I was all set to write about the wonders of embracing our childlike spirit. You know, delving deep within ourselves to uncover a wellspring of awe and inspiration. I wanted to talk about adopting the outlook of a child, where even the simplest things like sunshine, dandelions, and birds singing become sources of fascination. Sounds enchanting, doesn’t it?
But life had other plans for me. As I was pondering this topic, I unexpectedly tumbled into an emotional trench, a deep pit of worry and concern over a business challenge that had me feeling trapped. It was as if I had become a prisoner of my own negative thoughts, trapped in a gloomy realm for what felt like an eternity—though, truthfully, it was just an hour.
In that moment of darkness, something remarkable happened. I recollected the essence of being childlike, that unquenchable curiosity children possess. You see, children have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, constantly asking “Why?” and “What’s that?”. Their curiosity knows no bounds. And that is when it hit me: employing a tool like curiosity during moments of confusion, being stuck, or feeling trapped can be the key to freeing ourselves from that very predicament.
Living more mindfully, I realized that my brief lapse in the emotional trench was a result of heightened awareness. I began to ask myself simple questions, ones that I may have overlooked. This simple act of questioning propelled me out of the emotional trench. Unlike in the past when I would have allowed myself to wallow in that trench for days, even weeks. Or, worse, I would have relentlessly searched for an immediate solution, only to fail.
But this time, I chose a different path. I decided to be curious about everything. I explored the physical world around me—feeling different textures of where I was sitting, sensing various temperatures in the room, and taking notice of the sensations within my own body. I stepped outside to breathe in the fresh air, basking in the warm sunshine.
And then, I looked inward. I paid attention to the feelings coursing through my body—such as nausea, a constricted chest, a pounding headache, or even numbness in my fingertips. I thought about the importance of these physical sensations. What were they trying to convey? Could those physical sensations be linked to emotions like being all jittery and nervous, scared, or feeling that deep pang of regret? It became my mission to figure out the root cause of these negative feelings and unravel the tangled mess they brought along with them. And you know what? It helped me understand the whole situation and find clarity amidst the chaos.
So, the next time you find yourself mired in a trench of emotions, remember the power of curiosity. Engage with the world around you, both the tangible and the intangible. Be mindful of the physical sensations within your body, for they can reveal a wealth of insights. And do not be afraid to delve deeper, questioning the negative feelings and their underlying causes. It is through curiosity that we can break free from the shackles of our own limitations and embrace the childlike wonder that resides within us all.
Copyright © 2023 Devashri Gupta. All rights reserved.
