Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification.
Martin H. Fischer
Speed reading is recommended as an effective way to rapidly absorb as much written material as possible. Because there is so much to read—novels, non fiction, blogs, emails, magazines, newspapers, textbooks—surely it makes sense to read quickly?
For me, this method takes the joy out of reading. I use it sometimes, to skim a research paper, or scan a long email, but I invariably end up feeling rushed and discontented.
I also notice that I read quickly when I’m not all that interested in whatever is in front of me. It’s a good sign to stop and move on to something else. I remind myself that just because the words are there, they don’t have to be read!
Instead, I like to savour words, ponder their meaning, and even re-read a delightful passage over and over. Reflecting on the simple beauty of a single word is another pleasure. Who can resist such gorgeous words as upon, exquisite, grace, bittersweet, or precise :) I can’t do any of this when I’m reading with volume as my goal.
At the moment, I am learning about using mindfulness as a way of “shining a spotlight" on an activity (Harris, 2011, The Confidence Gap: From Fear to Freedom).
I applied this to an article I wanted to read in the latest issue of Wild magazine (#127) the other night. I settled back onto comfy pillows in a lamp-lit darkened room while the wind blew strongly outside. I sank into the article, reading it slowly, pausing to re-read or think whenever I wanted, blocking out everything but the words on the page, and the thoughts and images they evoked in my imagination.
I experienced the article. It was reading as meditation. It was bliss!
There is a limit to the number of books I will read in my lifetime. I’m going to enjoy them with slow, mindful reading!
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