The Light & Dark of Curiosity

There are two sides to curiosity – the light and the dark.

The dark side of curiosity diminishes. It results in:

• analysis paralysis 

• second guessing or not trusting ourselves

• being indecisive 

• leading the witness

• outsourcing our knowing by assuming others know more/better

• turning statements into questions

This version of curiosity is a foolproof way to hand over our power.

The light side of curiosity empowers. This version:

• is open to possibility 

• lacks an agenda

• is not attached to an answer

• is genuine, reflective, and expansive

• finds power in abundance

• propels us forward 

This light side of curiosity can feel difficult, challenging, or even scary. But don’t mistake the discomfort of uncertainty for the dark side. There is power in not knowing, in learning, and in growth. There is creativity to be found and explored. 

The next time you’re asking questions of yourself or others, notice the energy of your curiosity. Does it feel diminishing or empowering? Does it stem from the dark or the light?