The Innocence of an Inquiry.

Being curious is one of the critical aspects of mindfulness and peaceful rest. When my son Tanner was in boot camp in the Marines I was concerned they were trying to break down his individuality and mold him into someone like everyone else. I believed Tanner's individuality was unbreakable but to get him (or I told myself it was for him) though those tortuous (for me) weeks, I mailed him an Inquiry of the Week. Even in his teen years, Tanner loved a good inquiry. I printed out and posted the weekly inquiry above my desk. It made me feel connected to him. The only one I remember was "What is family?"

Today, some of my favorite inquires are to ask:

1. Another person, how they are and really mean it and be interested to listen, without thinking I have to fix anything for them, only love them.

2. Ask for help when I could benefit by allowing someone into my life, even if only for a moment.

3. What is something you do to take good care of yourself?

4. I've always adored asking for stories like, "Tell me how you met," "What is your favorite game" or "Who is your favorite person in all of history?"

The inquiry can help us be more connected to one another, help us though this Life and keep us curious and peaceful, as long as we are not attached to knowing or clinging to a specific answer to our ask. Merely openly curious!

Please share, if you feel inspired, what is an inquiry you love! Here is my model for innocence.