I took a partial pile of the books waiting to be read out onto the deck and spent a pleasant chunk of time in the sun with birds whizzing by from feeders to trees; one bird sat on my hat; I went and got some peanuts and put them in the fold on my hat; a bird - I assume it was the same one - came and got a peanut from the hat 'feeder'.
Sometimes I can whip through a pile of books very quickly with a browse-and-reject - usually the ones discovered on the reshelving carts at the library: these are a wealth being the newly -returned from many patrons and I always find something of interest which gets carted home and added to the pile, but often the interest is satisfied after a brief stroll-through.
These books today were ones I had chosen on particular subjects, non-fiction, and intended to read. One got read - not word for word but with a browse; it had great side panels and a summary and conclusion at the end of each chapter. I plan to call Russell's books and see if they have a used copy and, if so, will likely buy it; there are points I want to underline for future reference; it is informative and reassuring.
Thing is, that was one book and, as I said, a"chunk of time" and an abbreviated method of reading it. The frustration of so many books with so many words with so much (potentially worthwhile) information is alleviated by a growing realization - and I have spoken about this with others as well! - that we can gain what we need to know by not actually reading a book.
It is an evolving thing. It has to do with touch, with intent, with raising eyebrows in anticipation at the concept and being willing to follow the idea openly.
It has to do with holding a book and sort of .... waiting. Sometimes being sastisfied at that point. Sometimes then opening the book randomly and reading what is said on that page. It's about energy and more and more people being willing and able to talk about their experience. It's about the galloping technology able and willing to observe with finer and finer instruments.
Books of fiction get read, word by word .... time becomes a non-issue.
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