I have always been a curious person. Curiosity has been the thread running through my life from teaching to writing, to the way I approach every situation and conversation.
When I read an article that piques my interest, I start researching the questions that pop into my head. One dot leads to the next, and before I know it, I’m engrossed in something new.
Over time, I’ve come to believe curiosity is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
Recently, I came across a book that gave me some additional insight about my lifelong habit of asking questions.
It turns out curiosity can be cultivated, according to Ian Leslie, author of “Curious,” who offers numerous techniques to continually ignite curiosity. I found myself nodding along, thinking about how naturally these ideas fit into everyday life without requiring a steep learning curve or a class to attend, which is nice.
Leslie advocates the benefits of staying foolish and fascinated about anything new, such as a health suggestion or a grandchild’s favorite app, to stay engaged in an ever-changing world. He suggests building a mental database. Every book, conversation, documentary and memory adds to a personal storehouse of ideas.
You never know when something learned decades ago will connect to something new and spark a fresh insight or a story worth telling.
Curiosity is the root of “why” questions. Why do we remember certain moments so vividly? Why does music unlock memories? Why do some habits stick while others fade?
The author makes a strong case for being willing to pause and wonder. He also encourages people to be “thinkerers” – someone who deviates from the usual pattern, like taking a different route to a favorite restaurant, changing a daily routine or learning a new hobby.
Curiosity thrives when we shake up familiar patterns, even in small ways.
One of my favorite ideas is to pay attention to the ordinary. Why is a spoon shaped that way? Why do birds gather on that wire at dusk? Why does a certain smell pull you back to childhood? The ordinary becomes fascinating when you slow down and notice.
Curiosity doesn’t fade with age. It’s a habit we choose to keep, or not. And honestly, it may be one of the most delightful habits we can cultivate.
So here’s my invitation: Try a new skill, say yes to something you’d normally decline, volunteer for something or follow a random thought just to see where it leads.
Curiosity keeps the mind nimble, the heart engaged and life endlessly interesting. Yes, indeed!
Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Reach her at cheryl@starheart.com.