This is exactly what I've been doing when studying mathematics! From letting my mind wander down to just staring at a definition and be 'genuinely curious' about it. In fact one of my favourite activities is to ask "What motivated this definition? Assuming these motivations, what definitions would I've come up with? How do they relate with this one?". It's the sort of exercise that feels important and meaningful to me, but I don't think I know anybody in my circle of friends who ever gives it a try. So I'm very happy to see it acknowledged!