Seven Castles

Reading Fiction

                                      

June 6, 2008

 

Leisure activities like reading are often the things that slide when life goes into overdrive. That is sad because it is an activity that can make life richer and more enjoyable.

 

A lot has been written about the benefits of reading for and to children. However, there is very little about the benefits to adults in engaging in regular reading. In fact, the benefits for adults do exist and are many and varied.

 

Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures. Those who read fictions are better at reading people, as all stories are about people and their interactions - romance, tragedy and conflict. Stories often force us to empathize with characters who are quite different from us, and this ability could help us better understand the many kinds of people we come across in the real world.

 

Many types of fiction give us great reading pleasure: novels and short stories can be historic, science fiction, thrillers, romance, horror, etc. Reading fiction is a great way to take a quick immediate break, to be instantly transported into another world. There is no limit to the places fiction can take you.

 

There is something about stopping to focus on words arranged for our reading pleasure that is instantly relaxing. The beauty and rhythm of language has the ability to calm and relax us.

 

Taking your mind off your own problems, even for a few minutes, can have a therapeutic effect and be a timely circuit breaker, reducing stress and overcoming anxiety, depression and social isolation.

 

Reading opens your mind to new possibilities. It stretches your imagination in new and wonderful directions and takes your mind on a wonderful journey through others' lives.

 

Reading fiction is capable of provoking many and varied emotional responses – it can make you laugh out loud, it can make tears spill onto the page, it can be edge-of-the-seat terrifying, it can make you blush with embarrassment, it can challenge your core beliefs. There is a world of emotion in every story and you as the reader get to be part of it.

 

Reading is a deeply satisfying pursuit. The expression "curling up with a book" evokes a warm and cozy image and feels luxurious if you do not get to do it often.

 

Reading is an easy and quick way to nourish your soul because it is for the most part a solitary pursuit. And being alone, or at least alone in your thoughts, on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining a sense of self. Even just a few minutes of reading can keep you going throughout the day. Of course, you know you have read something special when you find your thoughts continually revisiting it.

 

Reading is like exercising – mental and physical benefits flow from a regular routine. So do not feel guilty about taking time out to read. 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年06月6日 星期五 05:33】【注册】【打印】