Psychological research shows that adopting a mindset of curiosity can cultivate more self-acceptance and inner peace. How, exactly? Well, the very nature of a curious attitude can interrupt judgement of all kinds, especially self-judgement.
When we allow ourselves to get curious, in a way we are allowing ourselves to interact with the world the way infants do. Very young children explore their surroundings with bravery and excitement, and without expectations. When we live with a curious spirit, we aren’t really looking to put our thoughts, feelings, or experiences into a “good” or “bad” category. Rather, we start getting interested and inquisitive simply to get more information.
When it comes to yoga, inviting curiosity to live on the mat with you can help deepen your practice in a variety of ways:
1. Enhance Self-Awareness:
Curiosity encourages self-exploration and helps you become more attuned to your body, mind, and emotions. By asking questions and exploring different aspects of your practice, you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs.
2. Increase Mindfulness:
Being curious in your practice fosters a mindful approach, as it involves paying close attention to your experiences without judgment. This heightened awareness can lead to a more present and focused practice.
3. Foster Growth and Learning:
Curiosity drives you to explore new poses, techniques, and philosophies within yoga. This continual learning process keeps your practice dynamic and can lead to personal growth and transformation.
4. Reinforce Mind-Body Connection:
By being curious about the sensations, alignment, and effects of each pose, you can strengthen the mind-body connection. This awareness can enhance the physical and mental benefits of your practice.
So how can we apply a mindset of curiosity the next time we roll out our mat?
1. Pranayama Techniques:
Experiment with various pranayama (breathing) techniques. Notice how different patterns of breathing influence your physical and mental state.
2. Try Variations:
Experiment with different variations of familiar poses. Notice how slight adjustments in alignment, positioning, or using props can affect your experience of the pose. Curiosity may also be to ask you to experiment with two or three options for poses or props and then decide which of the two you prefer.
3. Reflective Questions:
Ask yourself questions during and after practice. For example, "How does this pose make me feel?" or "What thoughts and emotions arise in this posture?"
4. Interrupt Judgement:
If you notice self-judgement or comparison creep into your mind, try using curiosity to re-direct your thoughts. Turn “my balance is terrible today” into “I’m noticing my balance is a little off today. What’s another option I could take to make this posture more accessible right now?” Turn “no one else in class is struggling like me” into “that’s an interesting thought that came up. I’m going to let that go. I’m thankful for this body I have and all it can do.”
Inviting curiosity into your yoga practice can transform your experience, making it more dynamic, insightful, and fulfilling. By exploring new poses, tuning into sensations, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in self-inquiry, you can deepen your understanding and connection to yourself. Allow curiosity to dissolve self-judgement and use it as a tool to simply seek more information, both on and off your mat.