Bites of Curiosity

‍

It was the year that NASA announced the discovery of a potentially habitable “super-Earth,” a planet 137 light years away. It was the year that scientists uncovered the oldest known fossilized reptile skin, determined that the woolly mammoth was a source of food for Ice Age Americans, and discovered the earliest known South American cave art in Patagonia. Scientists completed a 10-year-long process of fully mapping the brain of an adult fruit fly and marked the success of two drug trials for HIV prevention—one achieving a 96% success rate; the other reaching nearly 100%.

It was truly a remarkable year and the driving force behind these breakthroughs was curiosity—our fundamental desire for knowledge and understanding. As we step into the new year, cultivating curiosity—about ourselves, each other, and the world around us—can spark innovation, encourage growth, and invite us to embrace diverse new experiences. And not only that: research shows that curiosity is correlated with lower levels of anxiety, greater psychological well-being, and even longevity.

‍

Let’s explore five ways to live more curiously:

Take an awe walk.

Whether you’re walking to work on a city street or hiking on a peaceful mountain path, you can practice finding beauty and mystery in the everyday. Perhaps you’ll notice the fractal patterns in a fern plant, the shifting shapes of clouds overhead, or the glow of sunlight at golden hour. This simple act of looking for tiny wonders during an otherwise ordinary stroll can powerfully transform your mindset, inspiring awe while decreasing stress, according to a 2020 study. Awe Walks, as researchers have dubbed them, are an easy (and free) way to boost the well-documented health benefits of walking.

Practice guided visualization.

Also known as guided imagery, guided visualization harnesses the power of your imagination to help you shift into a relaxed, creative, and curious mindset. Research shows it can increase well-being and help reduce depression, stress, and pain. Imagine stepping into a serene forest, hearing the rustle of leaves and the chirping of distant birds, or envision walking along a quiet beach as the waves gently lap at your feet. This practice not only nurtures curiosity but also opens your mind to the vast landscapes of possibility within you.

Try slow looking.

How often do you slow down and really drink in the details of your visual environment? Slow looking is a simple mindfulness practice that invites you to get curious about whatever it is you’re observing. To try it out, set aside at least three minutes to do nothing but sit (or stand) quietly, breathe deeply, and look carefully at a specific image or object—whether it’s a tree outdoors, an intricate seashell, or the architectural details of your own home. It can be anything—even something you find visually boring at first. As you look, notice as many details as you can—color, texture, shape—as well as your own emotional state. As time passes, you might find you experience a heightened sense of awareness and wonder, as well as a deeper connection to the object.  

Cultivate lifelong learning.

Curiosity thrives when we approach each day with a learner’s mindset. Seek knowledge beyond your comfort zone—read books on topics you know nothing about, listen to podcasts that challenge your perspectives, or enroll in a class in a subject outside your expertise. Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be time-consuming or formal—it can be as simple as following your curiosity wherever it leads. For instance, you might explore a topic sparked by a random question or delve into a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Every small act of learning can ignite a sense of wonder and discovery. 

Nurture creativity.

Researcher Dr. Jonathan Fineberg has defined creativity as “an ability to look at a problem with a kind of freshness” — a broad definition that can apply even to everyday activities like getting dressed or cooking dinner. If you can’t find time to express creativity through pursuits like writing, drawing, music, or crafting, think about how you can cultivate it in seemingly small ways throughout the day, whether it’s by cooking a new recipe, experimenting with a new style of attire, dancing for exercise, or playing an imaginative game with kids.

Embracing curiosity can enrich every aspect of our lives. By exploring the unknown, fostering creativity, and continuously seeking to learn, we can open ourselves to endless possibilities and deeper connections. Let this year be one of discovery, growth, and awe—a celebration of what it means to live curiously.‍

‍

If you'd like to chart your journey to a more curious life, download the app here for iOS or here for Android.