way; for He is the Creator.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and beliefs. 
      
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! Sophy New Year |
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Spiritual: November 13, 2019 Issue [#9864]
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