The Curious Rabbit Hole
The expression “going down the rabbit hole” is one that we use when we get so caught up in the search for something – like an answer to a problem or wanting to understand a quirky fact, or the latest celebrity scandal or conspiracy theory – that we end up somewhere completely different from where we started. It means that you can fall down, or be led down a rabbit hole as was Alice in the Wonderland by the white rabbit.
When we hear it today, it may conjure up a negative impression; a distraction or a “squirrel” (oh these poor negatively “profiled” small animals) moment. However, when you allow yourself to “go down a rabbit hole” when you are curious; when are open to new ideas and information, when you are in wonder, it can be a very positive and rewarding learning experience.
Allowing ourselves to be open to what might be, ready to discover and uncover something new and fresh, excited by possibilities, and not simply seeking to confirm what we already know to be true – that can be where true learning occurs.
If curiosity killed the cat (again a victimized animal), it could be said that it revived the rabbit.
The curious rabbit hole is filled with new connections to be made, ideas to be hatched and unique facts to build upon.
Sometimes you need to emerge from the rabbit hole and share what you uncovered. Being “curious out loud” with someone who can help you develop your own ideas. You don’t need to necessarily bring them down the same rabbit hole but simply share what you found. We sometimes need a curious thought partner to help us explore our ideas.
My thought partner for all fledgling new ideas and the slow burn that leads to the brainstorm is Michael Kerr If I mention I was down a curious rabbit hole, he will lean in, as excited as I am to make connections and develop understanding, he encourages me to be “curious out loud” – that includes my thoughts that sparked this post – the curious rabbit hole.
What if when a team member or colleague shared they “went down a rabbit hole” you gave them a high-five vs a groan, and leaned in to learn what new insight they gleaned and then you could excitedly share your own adventure down the curious rabbit hole. What new ideas could be connected and what collaborations could be created?
I am spending time in my curious rabbit hole as I am researching for my book, can’t wait to share what I found.
