Are you one of those people in a tizzy over what it is you’re supposed to do with your life (a.k.a almost everybody)? Many talk about this eternal question in terms of “passion.” But “what’s that?” our minds ask? Like love, passion is a difficult thing for the mind to understand. To bridge this gap, I offer the much maligned concept of curiosity. You know, that nosey compulsion that’s supposedly ended in many a feline fatality. Don’t let a baseless, fear-driven fable cheat you out of an incredibly valuable tool for unearthing passion. Chill out and embrace the question, “What are you curious about?” With the opposite of curiosity being disinterest, you can see how quickly the things you spend your time doing start to gravitate under one column or the other.
Familial expectations, peer pressure and, of course, the mind-spinning Media can do a convincing job of making us think we want to take part in something that we actually don’t. For instance, the flurry of entertainment and “news” shows we’re bombarded with would suggest that being an actor/celebrity is where it’s at. But are you truly and deeply curious about Meisner technique, political punditry or perhaps being so despicable that you’re famous? If yes, go forth and prosper. If no, try being guided more by what feels good rather than what looks, sounds, or pays good.
It’s hard to feign curiosity because it bubbles from within and, if you’re honest in your assessment of it, you can harness this pure energy and ride it off into a sunset overflowing with purpose and meaning. Meow…
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#1 by Loretta Joan Gooding on March 25, 2010 - 7:04 am
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Freedom always involves two things-what we’ve been set free from and what we’ve been set free for.
Adolescent freedom asks only, What am I free from? Mature freedom asks also, What am I free for?
Mature freedom realizes not only freedom from others’ opinions, but also concern for the “weak.” Mature freedom enjoys liberty but feels no need to prove it.
Adolescent freedom asks only, Is it forbidden? Mature freedom asks also, Is it helpful?
Meow…=)
#2 by David Sonatore on March 25, 2010 - 2:28 pm
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“What we’ve been set free for.” Brilliant! Reminds me of the coaching question, “How can I serve.” There’s tremendous liberation at the other side of these questions.
#3 by Stephanie Karp on August 6, 2010 - 6:25 pm
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David, I just re-discovered your site and this entry hit home with me. This is a fascinating way for me to think about this often thought about question. Curiosity. It feels more manageable to ponder how I can best serve others when I think about what has in the past and still continues to pique my interest when no one is judging. Thanks Dave
Steph Karp
#4 by David Sonatore on August 6, 2010 - 8:08 pm
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Oh the things we’d do/be/see if no one were judging. Rumi said of judgment that, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” Hope we can all get there Steph…