4 Fact Friday: Curiosity Is Our Greatest Teacher

4 Fact Friday: Curiosity Is Our Greatest Teacher

Posted by Jaime Cross on

When I was a little girl, I was more enchanted by the questions than the answers. Growing up, my education didn’t always follow the traditional path. Books shared the stage with the wide-open sky, the pages of my journal, and long afternoons of wondering why. I think that’s where my love of alchemy began: not in memorizing formulas, but in exploring the unseen connections between things.

Curiosity became my greatest teacher. It whispered in the wild places, in the way a leaf curled toward the sun, and in the wonder of mixing simple ingredients into something extraordinary. That unconventional path taught me that curiosity isn’t frivolous, it’s the spark that turns the ordinary into magic, the unknown into discovery.

Today, I still chase that wonder in my work and in life. Every formula, every drop of oil, every ritual I create begins with a question: what if? And I can’t help but believe that our skin, our souls, and even our futures are transformed most when we give ourselves permission to stay curious.

In the last few days, photos of back to school time are starting to show up on my social media feeds. The new backpacks, fresh hair cuts, and mix of emotions all reflect the newness of this time of year. For some it brings excitement and for others, apprehensions (or a mix of both).

All of this got me thinking about learning and more importantly, curiosity.

We don’t complete learning when we graduate from middle school or high school. It isn’t enough to walk across the stage to receive a higher education degree, we must spend our lives in  the pursuit of curiosity.

With this in mind, let’s dive in…

Just like your body thrives on nutrients, your mind and spirit thrive on curiosity. Research shows that people who stay curious and engaged in lifelong learning experience lower stress, sharper cognition, and even healthier aging. The brain is like a muscle, it strengthens when we explore, question, and discover.

We believe curiosity is a form of wellness. Every herb, leaf, and formula we craft begins with a question: What if nature already holds the answers we’re searching for? Just like you can’t pour from an empty cup, you can’t light the way forward without tending the wick of curiosity.

So here’s a healthy living tip to encourage lifelong learning: choose one small thing today to wonder about. Read a page of a new book. Learn a new recipe. Ask a deeper question in conversation. These little sparks keep you alive, vibrant, and glowing from the inside out.

Do this daily and you will continue to grow and peak your curiosity every day of your life.

This recipe is all about exploring color, flavor, and texture because curiosity starts with what you put on your plate, too.

Quinoa Power Bowl with Rainbow Veggies & Turmeric Tahini Dressing

Ingredients (serves 2–3)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or veggie broth
1 cup roasted chickpeas (seasoned with cumin + garlic)
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 large carrot, spiralized or shredded
1 cucumber, sliced into half moons
1/2 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Fresh parsley or microgreens for garnish

Turmeric Tahini Dressing:

1/4 cup tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp turmeric
1–2 Tbsp warm water to thin
Sea salt + black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa in water or broth until fluffy. Let cool slightly.

  2. Roast chickpeas (400°F, 20 minutes) until crispy.

  3. Prep all veggies and arrange them in colorful sections over a bowl of quinoa.

  4. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle generously.

  5. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds + fresh parsley or microgreens on top.

Turn your next walk into a hands-on exploration of wonder.

A Family Nature Adventure

What You’ll Need:

  • A small basket, tote, or canvas bag for collected treasures

  • A magnifying glass or binoculars (optional, but extra fun)

  • A notebook or sketch pad + colored pencils for observations

  • Curiosity as your guide

How It Works:

  1. Set the intention: Before you head out, remind everyone this isn’t just a walk, it’s an adventure in noticing. The goal is to see the ordinary with fresh eyes.

  2. Choose a theme: You might focus on textures (smooth vs. rough), colors, patterns in nature, or sounds you hear.

  3. Collect & observe: Pick up fallen leaves, pinecones, feathers, or stones. Pause to study bark, insects, or wildflowers. Write or sketch what you notice.

  4. Ask questions: Why do leaves change color? How do ants work together? What bird might that feather belong to? Don’t rush to answer, just let curiosity lead.

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” — William Arthur Ward

I love this image because curiosity really is the light that keeps us growing. Without it, life becomes dim and routine. But when we stay curious, we’re always discovering something about the world, about each other, and about ourselves.

I often wonder what kind of women we could become if we gave ourselves permission to never stop asking questions. To see every season, every challenge, and even every wrinkle as an invitation to learn. Curiosity isn’t just for children, it’s a lifelong practice that keeps us alive in spirit.

So today, I’m asking myself: where can I let curiosity lead me next?

And I’ll leave you with this same question to ponder…

How will you keep the wick of curiosity burning bright in your own life?

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