Stay Curious

We spend our entire lives learning. Taking those brave first steps, managing the restlessness of youth, understanding the peril and reward of adulthood and parenthood, and finally accepting the inevitability of old age.

Throughout our involuntary, natural education of life we then take on additional learning — school, university, the workplace. We are a species designed to evolve. To discontinue learning would mean to stop existing.

What Happens When We Learn

So, what happens to our brains when we learn something new? Well, we grow our own intelligence. Our brain changes structure, connecting neurons and allowing us to receive and send information faster. Essentially the more we learn, the greater we become at absorbing information. Similar to sleep encouraging sleep in babies or motivation cultivating a habit, learning continuously promotes and increases our intelligence.

The old saying, "you can never teach an old dog new tricks," began circulating in the 1500s — where it should have stayed. It may take longer for an older dog to learn new tricks, but he will remember. It's much the same when we compare children's ability to learn faster than adults. Children are like sponges, absorbing everything they know without the distraction of responsibility, deadlines and all the other stuff we pile on ourselves in our later years. But if something is important enough, we make the time.

"An adolescent child says: Oh, to be grown up at last, to get away from this 'transitional' age! It's time for fame, heroic deeds, travel, change of scenery, and experiences. It's time for dancing, fun, the sea and the mountains!"

Janusz Korczak

Ah, time — that elusive, ungraspable presence that enslaves us as adults but is abundant when we are children. When we are young, we just want to grow up fast. But once we finally become the adult, there is an impending desire to resurrect our youth and slow time down — to feel the freedom of a child, unscathed by time and experience.

Children Are Great Educators

Sure, we can read more books, get another diploma or degree, switch jobs and take up a new hobby. But there is much learning to be done in our day to day. Children are great educators. Their presence swiftly reminds us that we are the responsible big person and to be on our best behaviour. We practise good manners and minimise the swearing. Essentially, kids allow us to be better versions of ourselves.

They also teach us patience, how to stay curious, and the importance of reflection — especially when asked a question that stumps us. Children seem to bring out our silliness, keeping us utterly and absolutely present.

Nature, Our Greatest Teacher

Being immersed in nature is another — if not the best — way to be in the moment, where we can learn a lot about ourselves. As we step into natural surroundings and shake off the day's never-ending to-do list, our senses are engaged and responsibilities forgotten, even if just for a few carefree moments. Nature is without a doubt our greatest educator; the profound impact it has on our brains and behaviour, exposing us to a heightened level of wellbeing. As we experience the power of absolute presence within nature, being accompanied by kids or a dog increases our sense of vitality and energy even more.

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