I have discovered why I haven’t been reading as much lately… reading for me with such a cluttered mind has become just starring at words and following lines with my eyes, while my mind drifts and overthinks EVERYTHING. Being alone with my thoughts is so distracting. Wish my mind could just shut up. I’m slowly getting through all the books, but I feel like I’m missing half of what is written. Does this get better with time?
The funny thing though is that when my therapist asks me what I’ve had on my mind lately, before diving into this reading practice, I would always say “I dunno.” I think I’ve found a new way to more self-awareness and meditation… but I’ve still lost my ability to read at the same time. Gah. sigh.
Definitely had this issue. I still struggle with it but have come up with splitting my life/mind into three and reading three books at “once”. #1 I have a serious book almost always non-fiction, something I need/want to learn. #2 I have a ‘spirit’ book, either religious text of some sort or self help style- which also includes workbooks, divination/meditation & journals. #3 And lastly I have a ‘fun’ book- whatever doesn’t fit into the first two categories and really perks my interest. I don’t have much I need to read/study for work & I’m out of school so I can be really flexible. I pick one based on mood and just go with it. Sometimes I make it a chapter, realize I wasn’t really paying attention and re-read it or I switch to another category. #3 is the easiest to read and most forgiving about being unfocused yet it works like a warm up to me for the more serious stuff sometimes. I’ve also found I need more of a ritual to read now. I put on background music (lyricless for me), keep a notepad near by for brainworm thoughts- or just reading notes and all around make 'time & space’s to read. Seems to be helping, definitely relaxing but man, I really miss reading every chance I got, anywhere & everywhere and somehow retaining it all.
The having different types of books for different moods had really been key for me. Certainly believe it’s gotten me back into reading non fiction.
I do that too. I’m reading 3 different ones right now. All about the same subject though (hiking – John Muir’s collected works, A Walk In The Woods and a book about local stories from the Shenandoahs). Maybe I need to switch it up a bit more once I get through them all. And I think as much as I love John Muir, his stuff is HEAVY in a way. Need something a bit lighter next time.