The Mystery of What Killed the Cat

I heard somewhere that curiosity killed the cat.

I honestly didn't know the origins of this comment so I did a google search in hopes of trying to wrap my head around that view...that curiosity could be a bad thing.  Turns out the original phrase was actually care killed the cat, to which care was referring to worry or sorrow.  You can read more on the Wiki page here.

Why spend so much time on cats?  Because I have decided to become curious again in this life.  In fact it was one of my "new years resolutions."  To recap, those resolutions were:

live closer to & respect the laws of nature 

simplify 

embrace change and growth 

put the priceless things first 

treat my body, mind, and soul with the upmost care and respect 

love and appreciate life and the diversity in people 

remain curious and open-minded in all things

I wrote in my last post that instead of being fearful in life, we should take our fears and become curious about those things.  Without judging ourselves, the idea is to open our hearts and minds to understand more about what we are scared of.  They say if you want to get rid of an enemy quickly, you find what you have in common.  You see the humanity in your enemy, that you are both more alike than you ever gave it credit.  It's a concept that I have been putting into practice lately, although I don't really have many "enemies," I've made it a point to do this with strangers or people that I wouldn't have otherwise cared anything about.  It's really opened my eyes to how narrow of a perspective that I've lived with sometimes, to my own detriment.

All those things you hear, like live in the moment.  I think it is difficult for so many people to do that because they don't simply understand what it means.  This is how I have learned it and I am hoping that if you are looking for more simple moments in your day that this will also help you.  First, lets get a short lesson on flow.  What is flow?

In positive psychology, flow, also known as zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.

In flow, the emotions are not just contained and channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand. The hallmark of flow is a feeling of spontaneous joy, even rapture, while performing a task^[2] 

The idea of flow often brings to mind an athlete who has learned a task or skill so well that the action just flows during the competition.  They are in the zone.  While that's certainly one example of a state of flow, what I have found through practice is that one can be in a state of flow all throughout the day.  It takes practice to be sure, but I'll lay out the basic guidelines that can help you flow more naturally through your day.

Most importantly, you must not multi-task.

Secondly, do not judge what it is you are doing.  If you are painting a picture, don't worry how it comes out.  If you are running, pay no attention to how fast you're going.  Just BE.

Focus on observing your environment.  This is best in the form of nature but no matter where you are you can become more aware of your surroundings.  What do you hear?  What do you see?  What do you feel?   What does it smell like?  What is the mood?  If you are eating, pay attention to how your food really tastes.  And yes, go ahead and touch something (just ask first if it's another person).

As thoughts of the past or the future flow into your consciousness, simply re-focus your attention on what you are doing and the environment around you.  Take a deep breath.  DO NOT judge any of your thoughts or anything around you.  Do not allow worry into your mind.

As you observe your environment, find things to be curious about.  Find the amazement (again, this is easier in nature) - like watching clouds float by, or a bird, or plant life, or smell some dirt, feel the smoothness of a rock or a flower petal, or watch and listen as a small stream works it's way through the terrain.  Notice how your body feels, relax your tense muscles.

If you are actively doing something in flow (a task versus just walking or being outside), use the same methods.  Engage in that single task without judgement. Absorb the environment around you.

You can be in a state of flow when you are making coffee in the morning, driving to work, cooking, doing laundry, etc.  Any time you are able to quiet your mouth for a moment and you are not in conversation with another you practice a state of flow.  The benefits of flow are far reaching.  If you believe in the power of the mind, you know that we tend to manifest in our lives whatever we give our thoughts and energy to.  So if we worry, we bring more stress into our lives.  If we are generous to others, we bring more generosity to ourselves.  And if we live in the moment, we are less likely to miss out on living a real life.  If we live in the past or in the future, we are only living inside of our own heads.  Not fun.

Enjoy the simple power of flow.  Start practicing it today and feel many of your worries slip away.  The world doesn't fall apart when you stop worrying.  Remember folks, care killed the cat, not curiosity.