We all want to be happy; according to the Dalai Lama, it is “the very purpose of our life.”
Despite the amazing progress of modern technology and civilization, few of us are likely to be happy.
Perhaps it's because we spend the majority of our time in jobs that don't fulfill us, in the daily "rat race," and at night getting a tech-neck on social media.
The good news is that happiness may be found on the inside! Even in the worst of circumstances, finding purpose in life and being open and curious about it may keep us open and lifted.
Curiosity, defined as an active interest in something or a real want to learn more about it, permits you to welcome new situations, increasing your chances of discovery and joy.
Indeed, research demonstrate that being curious improves your life. Here are four scientifically supported reasons why curiosity can help you have a better life:
1. LEARNING AND INTELLIGENCE
Curiosity is the fuel that propels intellectual progress. According to studies, people who are more interested in a subject learn faster. Curiosity, for example, appears to condition the brain for learning, according to one study.
Curiosity, per the renowned psychology professor George Loewenstein, is both a mental state and an emotion that drives us to fill up gaps in our knowledge.
2. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE.
We all admire and cherish curiosity in our friends. If they're interested in your life, they'll exhibit more empathy, provide suggestions, and try to keep things lighthearted. Who wants to hang out with someone who is uninterested or doesn't care?
The degree to which people are curious is closely related to personal growth potential, according to a study done at the University of Buffalo. When you meet someone new, it also impacts how deep of a bond you create.
3. MEANINGFULNESS AND HAPPINESS
Those who are more curious experience a higher presence of meaning, a greater desire for purpose, and a greater sense of fulfillment in life. Why? A curious person's life is far from monotonous. There are always new ideas and new worlds to discover, opening up possibilities that might otherwise be hidden.
4. MENTAL HEALTH.
According to studies, being open to new experiences keeps your brain active and attentive, which can be quite beneficial as you become older.
The mind is like a muscle: it becomes stronger with training, and curiosity is the best mental workout there is.
The value of curiosity is undeniable. How can you live a happy life if you don't try new things and learn new things?
Keep your curiosity alive; people will find you fascinating, and you will be fascinated by the wonders of life that are right in front of your eyes every day.
Here are some simple techniques to increase your curiosity:
READ
Reading exposes your imagination to new possibilities, thoughts, and universes, piqueing your curiosity to learn more.
Don't be scared to explore a wide variety of topics. Purchasing a random magazine on a topic you would not ordinarily read about can pique your interest while also teaching you something new.
CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT "BORING" SITUATIONS
We've all been in dull situations, but any event can be transformed into something significant. Sharpen your observation abilities by focusing on something you would normally overlook. When you look closer, you'll notice that what appears to be boring is actually fascinating.
"If something is boring after two minutes," says artist and composer John Cage, "try it for four. If still boring, then eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually one discovers that it is not boring at all.”
FEAR SHOULDN'T STOP YOU FROM BEING CURIOUS
Curiosity is an excellent antidote to fear and anxiety. Learn to see the bright side of any situation. Keep a cheerful attitude and approach each event with the goal of learning something new. You'll probably discover that many of your anxieties might be pointless in the first place.
ASK QUESTIONS AT ALL TIMES.
As Neil DeGrasse Tyson said: “the people who don’t ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives.”
Always be curious and ask questions. Always! It's not only acceptable to be ignorant, but it's preferable. You will only be able to learn something new after that. The "five Ws and the H" - who, what, when, where, why, and how — are the best friends of curious individuals.
YOGA, DANCE, MOVE
Yoga is a terrific method to stay curious about our inner self' wondrous workings by bringing awareness to our movement and breath. There's always something new to discover about how incredible it is that we exist in the way we do!
Curiosity is the decision to delve deeper into everyday objects and discover their actual importance. The first step in living a fulfilling and happy life is to recognise that there is plenty to learn from everyone and everything you can come across.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TODAY TO KEEP YOUR CURIOSITY?
Why not join the Being Well Membership in the New Year? Yoga and movement classes, restand relaxation sessions, meditation and lots more.
Check out here for more information or reach out to myself with any questions - remember Neil DeGrasse Tyson's quote above!
https://mailchi.mp/2449b1ecf2ca/being-well-with-brenda
