How Curiosity Cured the Cat

An open heart requires us to keep digging deeper

I have always found the phrase “Curiosity Killed the Cat” one of the greatest tragedies in the Museum of Cultural Memes. A cautionary myth of yesteryear warning bright minds against investigation and experimentation. The phrase itself has existed for over 500 years, keeping curious minds at bay through textbook British repression alongside the clay sculpture of the “Stiff Upper Lip” and the first ever “Keep Calm and Carry on” poster in our Meme Museum.

At the risk of oversimplifying the complex evolutionary/biological/political/spiritual process of humanity, the overdevelopment of the left hemisphere of the brain has had a significant impact in the Imperial West. The left side, firmly advantageous when it comes to systems thinking is great at creating structure and order out of chaos. But it struggles with complexity due to its tendency to collapse into binary thinking.

The right hemisphere of the brain is more associated with our creative capacity, big picture thinking and works alongside our gut to connect us to our intuition. It copes well with complexity, and is reflective and connective. The left is more concerned with the what and the how, and the right is more concerned with the why.

The why is the foundational focus of this piece as we look at four different ways we can use Curiosity to enhance our individual and collective experience.

Self-awareness through farts

There are certain behaviors you repeat in your life that are questionable at best. Make a note of them, as until you become aware of these patterns they are destined to follow you around like a bad smell - and just like bad smells, until you acknowledge them you will be giving off some seriously suss vibes.

The great irony here is the minute you own up to the fact you just let one rip, you take its power away and instantly become more real and authentic. MAYBE even a little less smelly. And just like that silent but violent - when we become aware of our flaws and foibles and share them earnestly, we instantly become more human and affable. In the process, we also bring light to the shadow that we have tried to avoid and release whatever power it had over us.

This cannot happen until we practice self-reflection and ask the hard questions. The deeper we dive into certain destructive patterns the more we become aware of them. The more we become aware of them the more choice we have over how we respond. The more choice we have, the more scope for change, and the more we can initiate change in our lives the more empowered we become.

Acceptance through wonder

If we were to condense the life story of anyone into a 90-minute movie, every decision they make would be a logical conclusion to a previous experience. Bit of a tightwad when it comes to paying the bill? Probably experienced financial hardship growing up. Always seem to make terrible choices in relationships? Chances are they grew up with dysfunctional caregivers.

The first judgment you make is usually your projection on any given matter. When we let go of the story of any action, observe without judgement, and ask ourselves “I wonder what is causing that behaviour?” we diminish the likelihood of being critical and putting ourselves or others against the ropes. Naturally, this is far easier said than done and takes consistent practice as we are constantly putting the anal in analysis.

In this sense, curiosity serves as an empathy booster as it creates a well-needed gap between interaction and analysis. The moment we drive a wedge between these two checkpoints that are usually filled with our projections and judgments, we create space for a more compassionate perspective.

Social Change through soul-driven interest

There are many cultural norms that exist in today’s world that have been accepted and internalised as natural law. These norms are just stories inherited from previous generations and although some of them make complete sense, others will be looked back on with horror by future generations, for example, Married at First Sight.

Chronic health issues, homelessness, and Married at First Sight are all things that appear normal to us today and things that I hope will be eradicated in future generations. Just as the fish doesn’t know it’s in water until it’s on the riverbank, it’s hard for us to envisage how the modern world has conditioned us to normalise the very abnormal circumstances we find ourselves in if we don’t question the systems and structures that created it.

The pervasive nature of Capitalism makes it incredibly hard to envisage a world without it - as French poet Charles Baudelaire once said “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”. The inherent flaws of our social fabric are so ubiquitous we never really think to consider how fucked up it is to have to earn basic human rights and shelter.

Any change that comes has to start with a sincere assessment of why we are where we are and using our gifts to make things a little better for everyone. We all have something special to offer that is unique to our souls’ code and if you haven’t found yours, keep looking. Greatness leaves clues and yours has been leaving breadcrumbs on the footpath of your life.

Stronger bonds through compassionate inquiry

You can feel the love that radiates from someone who is genuinely interested in your story and shows it by asking thoughtful and potent questions. These days we have lost the art of conversation and curiosity pushes us to the edge of the heat map where the spicier topics are found, as opposed to what we are commonly used to; two people taking turns to broadcast their personal experiences at each other.

Conversational flow is usually found at the edge of what feels comfortable, and asking second, third and fourth questions quickly unlock a hormonal response I like to call the Angels Cocktail that facilitates bonding. Oxytocin (the love bug hormone) Dopamine (Reward Neurotransmitters) and Endorphins (Happiness chemicals) are all released when we are deeply honest and hold space for others’ vulnerability.

Curiosity has taken us to the moon and the depths of the ocean. This to me, is the opposite of death, it is life-affirming. It is the first step on the path to transcendence and if it’s something you would like to integrate more into your life and relationships I have just the thing…

---

For the last few years, I’ve been nurturing my baby Curiosity Cured the Cat. It’s a series of questions designed to facilitate playful yet deep conversations and if you’re wondering if you have just been had this whole time you’re right! Consider this my pitch for something I believe will bring immeasurable value to the lives of you and your loved ones.

I’ve been running this newsletter for just under six months now and am blown away by the response received. I never really foresaw there being much of an audience for my ramblings let alone over 1,000 of you so for that I would like to thank you for your attention. It is the highest form of currency in today’s world and your support is immeasurably appreciated.

I plan on keeping this publication free for as long as I have the juice to run it but it does take time to put each article together. I really believe in using each tool I have at my disposal to elevate humanity and the written word is one of them, as is this question card deck. I would be remiss to not drop this offering here and if you are looking for the perfect gift this festive season - look no further!

If you are keen on ordering one for yourself, the link here will automatically apply a 10% discount for your order. Order before this Friday (the 16th) at 3pm to guarantee arrival before Christmas in Australia!