Be Curious, Not Judgmental

The thing about learning- student or teacher- is that it has to accompany curiosity. Learning is not about reinforcing or cementing your knowledge and beliefs, it is about expanding them. It is about looking for ways to view and understand the world differently. For when we can see opinions, points of view and alternate ideas as keepsakes- we create a forum of treasure, not a box for valuables.

It is difficult to admit an error in judgment. A mistake we made during a time when things were different. When values and beliefs were structured around different norms. But in order to grow and change- become better people- we must. We must not linger and carry more regret than optimism. We must see the rust and erosional forces of yesterday- feel its heft and figure out what went wrong. Weathering is inevitable, erosion is inevitable, deposition is dependent on the forces of open-mindedness, acceptance and the unrelenting push for betterment.

It is challenging to accept our place amongst the atrocities of the past. We were not directly responsible, but our advantages have made things easier for us. At least some of us. Our lives are not easier in all respects. They are not simple or full of handouts or ease. We have our own struggles. No one is immune from struggle. But some, they take the brunt of that force. We must look for opportunities to lessen their burden.

Curiosity helps us see the past and our need for change. It helps us see how we can become better and help others to do the same. We need to look for the opportunities to do so. Yet, we do not have to be less ourselves. We need to own the past and also continue to change the future. We are all human. We are all integrated and connected. We hurt, we elevate, we ignore. But we also listen and urge moments of uprising and shifts that lead the deposition to a new location. 

Judgement comes from fear. We do not need to fear deposition and erosion. They lead to the most beautiful gorges, riverbeds and beaches. They shape the Earth. And as humans our weathering, erosion and deposition are how we evolve. It is how we alter the course of behavior. Cultures shift and personalities adjust- when we are ready for them to. It may take longer for some- there will be push back. But it is inevitable- change and force and energy. 

Curiosity is the force that allows us to ponder- wonder- make big connections of things we may have avoided. But when we do- things get turbulent. But turbulence means people are noticing. They are becoming more aware. The biggest changes are yours alone. We can not make anyone change their mind. It is a choice. But if we refuse to be negative for long, we focus on the power of positive voices not toxic ones, and seek commonality- just maybe curiosity will win over judgment.