written by Rebecca-Sophia Strong
Photo by Engin Akyurt
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to get trapped in cycles of stress, fear, and anxiety. These emotions often leave little space for exploration or creativity. But what if there was a way to shift our perspective and embrace curiosity in every aspect of our lives? Cultivating curiosity can help break free from the chains of fear and create a fresh, open approach to each moment. This practice will not only help you discover new ways to move through life, but it will also deepen your connection with yourself and the world around you.
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity is often considered the opposite of fear. While fear contracts us—causing us to tense up and spiral into worst-case scenarios—curiosity is expansive. It encourages exploration, asking questions, and embracing new experiences. Cultivating curiosity shifts us from a state of contraction to one of expansion, where we begin to ask, “What if?” and “What’s possible here?”
Incorporating curiosity into your life can transform how you respond to stress and anxiety. If you’re struggling with anxiety, an approach of curiosity can complement EMDR Therapy by helping you open up to new possibilities instead of staying stuck in fearful thought patterns.
Fear and Curiosity in the Body
Fear manifests physically in our bodies. We may notice our muscles tense, shoulders tighten, and breath become shallow when we feel anxious or fearful. Curiosity, on the other hand, invites expansion. It encourages us to breathe deeply, move freely, and approach life with a sense of playfulness.
When we open ourselves to curiosity, our bodies become more relaxed and fluid. For those dealing with anxiety, adopting a curious approach to your physical self can help release tension and bring a sense of calm. This practice can work wonderfully alongside EMDR Therapy, amplifying its benefits and supporting long-term emotional resilience.
A Simple Practice to Cultivate Curiosity
One way to awaken curiosity in your body is through movement. Movement reconnects us to our physical selves, releases tension, and creates space for new experiences. Here’s a simple practice to help shift from a state of fear to one of curiosity:
Stand tall, feet firmly planted. Take a moment to notice any tension in your body.
Inhale deeply, then exhale and reach your left arm up toward the sky.
Gently lean back as your eyes follow your hand, stretching and exploring a new perspective.
Exhale and slowly bring your arm back down.
Switch sides, repeating the movement, feeling the expansion in your chest and spine.
Repeat this several times, paying attention to the sensations in your body. End by taking deep breaths and noticing how you feel. You’ve just created space for curiosity to flow physically.
Exploring Curiosity Through Mindset
Once you’ve moved through the physical practice, bring curiosity into your mindset and mood. Fear can cloud our thinking, making it hard to see beyond the present. By adopting a curious mindset, we open ourselves to new ideas, opportunities, and ways of being.
To cultivate curiosity in your mindset, ask yourself these three questions:
What’s over here? What thoughts or feelings am I experiencing right now? What’s just outside of my awareness?
I wonder what would happen if... Curiosity is all about exploring “what if” scenarios. Reframe your thinking with this simple shift: “What if I took a different approach?”
What would it be like to see this situation from a different perspective? By seeing things from a new angle, you open up to new possibilities.
Curiosity in the Moment
Curiosity is a powerful way to experience the present. The next time you’re going about your day, ask yourself, “What am I curious about right now?” Notice the small details, like the colors around you or how your body feels in the moment. This simple practice can make the world feel richer and full of possibility.
Conclusion: Embracing Curiosity
Curiosity is a tool that can transform how we experience life. By cultivating curiosity in your body, mindset, and mood, you can open up to new experiences, perspectives, and deeper connections. Whether you’re looking for personal growth or wanting to cope with anxiety, curiosity is key to unlocking new possibilities.
If you're navigating anxiety, therapy—especially EMDR Therapy—can help, and combining it with a curious mindset can make a significant difference. Step into curiosity, and see how it transforms your world.
Let me know how it goes—I’m excited to hear how curiosity shapes your experiences!
If you want to learn more about EMDR Therapy, click here.