Are you sitting comfortably…
One of my intentions for this year amidst uncertainty and challenges, was to read more. I have grown up loving to read but for a time there I lost myself in the world of audio books. There’s nothing wrong with an audio book, and if you’re travelling light they can be a godsend. But what I was finding was that instead of being present with what I was listening to, I was tuning in whilst doing other things. Cooking, ironing, working out at the gym or going for a walk. I wasn’t being fully present to what I was hearing.
To make matters worse, I wasn’t listening to my audio books at ‘normal’ speed. No, in an effort to listen to more books, I would play them at a faster speed so I could get through them more quickly.
Listening to books no longer came under the category of enjoyment. I started to see them as a chore to bolster my knowledge and hear the thoughts of others about entrepreneurship, health, self-development and life in general.
So I started to listen to them less and less and picked up physical books again.
Reading a physical book took me back to memories of when I was younger and would get lost in the adventures and characters of a story. I don’t read fiction as much now, but turning a page and being present with the words in my hand is a different kind of feeling to someone’s voice in your ear telling you about their experiences in life.
Books require concentration. There is no trying to do something else while I have a book in my hand. It demands my attention for the short time I allow myself each morning. I’ve found the pleasure in reading again. Although I’m a fast reader, I’m not finishing my books as quickly as when I was listening to them. I’ve been able to take more in and remember what I’ve read, whereas with audio books, most of them have quickly been forgotten.
Each morning, once I’ve showered and brushed my teeth, I sit down with my morning glass of water and crack open my book. I haven’t set myself a time target, but I do read at least one chapter a day before I do anything else. It helps my brain get into gear for the rest of my day and inspires me in my own writing.
I went through a stage of numbing myself with Netflix, and I don’t know about you, but I would find my mind wandering or scrolling on my phone at the same time as ‘watching’ the TV. Reading has helped me become more present with myself again and I’ve started to forego watching Netflix and pick up my current book instead.
The act of reading has helped me to slow down and rediscover a simple enjoyment. It’s helped me to realise how much I prefer curling up with a good book rather than rushing around trying to find enjoyment and excitement in every single day. Don’t get me wrong I love socialising, but there is something calming and peaceful about pouring a cup of tea and settling down to read a good book.
And best of all, I’ve rediscovered the library. Instead of spending money buying every book I want to read, I’ve been sourcing them from my local library. I’ve had recommendations from the online library catalogue, and I found it surprising that they have many newer books, whereas in my younger years, the library rarely held newer books and it was always a patience game to read the latest titles.
If you’re a reader of my, or anyone else’s Substack, I assume you are also a lover of books and reading. I would love your recommendations as I’m always open to different genres and titles I would not have picked for myself.
What’s the last good book you read?
Much love,
Harmesch x