Curiosity Questions
Normal curiosity is a super power for a three year old. The constantly asked question of the year is “why” and parents can get very creative just trying to answer this question in a different way. The child is doing what is correct for their learning and instead of getting frustrated, parents would feel better with remembering how important this stage of wonder really is. It is a welcome sign of the twisting wheels in a toddler’s brain. Their curiosity gives them the intel they will need to get to the next level. Although making up answers isn’t always the best way to handle these inquiries, it is better than the often used saying “because that’s the way it is.” That sounds so final.
Curious State
The brain has an actual state of curiosity. Studies have shown that this places learners into a prime state for learning. Although we flow in and out of this state in school depending on interest, it is used less as we mature. The state is still available to use but we tend to remember past events and use those results to provide a template for present and future concerns. If a doctor used past thought regularly to remedy a current health problem, there would be fewer cures. Progress helps us use new ideas to eliminate health concerns faster.
Oddly Curious
A great way to increase the adult use of curiosity is to use it to wonder. Instead of immediately replying in the usual manner, start a new practice of stopping to pause and be curious about what other answers are available. If you find yourself in a continuing loop conversation on any topic, this is the way to startle the other person in the discussion. When you don’t respond in your usual way, they are not able to continue in their usual way and must adjust. Adjustment means that some new thought gets involved and the spell is broken. Curious is often a descriptor for anything unusual and this use of curiosity is powerful magic. Next time, stop, put on a questioning face and wonder. The possibilities will start to come and even the absurd ones are better than the same rehashing of an old argument.
Why did I do that
I hear myself say that at least once a day. This common retort is funny because it is an actual statement that I didn’t even know what I was doing. And it is truthful. But when I hear it now, I stop and get curious about my own actions. When tasks and responses aren’t so automatic, they seem more authentic and caring. When we are busy and buzz about on autopilot, we tend to follow the easy route. But easy isn’t always the best answer. The beauty of being a human is that we have higher abilities. I know that if I use the pause and think before I respond with the same old trite stuff I always say, I may be able to elevate the conversation or at least open up the communication to new thought. Both are worthwhile. Just for practice, deliberately stop and don’t answer inquiries automatically today and watch what happens.
Do you feel smarter when you answer quickly? Are you responding with speed just to get to the next question? Can you give someone else the chance to slow down by pausing and wondering?
