Slow-Living Lifestyle Series – Slow Reading ____________________________________________________________
In today’s digital age, where information is constantly at our fingertips, we’ve all gotten used to skimming through texts, looking for quick answers and instant gratification. The vast ocean of online content has trained us to move quickly from one piece of information to the next, often without really taking the time to understand what we’ve read. But in the midst of this whirlwind of rapid content consumption, a counter-movement is emerging: the art of slow reading.
This approach encourages readers to slow down, enjoy each word, and really understand the material like you would savor each bite of a delicious meal.
Slow reading has a ton of benefits, not just for understanding the text. For one, it really helps you comprehend and remember what you’re reading. When you take the time to really think about each sentence, you can absorb all the little details and nuances, which makes for a much richer reading experience.
Develop Empathy
Another benefit of slow reading is that it can help you develop empathy. When you really immerse yourself in a story, you connect with the characters and their experiences on a deep level. This emotional connection helps you understand different perspectives, experiences, and cultures better. Slow reading can help you broaden your horizons and appreciate the diversity of voices in literature.
Stress Reduction and Escapism
In our hectic lives, it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Slow reading is a great way to escape the everyday grind and find some peace and quiet. When we immerse ourselves in a book, we can forget about our troubles for a while and just enjoy the story. This can help to lower our stress levels and improve our overall well-being. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, pick up a book and let yourself be transported to another world.
Here’s a pro tip: creating a cozy reading environment can make your reading experience even better. Find a comfy spot, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, and dedicate some uninterrupted time to your reading. It’s a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can even transport you to different worlds. I love reading Jane Austen’s books because she always makes me feel like I’m in some sort of romantic whirlwind. So cozy up with a good book and enjoy!
The Role of Physical Books in Slow Reading
Sure, e-readers and audiobooks are great, but there’s just something about holding a physical book in your hands that can’t be beaten. The smell of the pages, the feel of the binding, the way the light shines through the pages…it all just adds to the experience. Plus, there’s something about being able to see how far you’ve come in a book by looking at the stack of pages you’ve already read. It’s just a different feeling than reading on a screen.
- The Tactile Experience: There’s something about holding a book in your hands, feeling its weight, and turning its pages, that just makes reading more enjoyable. It’s a more tangible experience than reading on a screen, and it forces you to slow down and savor each page.
- Seeing Progress: There’s something really satisfying about seeing the progress you make as you read a book. Watching the left side of the pages get thicker and the right side gets thinner is like a visual representation of your accomplishment, and it can motivate you to keep reading.
I too was one of those readers who had two to three books started all at once, or I had a few chapters left in finishing one when I would start another. Since 2020, I have been doing the “Slow-Reading Stroll” and I do believe I have read more books than previously.
Peace & Harmony, Cheryl
Lifestyle-by-designs 