I’m going into a week of reading deprivation. Why, you may ask? I’m trying to deprive myself of ignoring my worries by jumping into reading. I can hear so many of you venting your outrage. “But that’s what reading is for?” “I need my reading time, don’t make me feel guilty about it.” “Without books, I. Will. Die.”
I know. I know. I’m not going to make anyone else feel bad for reading. This is part of an artist’s recovery program I’m working through (on week 4) and this week I am being pushed to be more specific and articulate about my creative goals and what is holding me back. Thus, no reading. Instead, I’m to work on things more tactile: cleaning, organizing, (already started, my natural proclivity to such things is running just about a week ahead of this course) being artistic with fabrics, paper, visual enjoyment, independent films (watched a fantastic Indy film from 2007 this weekend called Sweet Land), strolling through junk stores, window shopping in Queen Anne and West Seattle, lots of writing that doesn’t have to be read or appreciated by anyone but me, even some baking. And of course, time with hubby just watching waves.
My Kindle will stay charged on my desk, my book piles will stay unread and stacked neatly, but I will check out for a week. Just a week. It sounds so scary, but I know I can do it. Of course daily reading that has to happen in the course of a work day will happen, but reading to escape . . . I just can’t.
I’ll keep you posted as the week goes on by talking about what I’m seeing, doing, experiencing. It should be fun!
Challenge: Rather than read every time you need to escape today, why not limit yourself to one reading escape session and walk outdoors and photograph what you see instead? Why not write every sound you hear in five minutes outdoors? Why not hang out on Flickr and just look at pictures? Type in your dream destination and let it carry you away. Is there a closet or drawer to be organized? Is there a floor to be scrubbed? But you CAN read. It’s just me that can’t for a week.
{ 2 comments }
I love this, Trish.
Removing the distraction and hearing your own heart. So good. I had to give up on The Artist’s Way until I move, but I’m so excited to start when I’m settled again. 
Big hug to you!
We’ll see how I do! Hope your move is calm and stress-free. So excited for you. I am so excited to see where a week of reading deprivation gets me. Reading will be so much fun next Monday, I know!
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