For the Love of Reading

Ever since I was a small child, I found such a deep pleasure in reading. I remember one of my favorite ways to unwind and relax was to grab a big stack of picture books to read one by one while snuggled up in bed. As a school teacher, I always loved the process of selecting new books for my classroom library and sharing an unfamiliar story with my students. Even now, I have a beautiful walk-in closet that Jeremy, my husband, converted into a little library for me where I store my ever-growing collection of books about yoga.

There is a deeply calming effect that reading has on my nervous system. I adore the smell of books and how the pages feel under my fingers. I enjoy taking notes in the margins, dog-earring pages, and watching a book become “well-loved.”

Not everyone feels what I do about reading, but I hope that you have something in your life that brings you the same qualities of security, peace, and joy. If you do, carve out some time this week to let yourself savor what you love. If not, give yourself some freedom to explore what might. Breathe deeply and enjoy.

Inspire |“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a “to be read” pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” Lue van Donkersgoed

Try This | Find somewhere comfortable to snuggle up. Select something to read that will engage you. If you love novels, pick one. If you prefer non-fiction, go for it. As you begin to read, notice the quality of light and the sensation of the pages. Feel yourself breathe. Observe how the text makes you feel. Slow down and simply enjoy the act of reading mindfully.