What would our lives be like if we asked curious questions of ourselves and our experiences? What do we perceive would be different for us and those around us? It can provide a degree of insight and freedom that otherwise is pushed down below the surface. There can often be habitual language we use with ourselves, that represents closed one way communication. It is aimed at ourselves, closed in its outcomes and closed off to possibility. How can we shift this language to be more helpful, opening the door to possibility and creativity?
Statements are Closed
Most of us have an inner critic, whether it is welcomed or not. Often this voice may have started in the mouths or actions of another person, but now it has become our own. While we have come to expect this voice, we do not always realise that it influences us to the degree it does. This is because it operates at a subconsiously level, out of sight and out of mind. It can be a consistant limiter of the aspirations we have for ourselves.
When we look at the voice of the critic, it operates in statements. It isn't interested in a conversation, it wants an immediate response from us. A response that seeks to correct where we perceive we are falling short or remind us that we are not progressing the way we should be. This voice seeks to consume possibility and creativity.
This can be very confusing and harmful to us, compounded by the fact it comes wrapped in our thoughts, feelings and voice.
There can often be habitual language we use with ourselves, that represents closed one way communication.
Questions are Curious
A different engagement is possible for us, through the utilisation of the curious question.
Questions are open, they create space for possibility. They allow a helpful voice to partner with us towards making change. Questions allow a different pathway, which provides a new direction towards a fresh message for our lives.
Curious questions open the door to a deeper level of investigation, drawing forth the subcioncious that is otherwise hidden from our view. Where statements are closed, curious questions seek to create conversation with ourselves as to what could be happening below the surface.
An example of this, may be criticising myself for being lazy due to inactivity towards my role or goals. There is no further dialougue required, the decree has been delivered. However, if I was to engage a curious question, then I may ask, ' What is causing me to need so much rest at the moment'? This answer, allows a journey of self awareness and understanding. An investigation has begun, that will open my mind to the possibility of bringing change.
Subconcious to Concious
Embracing curious questions, reaches into our subconcious and seeks to bring it to a concious level. Instead of being lazy, perhaps we are feeling disconnected, disillusioned, disappointed or simply tired from pushing ourselves over a long period of time. Whatever it may be, we can now see that our behaviour is influenced at a deeper level. It provides us with opportunity to see and shift what was otherwise hidden from us.
It also allows a greater level of investigation. Asking intial questions, assists us to further unpack where our behaviours are driven from. This journey of awareness can provide clarity instead of confusion, contemtment instead of chaos.
Questions allow a different pathway, which provides a new direction towards a fresh message for our lives.
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