Building curiosity

Can I build curiosity in my own life? We’ve probably all seen a child encounter something ordinary for the first time. A hair curler, a porch swing, a puddle. They become endlessly fascinated. Giggly, even.

The minimalist decor, monk-mode mindset, and digital detox can generate tranquility. But taken too far they lead to sloth and torpor. That’s my main problem when I try to meditate. I fall asleep. The same thing happens when I turn off YouTube and step away from the internet. I’m left with boredom and tedium, and my brain kicks into power-saving mode. Only curiosity can keep me engaged.

Calm creates the ideal conditions for me to observe what’s happening in my mind, but interest is also needed to prevent distraction and boredom, keep me awake, and help me master the skill of finding that calm again.

For the child, interest is found everywhere in the broad strokes. For me, though, I need to put on my glasses and look at the fine lines, at subtler distinctions.