What does curiosity have to do with Rising Strong?

In chapter 4 of Rising Strong, Brené Brown writes,

"The opposite of recognizing that we’re feeling something is denying our emotions. The opposite of being curious is disengaging. When we deny our stories and disengage from tough emotions, they don’t go away; instead, they own us, they define us. Our job is not to deny the story, but to defy the ending—to rise strong, recognize our story, and rumble with the truth until we get to a place where we think, Yes. This is what happened. This is my truth. And I will choose how this story ends."

That's a process I've been working through pretty intensely since my 50th birthday - coming to terms with some hard truths and abuses in my life, and building the courage to create what I truly desire in the world - communities of bravery, love, truth, and grace.

One of the most encouraging aspects of defying others' endings and creating your own, is that so much progress can be made simply through curiosity. 

I don't know who else feels the need to binge-watch Ted Lasso (which I find hilarious), but one thing I love about that guy is how much his emotional equilibrium is linked to the power of curiosity. Take the darts scene in the Diamond Dogs episode. Ted illustrates beautifully what happens when people fail to be curious (so satisfying when the judgmental people lose), and he maintains his dignity throughout.

What happens when you simply get curious about your emotions? How does curiosity come out in your coaching work with clients? In your personal relationships?

What would change if you entered your next conversation with less judgment or righteousness and more curiosity? I'd love to hear how your interactions change when you're curious about your own responses and curious about others.

With great love,