“Curiosity is one of the great secrets of happiness.” -Bryant H. McGill
The other day, as I walking to the activities center in my apartment community to write, I saw a team of men cutting down dead tree branches using truck-mounted lifts. They were tossing them into a wood chipper which shred each one in a matter of seconds.
I’m sure this is a common practice, but it was the first time I’d ever seen this, so I decided to sit on the sidewalk and watch, even though I was on a tight schedule.
I felt mesmerized by this mass-pruning, preparing the area surrounding me for new life; and in that moment, my interest trumped my need to get things done.
I used to do this all the time as a kid—see something fascinating and get lost in an audience of one, preparing an array of questions to launch at the next adult I encountered. Every day there was something new to learn, and accordingly, something to get excited about.
We now live in a world where information is far more easily accessible, but amassing knowledge through the web is not the same as opening ourselves up to discovery in the world. One is the intellectual pursuit of facts; the other is the natural consequence of presence and curiosity.
One requires us to be searching; the other only requires us to be open.
It’s all too easy to live our days with a tight grip on our schedules—thrusting ourselves from commitment to commitment and in the process, stifling possibilities for spontaneity and awe.
When we live our lives in the zone of doing, we miss out on the many details we only notice through the act of being.
We miss out on the tiny nuances of our environment changing around us. We miss out on the tiny gestures of kindness from the people we love. And we miss out on opportunities to see the world through the eyes of childlike wonder.
I have found that the most exciting form of learning is the kind that comes from experience. The beauty is that we don’t need to plan for this. We just need to live in the moment and see what we discover.
Photo by quinn.anya
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
I get so caught up in doing. Such a great reminder. I’m headed out with the dogs for a walk by the ocean. It was a great read right before going. I plan on noticing! 🙂
Aloha wags!
Brilliant, Lori! I enjoyed your reminder of how I used to fill my life and world with curiosity when I was younger. Where do we leave this wonderful quality behind as we mature? Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder to enjoy each moment. It’s something I’ve been focusing on recently in my own life…and it is no wonder that this article has come to me at this moment.
Loved this post. Especially this….”I have found that the most exciting form of learning is the kind that
comes from experience. The beauty is that we don’t need to plan for
this. We just need to live in the moment and see what we discover.”
Peace.
I’m noticing more and more the differences between doing and being… Thanks for the reminder.
There are so many things in life to be curious about, which is why I’m always shocked when people complain they are bored. Curiosity is also a really good way to become more intelligent – if you show genuine curiosity toward something, you’re going to be much more willing to learn more about it.
Curiosity is also a great way to combat The Curse of Familiarity.
You’re most welcome Steve!
That sounds wonderful! I love the beach and dogs. =)
That’s interesting that you wrote that. A teacher of mine once said that truly intelligent people are never bored. There’s always something new to learn about!
You’re most welcome. =)
Thank you Andy. I’m glad you enjoyed it!