Psychologists Jordan Litman and Paula Silvia identified two "flavors" of curiosity: I-curiosity and D-curiosity. The I stands for Interest, pleasurable aspects of a hunger for knowledge. D stands for Deprivation, the idea that if a gap occurs in information, one feels thrown into a restless, need-to-know state. A lack of information drives deprivation curiosity.
A thirst for knowledge has a reward value in the brain. With deprivation curiosity, finding the answer rewards. With interest curiosity, the process feels satisfying. The curiosity rewards by itself. It never runs out.
When frustration hits, curiosity will help explore what that feels like in the body and mind instead of a need to fix or change it. Curiosity allows one to step back and view habit loops for what they are: thoughts and emotions.
Curiosity helps one stay present in a nonjudgmental way to whatever experiences occur. Stronger than willpower, it brings a playfulness to situations.
Push curiosity to a playful state. Stay in the positive mode.
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