I must admit I have not been feeling very curious lately.  Judgy.  That’s an easier emotion ten times over. Judgement, it feels so good, so quick, easy. Here’s an example of a judgement that’s hung over me for a long time: 

Toilet Paper.  You heard me.  There’s a wrong way and a right way to hang the toilet paper. And depending on your answer we can be friends. 

Great!  Ok, clearly you have answered that the right way to put the toilet paper is with the sheet hanging over the roll and not under.  Anyone who answers differently is a monster.  You see how judgement can set us in our ways and leaves no room for curiosity?  The curiosity door is sealed shut. What to do? 

Stuck in my ways with no awakening to curiosity – I’ve been struggling with this answer of “the right way” to hang the toilet paper for a little over six months now.  My child is starting to explore her world and loves running experiments with just how things work.  One of her favorites was making the toilet paper roll move, which if the end is hanging over…. Well.  Hello big mess of unrolled toilet paper! 

My first begrudginged solution was to just put the paper on top of the toilet.  But then curiosity awoke, “What if…?”

Yes!  If I put the toilet paper with the end facing under, when my kid spins the roll… Yes Yes Yes! No more toilet paper on the floor! Hallelujah.

I am resolved to try.  Get a little curious when my brain and heart rush to judgement. Let’s ask a few more questions:

What’s the function of doing something this way?

Why might a decision feel right to the person or people who made it?

What am I missing from the information I know? 

What does spirit have to say? 

Or my kid’s current favorite – “What’s this?” 

May questions awaken us all to curiosity. 

Ebee Bromley, Director of Lifespan Religious Education