General Information – Why? Why? Why? Why?
We all have had that encounter with the curious child playing the “Why?” game. A child asks a question to which we reply with a simple, straightforward answer. The child replies, “Why?”
We respond with a little more detail and the child looks at us and says, “Why?”
At this point, our irritation begins to show and the child has discovered a new “button” to push. And the game continues until we cry, “Uncle!” to the delight of the child.
The child’s first and second question were honest questions that grew out of the child’s natural curiosity. But, the child learned that their curiosity can also be fun, albeit at the expense of our patience.
Having the answers does make us healthy or keep us healthy. In fact, when we have decided that we have enough answers and quit asking questions, our mind begins to go to sleep. Questions have the power to keep our mind alive, awake, and alert. In short, healthy.
The words “who, what, when, where, and why” are the recipe for a healthy mind. They have the power to lead us into moments of wonder and awe. They can awaken new thoughts and help us to see the places where we still need to grow. They open the windows of our thoughts and allow the cool breezes of change to renew and refresh our ideas. They lift the veils on previously undiscovered worlds of thought and belief. They shake the very foundations of our carefully constructed opinions so that new ways of living and being can begin to emerge among the rubble.
Rediscover the child’s gift of curiosity and awaken your mind to the wonder and awe that is life. Stay curious! Believe it or not, it can be fun!
We respond with a little more detail and the child looks at us and says, “Why?”
At this point, our irritation begins to show and the child has discovered a new “button” to push. And the game continues until we cry, “Uncle!” to the delight of the child.
The child’s first and second question were honest questions that grew out of the child’s natural curiosity. But, the child learned that their curiosity can also be fun, albeit at the expense of our patience.
Having the answers does make us healthy or keep us healthy. In fact, when we have decided that we have enough answers and quit asking questions, our mind begins to go to sleep. Questions have the power to keep our mind alive, awake, and alert. In short, healthy.
The words “who, what, when, where, and why” are the recipe for a healthy mind. They have the power to lead us into moments of wonder and awe. They can awaken new thoughts and help us to see the places where we still need to grow. They open the windows of our thoughts and allow the cool breezes of change to renew and refresh our ideas. They lift the veils on previously undiscovered worlds of thought and belief. They shake the very foundations of our carefully constructed opinions so that new ways of living and being can begin to emerge among the rubble.
Rediscover the child’s gift of curiosity and awaken your mind to the wonder and awe that is life. Stay curious! Believe it or not, it can be fun!
Tips – Being Mindful of the Margins
Curiosity is most easily cultivated on the margins of our lives. If you are curious about folks, look at those on the margins. They include those who take your order at the coffee shop and those who check your groceries at the megamart. Engage them in conversation.
You can also poke around the margins of ideas that you hold to be absolutely true. Just for fun, imagine that you and everyone you know is wrong. What if that idea is wrong? How might you respond differently? You will either poke holes in your argument and let in some fresh air, or you will confirm your beliefs after honest questioning.
Lastly, check out the margins of what you see every day. Our eyes cannot focus on margins. However, we can be mindful of them if we notice unusual movement or sounds coming from beyond the center of our attention. When they attract your attention, then allow your focus to shift. Then ponder that marginal experience with a mind asking “Who?” “What?” “Where?” and ”Why?” Go where your curiosity carries you.
By exploring the marginal relationships, marginal ideas, and the marginal world around you, you will allow your peripheral vision to foster a habitual curiosity. Your mind will awaken to the wonder of the world around and within you. By becoming mindful of the margins we keep our mind alive and healthy.
You can also poke around the margins of ideas that you hold to be absolutely true. Just for fun, imagine that you and everyone you know is wrong. What if that idea is wrong? How might you respond differently? You will either poke holes in your argument and let in some fresh air, or you will confirm your beliefs after honest questioning.
Lastly, check out the margins of what you see every day. Our eyes cannot focus on margins. However, we can be mindful of them if we notice unusual movement or sounds coming from beyond the center of our attention. When they attract your attention, then allow your focus to shift. Then ponder that marginal experience with a mind asking “Who?” “What?” “Where?” and ”Why?” Go where your curiosity carries you.
By exploring the marginal relationships, marginal ideas, and the marginal world around you, you will allow your peripheral vision to foster a habitual curiosity. Your mind will awaken to the wonder of the world around and within you. By becoming mindful of the margins we keep our mind alive and healthy.
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