Observing is an innate tendency of mine that has served me well in all capacities of life, but most exponentially, within this recovery (relearning to live) process, in response bto my Severe TBI.
Learning, in large part, begins with observing. Observation informs action.
Particularly, I utilized observation, along with inquiry, to gain primary knowledge when I was little. I asked my dad a plethora of questions. My dad loved it, and still does. We have very different knowledge banks and he always answered knowingly, which was wondrous for me. I was ravenous for knowledge as a wee one. Particularly at that stage of life, when we all have a minute knowledge-base from which to draw.
He too, adamantly stands by the reality that I taught him a plethora as I grew up as well. One example is when I earnestly asked, why some held beliefs that were totally nonsensical to me, like racism. I couldn’t understand why some people believe that others who don’t resemble them physically, are lesser and therefore treat them as such. This was entirely non-sensible & unfairto me.
In tandem with asking my dad for answers, while my mom navigated the grocery store, I would carefully observe my surroundings. I would stare at people, in-taking strangers’ actions, from my high perch, atop the petite shelf of her shopping cart. I did so emotionless/blank faced. I was fascinated! That action of mine, however, was mighty disconcerting for the shoppers around us.
Can you picture, going grocery shopping, and encountering a young child, who’d intently stare at you as you procured your produce/protein etc?
The numerous questions/observations of my early childhood, took a back seat as I became involved in activities and friendships of my choosing. My attention followed accordingly, but my curiosity never vanished.
I found a way to incorporate my love of observation & questions into the foundation of my life as I became a writer beginning a decade+ ago. To write of anything well, first observation is needed. The more detailed my observations, the more thoroughly can I depict the object, activity, or person that I’m mentally illustrating via words.
There is much that I’m presently curious about & my love of gleaning information -> asking questions, has erupted once again. Years ago, my Severe traumatic brain injury took away much of my prior knowledge.
My dad still receives questions from me, gladly. It’s a glorious têt a têt in which we share our knowings with each other, because I too have diverse knowledge to share.
Life provokes curiosity.