Mindfulness in Reading: Embracing the Wisdom of Words

by Ella Berthoud

Overview

The Art of Mindful Reading embraces the joy of absorbing words on a page, encouraging a deeply therapeutic state of mind as vital to our wellbeing as breathing.

The healing power of reading has been renowned since Aristotle; focus, flow and enlightenment can all be achieved through this universal act. In this illuminating guide, Ella Berthoud explores how reading mindfully can shape the person you are, encouraging empathy and opening your mind to important morals.

Through meditative exercises, engaging anecdotes and expert insights, discover the enriching potential of reading for mindfulness, by learning:
 

• How to use reading to develop your emotional intelligence
• How to read in different ways
• How to read like a child – without preconceptions and in exciting places
• How to benefit from reading with others
• How to find yourself in a book and remember what you have read

If you like this, you’ll also like Writer’s Creative Workbook, Mindful Thoughts for Walkers and Mindfulness & the Art of Drawing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782408109
Publisher:	Leaping Hare Press
Publication date:	06/04/2019
Series:	Mindfulness in...
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Ella Berthoud is a bibliotherapist and the author of The Art of Mindful Reading, The Novel Cure, and The Story Cure, and read English Literature at Cambridge University. Ella regularly gives talks on reading ailments and mindful reading at bookstores and festivals across the UK. She lives with her family in West Sussex, England.
Ella Berthoud is a bibliotherapist and the author of The Art of Mindful Reading, The Novel Cure, and The Story Cure, and read English Literature at Cambridge University. Ella regularly gives talks on reading ailments and mindful reading at bookstores and festivals across the UK. She lives with her family in West Sussex, England.

Editorial Reviews

04/22/2019

Berthoud (The Novel Cure), a self-proclaimed bibliotherapist who promotes the therapeutic benefits of literature, shares tips for reading more mindfully in this spirited guide. Berthoud believes that reading mindfully (reading at one’s own pace and concentrating on the mental processes involved in reading, rather than reading solely for content ) improves mental health, develops empathy and emotional intelligence, purges tragic emotions through artistic catharsis, and even slows one’s heart rate. Berthoud suggests exercises such as approaching a book with no preconceived notions, setting aside DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time every day, creating a reading nook, and enjoying uninterrupted reading away from social media (preferably outside). She also throws in a mix of tips that might kick-start ideas for carving out reading time, such as reading while doing yoga or waiting in lines. Berthoud also recommends reading outside of one’s comfort zone and then taking time to write about how the reading experienced differed from one’s expectations. Some of her more enticing suggestions include writing a six-word memoir, participating in “book crossing” or global book exchange programs, and cooking the food described in books. Bibliophiles will love Berthould’s eclectic, inspired suggestions for deeper reading. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Bibliophiles will love Berthoud’s eclectic, inspired suggestions for deeper reading.—Publishers Weekly

"In her new book, Ella Berthoud explains why we could all benefit from paying more attention to what, and how, we’re reading."—Idler

A delightful celebration of reading with plenty of practices for expanding and enriching the experience.—Spirituality & Practice

A Best Spiritual Book of the Year—Spirituality & Practice

From the Publisher