From Distraction to Devotion

Indeed, there is something rather romantic in the very concept of being a keen reader. The imagery is comforting: armchairs, the smell of old books, and the rustle of those as the outside world disappears. However, the practice of reading still remains a challenge for many due to the complexities and interference of the contemporary world. This was the case with me until I learned the secret of making your brain crave for reading books.

The Awakening

The night was still fresh, for it was a crisp autumn evening. The kind where the air is still relatively cool but not too cold as to make you wish for warmer temperatures. I was in my messy flat surrounded by empty fast food containers, on my laptop I had hundreds of unread emails, and on social networks there were countless notifications. I used to have a very creative imagination when it came to decorating my room but things changed and so did I: I shifted my gaze toward the bookshelf that was hidden in the corner and was covered in dust. Literature that I once vowed to immerse myself in, seemed to remain as blank slates untouched as if they were mere paper and ink.

Anger, as well as dissatisfaction, emerged from within me. I long for the days when I could read a book for hours without even noticing how time flew, when stories were my comfort, not miserable task. I wanted to change this so I sought to start a mission to reignite my passion to read again.

Creating the Perfect Ambience

The first strategy in my plan was to ensure that students were encouraged to take part in reading. I changed my messy room into a calm sanctuary. First, I tidied up – both inside and out – to create calm. I purchased a comfortable armchair and positioned the chair in front of the window to ensure that the lighting was perfect for reading. It was just so comfortable and warm and soft with the soft pillows and soft blankets.

Subsequently, I incorporated fairy lights and a vintage floor lamp that provided just the right amount of light for an evening read. There were lavender-scented candles lit, which greatly contributed to the atmosphere of serenity. I turned on some music for a change, music that has classical bass to mute the sounds of city’s hustle and bustle yet not too loud so that it does not distract my mind.

Selecting the Right Books

Selecting the right book was vital. I required something compelling that would engage my interest from the onset. I rummaged through my books, tracing the backs of the files until I sited the one I was looking for: “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. Its magical realism and enchanting prose appeared as the most promising beginning.

I settled comfortably in my new reading corner and took the book in both my hands, feeling its weight. The first lines were hushed, like the murmuring of a spell, and instantly I was catapulted into an atmosphere of intrigue. I felt some of that old thrill, that glimmer of the unknown.

Engaging All Senses

To accomplish my goal of making the reading process as engaging as possible, I decided to engage all senses. So I ran my hands over the pages, listened to the faint crackling of the fire and breathed in the familiar smells around me. After every few pages, I took a sip of chamomile tea and the feeling of warmth rushing through my body just added more to the feeling of relaxation. Instead of having a dry notion of reading as simply an activity that involves the eyes and the brain, I was turning reading into a full-bodied experience – and one that was associated with warmth and enjoyment by default.

Creating a Routine

Consistency was key. I wanted to read before sleep so I devoted an hour before bedtime for reading. At first, it was challenging. The transition towards a book was a struggle for me, the mind that is used to the frequent ‘feeds’ of digital media. But I persisted. For this, I refrained from the urge to unlock my phone and immerse myself in the narrative. With the passage of time, this activity turned into something I anticipated, namely the nights that were still ahead of me.

Exploring New Genres

It being my first time reading such genres, I felt that this would be an exciting challenge. Books belonging to historical fiction, psychological thrillers, science fiction let me into the new world. I also read books from other genres to be engaged in book club discussion and sharing book lists. The interaction and the diverse opinions deepened my appreciation of the books I was reading and exposed me to works I might not have actively sought out on my own.

The Digital Assist

Unlike the printed books which I initially preferred, I switched to the technological means which helped improve the reading process for me. E-readers and audiobooks were also important, as they ensured that there were multiple ways of reading on the go or when it was impossible to read a physical book. The Goodreads app was beneficial for tracking my reading progress, which includes setting goals and discussing literature with other readers from around the world.

The Reward System

To ensure I kept up with the work, ‘I instituted a reward system’. Each time I completed a book, I took a break by watching an episode of my favorite television show or indulged in chocolates or buy another book. These rewards made me have incentive to work harder, which is very important in increasing motivation.

The Unexpected Results

I experienced changes within the first weeks of introducing the innovation. I paid more attention in class, learned new words and my imagination was enhanced. I started being more analytical, having a better understanding of other people’s feelings, and turning to the books as a source of comfort during troubling times. It was no longer a mere pastime but a necessity to read as it became a way of feeding the mind and soul.

Dialogues with My Inner Self

One evening, while I was closing another chapter, something crossed my mind. How could I have gotten to this point, where I was alienated from something that made me happy? The answer, it seemed, could be found in the many diversions that contemporary society provided. But now, I had found my way back. I could not help but smile to myself, I felt good that I had managed to finish work through the night.

I observed how my reading habits affected my interactions with friends during the time. “I wish I was as cool as you,” another one chimed in. “What’s your secret?”

“Books,” I answered with a smile. “You should try it.”

Conclusion

Changing my brain to being the one that is eager to read was a process of self-discovery. It has involved preparing the right conditions, stimulating all my senses, developing a schedule, diversifying the type of books, and integrating the use of technology. Thus, I was able to successfully reignite my love for this particular pastime and bring it back to my routine.

Learning has enlightened and delighted me, it has introduced me to new worlds and has been an incredible experience. If you have been seeking an inspiration or a way to be motivated to read again, let me suggest that you should consider making a special space and area where you can read, discover new reading materials, and find pleasure in reading a book.