The Power of Questions: Discovering Agency and Curiosity Through Inquiry

"The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions." - Claude Levi-Strauss

We live in uncertain times.

Social injustice, catastrophic climate change and damage to the ecosystems we depend on, rising authoritarianism are just a few of the challenges we face.

In the midst of all that, you might find yourself grappling with big questions. How do you find meaning? What's your purpose? How do you navigate these complex times?

When you ask questions like these, there can be a pressure to have firm, clear answers. But I want to explore the inherent power of the questions themselves and why embracing uncertainty might be more valuable than seeking definitive answers.

The Challenge of Uncertainty

I recently participated in a course called Resilience and Acceptance in the Face of Collapse. It's been an enlightening experience, offering a wealth of resources and learning opportunities. However, during one group discussion, I found myself reflecting that, despite all the knowledge I've gained, there's still so much uncertainty. So much that I simply don't know.

What form will societal changes or challenges take? How will they impact me personally? What's my role in all of this? These questions can feel overwhelming, and I've noticed something interesting about my reaction to them.

When I say "I don't know," I sometimes feel a sense of defeat. I contract a little, feeling deflated.

It's as if not having an answer is a failure on my part. I seem to have an expectation that there should be an answer out there, and I just haven't found it yet.

That's hard when I'm finding myself increasingly drawn to engaging with questions that may not have clear-cut answers.

Rethinking My Approach to Big Questions

But what if I approached these big, existential questions differently?

What if the purpose isn't to find a definitive solution, but to be in relationship with the inquiry itself? This shift in perspective has opened up something for me.

When I pose a question without seeking an immediate answer, I can get much more curious about my response to it. What insights arise? What information emerges as I sit with the question? This approach yields a different kind of wisdom – one that's more personal and nuanced.

The Power of "How" Questions

I've noticed that "how" questions seem particularly potent in this context. Rather than asking "what is the meaning of life?" (which seems to demand a concrete answer), I might ask, "How do I create meaning in my life?" or "How am I navigating these uncertain times?" These questions invite a sense of possibility and I notice feeling more open and curious.

This approach reminds me of the scientific process. While studies yield data and conclusions over time, the point is to be engaged in ongoing study of phenomena. It's not about putting everything into neat, tidy boxes and moving on to the next topic. This is especially true when dealing with the complex, unquantifiable forces that shape our lives.

By interacting with these forces as processes or flows, rather than trying to pin them down, you open yourself up to a different kind of understanding. For me, this approach has tapped into my curiosity and helped me maintain a sense of agency. Even if I don't know the ultimate answer, I have control over how I engage with the question.

This perspective has been particularly valuable when facing feelings of hopelessness or despair. It reminds me that not knowing the answer is okay – there are still ways I can be in the world and be of service. It's a subtle shift, but one that has profoundly impacted my outlook.

Finding Agency in Uncertainty

So, I invite you to consider: What are the questions you're asking yourself right now? How do you relate to them? When you pose a question to yourself, what moves in your body? What fragments of images, songs, or memories start to stir? These responses might contain valuable wisdom if you pay attention to them.

Instead of seeking the metaphorical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – that elusive, perfect answer – you might find more value in the journey itself. The process of inquiry, the exploration of your responses, and the insights you gain along the way can be incredibly enriching.

I'd love to hear how this perspective lands with you. What questions are you grappling with, and how might you approach them differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Remember, embracing uncertainty doesn't mean giving up on understanding. Rather, it's about engaging with life's big questions in a way that fosters growth, curiosity, and resilience. In these challenging times, this approach might just be the key to navigating the unknown with grace and wisdom.