Live, Love, Read

Digital screens and instant information are dominating our lives.

And the allure of physical books isn’t as prominent as it once was.

While the digital age has brought us unfathomable access to information, the experience of holding a book offers unique advantages.

Do you remember the last time you bought a new book?

Cracking open the cover for the first time, the pages stiff, the smell of the crisp paper, the new print sharp and untouched waiting to tell you an adventure or teach you a new skill…

Its an experience in of itself.

But I digress.

Let’s unravel the importance of reading physical books and how it serves as a profound pathway to gaining knowledge or immersing yourself in entertainment.

Journey of Knowledge

One of the most, dare we say, “enchanting” aspects of reading is its unparalleled ability to be a gateway to knowledge.

There is something rewarding knowing you can gain knowledge and instant creativity in a matter of minutes.

Books can be like treasure chests of wisdom, offering a focus of information often lost when searching the digital realm.

With TikTok videos and mini social posts via Facebook, Instagram, etc. constantly bombarding our lives, we are pulled from one idea to the next in a matter of seconds.

Trying to look something up via your phone or tablet can often bring distractions in the form of texts, ads, snippets, videos, alerts… the list goes on and on.

If you truly want to dive into a subject and create focus, reading a physical copy of the material (away from the screen) is the best way to learn.

Keep in mind, reading for knowledge is not a chore but a liberating adventure.

The detail found in material written by masters of that craft allows you to go beyond the surface, getting an understanding of subjects directly from someone who has had the experience and wants to share the best way to sidestep the puddles.

Books offering knowledge of a subject are the O.G. of content creators.

They often give meaningful examples to resonate with you on a personal level, can often times be entertaining, and (most of all) help you better understand a concept.

Learning about a subject or process with an actual copy of a book introduces a focus you do not get with a digital copy.

Mental Oasis

Yet, as we know, reading isn’t solely about acquiring knowledge—it’s also a haven for losing yourself in another world.

Books are the best “movies” on the planet because nothing can touch your imagination.

Though an author can give you details on what they are trying to convey, we ultimately fill in the gaps of the scene, voices, smells, and the rest of the world around the words.

It’s a form of entertainment that engages your imagination, encouraging mental flexibility and creativity.

Reading for pleasure offers a mental oasis, a refuge from the constant demands of the digital age.

The magic lies in how a well-crafted narrative can transport you to different realms, allowing you to momentarily escape the stressors of reality.

The pleasure gained from a good book is not just a momentary diversion; it’s a rejuvenation and holistic exercise for the mind.

Does it have to be a fantasy story about dragons, blood sworn heroes, and epic quests?

Of course not.

You may be into Murder Mysterious, war stories, or even Horror.

Whatever your intrigue, you can take a break from the stresses of the day to lose yourself in another world- your oasis.

Unplugging in the Digital Age

Screens dictate our waking hours.

From the moment we wake until the minutes before bed, we are sucked into our mobile screens, tablets, or TV’s.

The act of reading becomes a gentle rebellion from all of this—an intentional choice to unplug and reclaim a slice of analog tranquility.

The feel of a book, the subtle sound of pages turning—it’s a departure from the constant hum and eye strain of digital devices.

Reading encourages a slower pace, allowing for contemplation and reflection, a welcome change from the rapid-fire nature of online content.

Moreover, as you immerse yourself in the narrative or knowledge within the pages, the blue light of screens fades.

Reading from a book prior to bedtime is proven to help you sleep better because it reduces blue light strain.

So, do yourself a favor and find a quiet space, open a book, and let the gentle embrace of reading from a book bring you some joy and mental health.

Happy reading!