03/11/2025
HELLO NOVEMBER!
Last month, I shared how technology can sometimes take away from the magic of real-life experiences. I used the example of how the Northern Lights can sometimes only be seen through a cell phone camera, not by the naked eye. I asked whether this kind of technology enhances our experience or distracts from it. Lately, I’ve been thinking about a similar idea—how technology affects our curiosity.
When we come across something new or unfamiliar, it’s easy to just search online for the answer instead of thinking it through or letting our minds wander. I’ve noticed this in myself and in friends. We often turn to Google for an instant answer. But instead of making meaningful connections or remembering what we learn, it feels like we’re just collecting random facts. Because the information is so easy to get, it doesn’t feel as important to retain. It can even feel tiring to constantly gather information that may not really matter—driven by the need to know now.
But real curiosity—the kind that leads to deeper learning and self-awareness—takes time and patience. Think about how your body feels when you don’t know something: discomfort, excitement, or even stress. Can you sit with that feeling instead of rushing to relieve it by finding an answer right away? (Of course, if you’re in danger or in an emergency, get help immediately.)
In everyday moments—like chatting with friends, waiting in line, or trying to remember which movie you recognize an actor from—notice what your mind and body do when faced with not knowing. These small moments are opportunities to practice awareness.
By paying attention to these subtle experiences, we can start to understand ourselves better. What might you learn about yourself if you didn’t rush to find an answer? What might you discover about your own curiosity in the process?
SENDING SO MUCH LOVE,
Laura
Pic taken during a November 2023 trip to Berlin. Those colors!
