I'm curious about something. Why are we self-centered? Why are we oblivious drivers, unaware of other motorists? How come we think we're the only ones who need to park close to the store entrance? Why do we talk on our cell phones in public, as if our voices are melodious to fellow shoppers or diners.? Why do we pout when someone else gets that last rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, having just missed our chance because the bus was late getting back from the city?

 I considered all sorts of causes for these infractions against gentility: emotional intelligence, upbringing, chemical imbalances, IQ, tidal effects, astrological sign influences. I think it's much simpler than these things. I think of all our flaws, being forgetful is one that humans are supremely crippled with. We'd be chagrined to confess our guilt to any of these childish behaviors, but guilty we are. And if not of these examples, then of others. And it's only a matter of remembering to do so that would make us more mindful of and considerate to others. Easier said . . .

After 9-11 everyone was so friendly. Our psyches were shocked out of our own concerns and into thinking of those around us nearly every moment of the day. It didn't last. The shock subsided and our barriers went back up. We were soon back to living inside the tight confines of our own thoughts and personal spaces.

I'm not pointing fingers or complaining about others. I'm curious about how I can more frequently remember to consider others. Perhaps a wrist band would help? Maybe journaling or blogging on the topic will make it more prevalent in my thoughts? Sometimes I think a shock collar might be the only solution. But before I embark on such extreme measures, I think I'll start with being a little kinder to myself; that I'm aware of my transgressions and have a desire to change perhaps means there is hope.

For some very simple tips on being more mindful read the blog "Three approaches to mindful attention, on and off the cushion" at wildmind.org.

Curious Suzi Speaks

I've been coming across the topic of curiosity a lot recently. I'm a curious person, and if a topic continues to pop up in my thoughts, I tend to turn in its direction. It's a reflex. And how appropriate that my thoughts should be, in this, my first blog as Curious Suzi, turned to the subject of—you guessed it—curiosity.

Theoretical Physicist Brian Cox proposed to the June 2010 TED conference that curiosity-driven science is a worthwhile investment for governments. He argued that not only do curious explorers supply us with things of fascination and beauty (images of the cosmos), they also supply us with discoveries that fuel our economies (semi-conductors) and keep us healthy (modern medicines). I've always taken for granted that science drives progress, but I've never given thought to what drives scientists. And I certainly never thought I had anything in common with them.

Dictionary.com describes curiosity as "the desire to learn or know about anything." Curious that it says "anything" rather than "something." I believe this implies that no prerequisite topic need exist for curiosity to flourish. Some scientists spend their lives searching for an answer to a single something. That level of commitment is admirable, but hard to duplicate. For one thing, it's challenging to fund such expeditions. But being curious about several things each and every day is free.

I'm curious about lots of things each day. And I realize that as a writer, I too get paid to be curious. I don't just write a user guide, I get curious about how the user interacts with the system. I've never just revise my work, I curiously play with alternate ways to say things. I get paid to be an explorer. I never just write an interview, I explore different angles of a subject's perspective and personality. Curiosity fuels my inner artist. With camera in hand, I'm curious about the textures and colors in my own back yard, or in my kitchen cabinets. I'm embracing my curiosity more now than ever. Stay tuned to learn what discoveries I make.

“It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.” —Albert Einstein