A friend going through a difficult time shared with me that she is choosing to navigate the challenges with curiosity and compassion. That struck me as a very wise approach to most everything that arises in our lives.
Curiosity suspends judgment and allows us to fully engage with the present moment without grasping or rejecting. If we’re curious, we’re open to learning new things, looking at something from a different perspective, and releasing the urge to control. Curiosity quiets fear and invites discovery.
When my mother was dying, she was very honest and matter of fact about the process, which allowed us to have some interesting conversations. In response to my question about how she felt about the prospect of death, she thought for a moment and said that she was curious. I felt so happy for her in that moment. She approached the end of her life calmly and at peace.
Whatever we are facing in our lives, an attitude of curiosity creates spaciousness within which we can experience the situation without struggle and unnecessary suffering.
Adding compassion brings heart energy to the unfolding of our lives. Compassion connects us in the infinite web of creation. Whether we are giving or receiving compassion, we are showered with the grace of universal beneficence. We can learn to touch with compassion anything and everything that arises within the sphere of our experience, blessing it all with loving kindness, especially ourselves.
My friend’s approach has inspired me to adopt this simple mantra for engaging with my life: “With curiosity and compassion.” When I repeat this to myself, I am immediately drawn into relationship with myself, with others, and with my circumstances.
I’m so grateful to my friend for sharing this wisdom with me. May we all be guided by her words.
I like to choose compassion over judgment, and curiosity over fear. ~Tracee Ellis Ross
Both curiosity and compassion mean approaching people with an open heart and aft eyes— not rigidity.
Thank you for this reminder!!
That’s a good point, Laurie, about being fluid and open, not rigid. Thanks for commenting.
I love this — I’ll borrow it as my own mantra
choosing to navigate the challenges with curiosity and compassion.
I like to choose compassion over judgment, and curiosity over fear. ~Tracee Ellis Ross
Yes, borrow away, Esther, especially since I already borrowed it from my friend, who was delighted for me to share it. Thanks for your comment.
I too love this..saving it to re read, as needed. Thanks
You’re welcome, Mary. Glad you like it. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Galen. Good thoughts. Michael Singer says something like it by saying when you are faced with the “Isness” of something or someone, don’t try to fix or fight with it/them (even and especially when it isn’t something we think we want). Instead stay curious. Use your curiosity to explore what is happening on a bigger scale than our small personal interpretation. Learn something and grow. And when doing that, keep our hearts open and receptive (compassion.) Thanks as always for the reminder. ~Kathy
I like that idea of exploring on a bigger scale than our small personal interpretation. That larger perspective helps us detach from our mental narrative and expand our awareness. Thanks for your comment, Kathy.