Curious?

“How do I have better conversations?” the young missionary asked.

In response I said, “Be curious!”

We then roleplayed several conversations, restating and rephrasing words spoken, then asking further questions, by being 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔.

It was enlightening as we explored questions together.

Children tend to have it in abundance.

Curiosity has to be a personal practice.

Curiosity allows us to find out about another person’s reality, their views and their perspective.

Its easier said than done, but it takes humility and meekness, to escape the trap of thinking/feeling of “being right” at times, and see beyond our own thoughts.

To be really curious you need to see beyond what you think you know and become much more fascinated by the way others see things.

Consider every conversation as an opportunity to learn something new.

Curiosity requires that you become genuinely super interested in what the other person is thinking and saying.

It is important to slow down, be very present and take time to ask questions, listen and observe.

And you also need to suspend any judgements that you may be tempted to make!

Be inquisitive.

Ask others their opinions, their perspectives, and their approaches to certain things.

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein.

Curious minds are exploring minds.

Yesterday, I met a complete stranger and engaged with them on a personal level, by being curious about where they came from, why they were in Amsterdam, and simply showing some genuine interest in them.

It was a wonderful conversation, and we discovered some insightful connections.

I was simply being curious.

These are a few of my thoughts and ideas this morning.

I’d be really interested in hearing a few of yours.

How do you stay curious?