One of the skills that has been passed down through the ages is reading. Reading is considered an essential communications skill, especially with our computer controlled world. However, reading is so very much more than a tool.
Reading is a way in which we can enrich ourselves. It also allows us to escape the world for a while.
At the time of writing this post, Google estimates that there have been 129,864,880 books published in modern history. By any stretch of the imagination, that is a lot of books.
Being in the room
If you have by chance read any of my previous blogs, you will know I encourage you as a person to ‘be present’. To contain yourself in your location and enjoy its contents. For me, reading is very much in line with this appeal.
Reading a book, be it fact or fiction, requires no external interaction. The world can be put truly in its place. However, some books have the ability to transport you to another world of the authors choosing. Others can pique your interest and open up new real worlds.
It matters not why you are reading a book. Nor does it matter what the book is. Enjoy the solitude. Take in the text at your own pace. Reading is very much a time for peace and to block any distractions. Enjoy the story, absorb the facts, shut out the world.
Paper v Electronic
Many people are passionate about owning a physical book. They wax lyrical about the sensation of the paper, the magic of the page turn. Surrounding themselves in books old and new all adds to the experience. I do not hold this against them. Personally, I use a kindle. The convenience of having a wide selection of books available. The ease of carrying. Not to mention the space saved at home.
This magical device allows me to catch a few moments of my favourite book whenever I can carve out some time in my busy day. It is not to everyone’s taste, but it works for me.
Helpful
Many people find it very difficult to just stop for a while. Doing nothing for a few moment seems foreign to them. Such pauses cause them discomfort. To them I say, read a book. Use those precious moments to absorb yourself in a good novel.
It is perhaps a shame, that most people only pick up a book when they are on holiday. They miss so much. Perhaps it is easier to watch the television or youtube. Maybe a browse of social media. This for me is missing the point. Reading is a time for solitude and relaxation. A way to put the world out of your mind for a while.
The act of picking up a book and switching your concentration to it is very beneficial. If you absorb yourself in the book, your mind stops thinking about other things. When you resume your daily life, you may even find yourself refreshed and with new ideas.
I would encourage you to make books a part of your life. It is a timeless way of catching some time for yourself. You may be very surprised at the positive effect it has on you.
Read!
Reference
Photo by Jilbert Ebrahimi on Unsplash