The Rebel's Guide to Curiosity: Why You Should Be More Like a Child

Musings from an Artist's Notebook: Curiosity

Welcome back to my series, Musings from an Artist's Notebook! In my previous post, I shared my thoughts on human superiority. Today, I'm excited to dive deeper into the world of curiosity, which I think we can all benefit from so much. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive in!

(Owl, Oil Painting — Original — Available)

The Power of Curiosity

I'll never forget one of the recent paintings I was setting out to create (yes, it is the owl above ^^). I was terrified of making a mess, of ruining the piece, of failing. But something inside me whispered, “What happens if I try this?”

And so I did.

I dipped my brush into the colours, and instead of focussing on the end result I had in mind, I started feeling into the texture and flow of the paint. And you know what? It was exhilarating. I was free to experiment, to make mistakes, to discover new ways of creating.

Curiosity isn't just limited to art, though. It's a mindset that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. It's the willingness to learn, to grow, and to allow for alternative ways of doing things. When we approach life with curiosity, we begin to see the world in all its beauty and complexity, rather than just in black and white.

Benefits and Challenges of Curiosity

The Benefits

So, what are the benefits of curiosity? For me, it's been an absolute game-changer. It's helped me to:

• Develop creative problem-solving skills

• Improve my communication skills by asking more questions and listening more deeply

• Build stronger relationships by being more open and receptive to others' perspectives

• Stay adaptable and resilient in the face of change and uncertainty

The Challenges

Of course, not every experiment yields a masterpiece. Sometimes, like with my ill-fated chocolate-child concoction (0/10 recommend it, but I accept this is a personal preference. 😅) we end up with a disaster. But that's okay. Those “failures” are often the most valuable lessons (like that we don't like chocolate and tomatoes together 😆), teaching us to approach challenges with a sense of humour and humility.

Embracing Curiosity

So, I invite you to join me on this journey of curiosity. Take a moment to ask yourself a question: “What happens if I try something new?” or “What happens if I approach this challenge from a different angle?”

See what happens.

Take a risk.

Make a mistake.

Learn from it.

And remember, it's not about the destination; it's about the explorations on the way.

Tips for Cultivating Curiosity

• Start small: Try something new every day, whether it's a new recipe, a new book, or a new hobby.

• Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're silly or obvious.

• Seek out new experiences: Travel, try new foods, attend concerts and festivals.

• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment.

By embracing curiosity and cultivating it in our daily lives, we can unlock a world of possibilities and discover new ways of creating, learning, and growing.

It is undoubtedly an adventure, and I highly recommend it.

How are you exploring curiosity? Let me know in the comments below. :D

Thank you for reading. Go check out some of my other articles below.