What Are You Curious About?

Daily writing prompt

What are you curious about?

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Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood.

Today’s writing prompt is both simple and profound: “What are you curious about?”
At first glance, it might seem like a question for a child. But if you sit quietly and reflect, you’ll realize that curiosity is the spark that lights every corner of our lives, no matter our age.

Curiosity Has No Expiry Date

I often say — “Retirement is not the end of curiosity; it’s the beginning of exploring it freely.”
In my banking days, my world revolved around numbers, regulations, and routines. Life was structured, predictable.

But inside me, something always fluttered—a quiet, persistent curiosity about stories, emotions, colors, and the world beyond finance.

It was only after retirement that I allowed that curiosity to speak. I started asking questions like:

• What does poetry taste like when written from the heart?
• Can a paintbrush capture the soul’s silence?
• How do memories become stories that touch others?

That gentle curiosity gave birth to my second life—as a blogger, poet, and artist. And I must say, life has never been more fulfilling.

My Current Curiosities

Let me open my curious heart to you today. These are the things that ignite my mind at this stage of life:

1. The Mystery of Human Emotions

How is it that a song from the 70s can bring tears even today? Why does a kind word from a stranger stay with us longer than a formal award?

I’ve been writing poems and stories around this theme—trying to decode this emotional maze. Maybe, just maybe, every teardrop or smile holds an untold story. That fascinates me.

2. Nature’s Healing Touch

I am deeply curious about how trees, rivers, and birds help us heal.
During my walks, I often stop and simply listen. I’ve started reading about eco-psychology and the concept of “forest bathing” (Shinrin-yoku from Japan). Is it the rustling leaves or the silence between bird calls that makes us feel whole?

I am exploring how nature therapy can be a balm for our urban-worn souls.

3. The Mind-Body Connection

Having lived with thyroid issues for a decade, I now find myself curious about how our mental state influences our physical health. I’ve been researching mindfulness, food as medicine, and the power of breath.

Can a peaceful mind rewrite the chemistry of the body? I’m on that quest.

Curiosity Is Not Just a Question—It’s a Lifestyle

Many people associate curiosity with academics or childhood, but true curiosity is a daily lens through which we can view the world. Here’s how curiosity blesses us at any stage of life:

• It keeps the mind agile.
  When you’re curious, you keep learning. The brain, like a muscle, loves to be stretched.
  
• It keeps life exciting.
  Boredom disappears when you start asking “why?” and “what if?”
  
• It connects people.
  Curious people ask questions, listen better, and build deeper relationships.

How to Stay Curious Every Day

Here are some gentle practices I follow to keep my curiosity alive:

1. Ask Questions:
   Even about routine things. Why does tea feel better in the morning than evening? Why do we remember some dreams vividly?
   
2. Read Widely:
   Not just what you know. I recently read a book on Japanese pottery and found inspiration for my own artwork.
   
3. Talk to Strangers:
   Everyone knows something you don’t.
   
4. Write Daily:
   Even if it’s just a paragraph. Writing often brings out hidden curiosities.

Curiosity as a Bridge Between Generations

One of the most beautiful aspects of curiosity is how it binds us to younger generations. My granddaughter often asks, “Dadu, “Do you know how clouds are made?”

And while I sometimes Google the answers, what matters more is the sparkle in her eyes when we wonder together.

Through her, I’ve learned that curiosity is contagious—and I’m happy to be infected again and again.

Final Thoughts: What Are You Curious About?

Curiosity is not a luxury; it’s a life force. Whether you’re curious about the galaxies above or the memories tucked in old family albums, allow that spark to grow.

As for me, I’m curious about you.
What questions tug at your soul?
What keeps you awake with wonder?

Let’s keep asking..
Let’s keep exploring.
Because the day we stop being curious… is the day we stop truly living.

With curiosity and warm wishes,
Vijay Verma
 www.retiredkalam.com | Poems, Paintings & Possibilities

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Tags: #Life, blog, books, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-2018, featured, writing