"Inquiry is more important than answers, for it is the questions we ask and the way in which we ask them that defines us."
~ John Paul Caponigro, Environmental Fine Art Landscape Photographer
What if...it's worth asking questions?
I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of questions. Specifically, I like asking "What if...?" These "What if" questions often have the power to unlock possibility.
To me, inquiry is a little like trying on a new coat. I slip my arms into the sleeves of a different perspective, fasten the buttons, and give it a good look in the mirror. Sometimes, it fits perfectly, and I add some fresh insights to my wardrobe. Other times, it’s a bit snug, a bit loose, or just not my style at all. But the act of trying it on, the willingness to see how it feels, is what expands my ideas about myself and deepens my compassion for others.
So, I've decided to embark on a series of blog posts centered around these "What if?" questions. I want to explore the possibilities they open up, the truths they reveal, and the discomfort they might stir. After all, it’s often the uncomfortable questions that lead me to the most profound truths.
Let’s talk about that discomfort for a moment. Discomfort can be like adjusting to a new pair of glasses. At first, the world seems distorted, and my eyes might strain to make sense of the new clarity. It’s tempting to take them off and revert to my old vision, even if it’s blurry. But if I discard the glasses too soon, I miss the chance to see the world in sharper focus, to notice details I've never seen before, and to appreciate the richness of my surroundings. Sitting with the discomfort allows my eyes to adjust, leading to a more profound and accurate understanding of the world around me.
For instance, during my years as a working mother, I asked myself, "What if I did less housework?" At first, this question felt absurd, maybe even irresponsible. I had built up a story in my head that my family would be upset or disappointed if I didn’t maintain a constantly-clean and orderly home. But as I sat with the question, I realized that the truth was different. The truth was that my family didn’t care as much as I did about having a perfectly clean house. I was the one who was creating this expectation and I realized that I'd been using housework as a distraction from other, more challenging pursuits—like writing my novel or committing to regular exercise.
This particular inquiry was one I could put into action right away. I decided to ease up on the housework and redirect that energy into my writing and self-care. And guess what? The world didn’t end. My family didn’t stage a revolt. Instead, I found a bit more space in my day for the things that truly fulfilled me. This was a "What if?" that fit perfectly, like a cozy new coat.
But not all inquiries are actionable right away, and that’s okay. Sometimes, simply reflecting on a question can open up new ways of thinking. Both forms of inquiry—actionable and reflective—are valuable. They help us to see beyond our immediate assumptions and habits, offering glimpses of alternative ways of being.
As I journey through these questions, I invite you to join me. "What if" inquiry is a powerful tool to guide us closer to truth. What if we allowed ourselves to explore these questions without judgment, just to see where they lead? In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of these "What if?" reflections. Some will be light-hearted and fun, others might touch on deeper, more challenging aspects of our lives.
So, let’s try on some new ideas together. Let’s see how they fit, how they make us feel, and what truths they might reveal. After all, expanding our mental and spiritual wardrobes can be a beautiful journey of discovery and growth.
Stay tuned, and let's keep exploring the endless possibilities that these questions can bring into our lives.
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