WK5_WisdomCourageHumanityReflectionPaper

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Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection Paper Tierra Ray Capella University PSYCH 4110: Positive Psychology Megan Parise November 12, 2023
Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection Paper: Curiosity I opted for the curiosity activity as it plays a crucial role in the learning process. Its impact on our relationships is significant, fostering empathy in curious individuals who tend to delve deeper into things. I view curiosity as a workout for the brain, strengthening it and aiding in overcoming fears and anxiety by focusing on the positive aspects of a situation (Brown, 2018). Being naturally curious, I've explored various interests such as community outreach, photography, psychology, and mental health. I recognize curiosity as a character strength that not only contributes to intellectual growth but also serves as a valuable cognitive tool for learning. However, my struggles with anxiety have, at times, hindered me in following through with the curiosities I have had. Maturing has allowed me to address this challenge by pushing through my anxiety, fueled by my innate curiosity (Capella, n.d.). Curiosity and Positive Psychology Curiosity plays a pivotal role in influencing a person's well-being, intertwining with the acquisition of wisdom. The favorable traits associated with a curious individual include a desire to comprehend, explore, and utilize gathered information to make informed choices. This mindset necessitates qualities such as enthusiasm, a love for learning, creativity, hope, and a broader perspective. The factors that spark curiosity can vary, hinging on individual interests, and this curiosity often becomes a continuous, lifelong journey. As a perpetual learner, I find that acquiring new knowledge contributes to a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding and perspective (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017).
Fear and Anxiety Associated with Curiosity Curiosity is a crucial factor in shaping a person's well-being and is closely linked to the acquisition of wisdom. The positive characteristics associated with a curious individual include a keen desire to understand, explore, and apply gathered information to make thoughtful decisions. This mindset requires qualities such as passion, a love for learning, creativity, hope, and a more expansive outlook. The factors that trigger curiosity can vary based on individual interests, and this inquisitiveness often transforms into a continuous, lifelong journey. As someone who consistently seeks to learn, I've observed that gaining new knowledge contributes to a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding and perspective (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017). Pros and Cons of Curiosity There are both pros and cons associated with being curious. Curiosity is driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding, with the acquisition of that knowledge serving as the ultimate reward. Healthy curiosity is characterized by a sense of enjoyment, playfulness, ease, and non- judgment. During our infancy, curiosity plays a crucial role in teaching us about the world, and as we grow, we construct our understanding based on this curiosity of the environment we are in. Childhood learning often involves exploring developmental toys, providing a foundational tool for comprehending the structural aspects of the world (Kidd & Hayden, 2015). In his influential work "The World is Flat," Thomas Friedman has argued that, concerning educational success, a combination of curiosity and the motivation to learn holds greater significance than intelligence. However, there are potential downsides to curiosity, especially when driven by a fear of missing out. This type of curiosity can be problematic, as it may lead to engaging in things that
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are not beneficial for our well-being. If curiosity results in emotional imbalances or obsessive- compulsive behaviors, it can be psychologically unhealthy. Morbid curiosity, driven by a fascination with negative information, can also be damaging, as exposure to certain knowledge or images cannot be undone. The prevalence of negative information in the media, driven by people's curiosity about topics like death or violence, highlights the potential for unhealthy psychological consequences (Oosterwijk, 2017). Summary This reflective journey underscores the multifaceted role of curiosity in shaping well- being and wisdom. Explored through personal experiences and supported by insights from various sources, curiosity emerges as a driving force in continuous learning. Its positive attributes encompass a desire to understand, explore, and employ acquired knowledge for informed decision-making. The journey of curiosity is characterized by enthusiasm, love for learning, creativity, hope, and a broadened perspective. However, it's crucial to recognize that, like any powerful force, curiosity has its downsides. When fueled by a fear of missing out or leading to obsessive behaviors, it can become psychologically unhealthy. Morbid curiosity, especially in the context of negative information, poses potential risks, emphasizing the need for a balanced and mindful approach to curiosity. Ultimately, this exploration suggests that embracing curiosity can be transformative, contributing not only to personal development but also to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the world. Conclusion In conclusion, my exploration of the curiosity activity has illuminated its profound impact on both personal growth and interpersonal dynamics. Embracing curiosity not only enhances intellectual development but also nurtures empathy, fostering deeper connections in
relationships. I've come to appreciate curiosity as a mental workout, strengthening my cognitive abilities and providing a positive lens through which to confront fears and anxieties. While my innate curiosity has led me to explore diverse interests, the journey has not been without challenges, particularly due to anxiety. Nevertheless, maturing has empowered me to confront these obstacles, guided by the driving force of my curiosity.
References 1. Brown, L. (2018). The importance of developing curiosity. PsychCentral . Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-developing-curiosity/ 2. Capella University. (n.d.). 2.3 Curiosity Activity. Capella University . Retrieved from http://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/psyc4110element21079/wrapper.asp 3. Friedman, T. L. (2007). The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. 4. Kidd, C., & Hayden, B. (2015). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Neuron, 88 (3), 449-460. http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.09.010 5. Oosterwijk, S. (2017). Choosing the negative: A behavioral demonstration of morbid curiosity. PLoS One, 12 (7). http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0178399 6. Whitbourne, S., & Whitbourne, S. (2017). Adult development & aging: Biopsychosocial perspectives (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons.
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