Much of where we are feeling we’re going wrong lies in the speed at which we are moving, talking, toggling and…reading. I’ve shared one of my favourite takes on this, by David Malouf writing in the Quarterly Essay not so long ago.
Malouf suggests:
We are moving at a speed that’s not conducive to discerning thought.
We can’t keep up. We’re frazzled. We’re missing out on good, deep, mindful learnings. I agree and love Malouf’s way of presenting this idea.
Do you, like me, find it hard to longread? Which is to say, do you find it hard to read long, mindful articles that have been crafted carefully and go in deep, thus requiring more words and focus than a clickbait-y grab? Yes?
I’ve realised the importance of ensuring I do in fact longread on a regular basis. In part to train my brain into more discerning thinking.
This is how I do my longreads:
* I subscribe to and follow various channels specialising in considered reads on social media and via newsletter.
* I save them. I do this in a rudimentary way. I email them to myself (from Facebook or Twitter or email newsletter) and keep in a mail folder.
* I set aside time once a week to read. For a good hour or two. I make a big pot of tea. It’s a lovely ritual.