Did you know that reading is a form of one-pointed meditation?

So why not curl up in your favorite chair or perhaps on a lounge by the pool and start reading?  It’s meditative.

One of the greatest ways to release stress is to get out of reality for a while.  Let go of responsibilities, the chaos of those things that need to be done; (that in actuality can’t even get done today) take some time out and get lost in a good book.

As a certified meditation teacher, I hear the same thing over and over again from people who want to start meditating, “I can’t stop thinking.  I can’t sit still long enough to focus on my breathing.” 

Meditation is all about learning how to concentrate – a one-pointed focus, and in today’s over-stimulated world people just can’t focus anymore.  That’s why reading novels is a great way to train your concentration, be present, and just let go.

TV, TikTok, and all the other social media sites don’t have the same effect.  

Why? 

Whether it’s shows or movies, there are too many distracting things, such as advertisements that take us away from the present moment of the story.  The undulating sights and especially sounds within a show or movie can also distract attention without even knowing it. 

I’m not putting TV and movies down – I love a great movie, but a well-written book is the ultimate escape, and I do believe we all need to escape this crazy world…

And don’t even get me started on social media!  It’s like the apocalypse of the brain’s ability to concentrate.

That’s why reading is so important. It allows you to experience sight and sound within a novel; the reader concentrates on the words that bring forth imagination, hence, escaping the incessant thought patterns of the robotic mind.

So next time you’re feeling stressed, forget about everything for about 30 minutes, grab a good novel, and lose yourself in it.  It’s a great way to build concentration skills and may even help you become good at meditation, resulting in a less stressful, anxiety-filled life.

Don’t forget your reading glasses!

Peace and happy reading!

the silent philosopher