Do you read?

Studies have shown, time and time again, that reading stimulates the brain, allows us to visual the scenery and characters and immerse ourselves in the story.  Conversely, television is a passive activity that in large doses slows brain activity and function and actually hampers development and social adjustment.

I am not focused on the debate between whether one watches television, versus reads a book, but I am surprised at how few of my peer group (colleagues and friends) take the time to read books.  Yes, many of my network will scan the internet for industry news, review Linked In and Facebook to see what their friends and acquaintances are up to, but the actual number of these people who pick up a book, take the time to start, engage and finish are surprisingly few.  Most people tell me they don't have the time to read.  I wonder if  ,as an exercise, they will be willing to forgo a few hours of weekly television (or video games or fill in the blanks) to read a book?

I recently read a blog post that focused on the benefits of reading such as improved vocabulary, memory, writing skills, and other cognitive activities that lead to higher intelligence (or 'smarts') but I personally have received 'soft' benefits from reading that I thought I would highlight.

Reading is an escape to a world beyond our own.  Unlike television, where everything plotted and cast, where we don't have to imagine the voice, the face, or the location, reading a book allows us to envision the blue eyes of the protagonist, the soft skin of her child or the dark countenance of her lover.  We can fully immerse in (or if we are so inclined 'become' a part of) the adventure. For a brief time, we can 'be' in the world of the story, empathize with the characters and relate to the tale on a personal level.

Reading offers an understanding of other points of view.  We tend to surround ourselves with like minded people where our disagreements are few (and not far from a middle ground), but to read from a book written about a subject, or by an author that is far from our experiences or beliefs opens up the possibility that there are others facets to an issue, a person, an historic experience that we have not examined or have not yet fully understood.  It offers the opportunity for dialogue around these points of view and broadens our minds and experiences.

Reading gives us a reference point for what is going on in our world.  The literature of Orwell, Shakespeare, or J.K Rowling give us context for our daily lives.  Are we on a quest? Do we recognized the failings and foibles of mankind and can we know that the mistakes we made have been made by those before us? Can we learn from these teachings and not make those mistakes again?  Can we find humor in the fact that nothing of lifes experiences is fully unique to us and can we look at each day in our life in a broader context of what the 'end' of the story will be, happy, or otherwise.

I am a passionate reader.  I share with others what I have read, re-read what I am interested in, and would rather pick up a book (on my Kindle or in a hard copy) then do just about anything else (except maybe sex), Everything I read (be it a Travis McGee mystery, or the memoir of a chef) has taught me something about geography, history, humor, perseverance, place, history, religion, and most important, myself.

I challenge you to take the time to read a book on a subject that is new to you to see if when you put that book down you too walk away with a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.  At best, reading will give you tools and context for daily life, and may help you broaden your point of view while still offering respite from the daily grind that life can become.