Summer is a time for regrouping what was depleted in the winter, and retooling and refueling our minds. We can all remember thinking this as small, and perhaps not so small, children. The last few days of school passed painfully slow waiting for the big break. And, what had we planned for our fantastic summer vacation? Play. Release of Energy. Sunshine. Getting ready for the next step of life. Perhaps family travel to see those we only talk about but rarely speak to. And lots of nothing! Any and every single thing that was possible crammed into those 6 or 8 weeks.
As adults, we tend to change all that and go wander through life as if every day and every season is much the same. Our time marked only by being at home or being at work. Or worse, marked by paying bills. But there is so much more.
This week, we have been talking about change and getting through it with some grace. See those posts here: “Why Do We Struggle Against Change?“, “Change is Important To Our Lives“, “Affirmation: Handling Life’s Challenges.”
Over on our group blog, Dare Whimsy, we are talking about summer reads.
Summer is a time for psychological break for us. An in-between time to relax, refresh and regroup. For me, reading has always been an important part of that process. I read lots, and all the time, but in summer, I am much more inclined to hang out at the bookstore or the library. Sit and read in the park or outside the office during lunch break while catching some rays. Read something lighter or denser than my last few books. Additionally, with the aid of some of my favorite sites, I have been introduced to new and old tomes, as well as interesting books to share with my children and grandchildren. Yes, they are readers too.
I have taken the liberty of sharing a few books below that we have journeyed through this year, and enjoyed, as well as a few that are on the next-up rotation. The links are affiliate links to Amazon and Audible. I do books in many formats. Audible has been invaluable for enlivening some of my commutes. I have found that not all books are conducive to listening, either because of the subject matter, or I needed to make notes, or the reader’s voice. And, as you probably already know, Amazon, has an impossibly rich store of things to be delivered to your door. This has been important during my year-long recovery.
2.God Help the Child: A novel
3. Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People
4. The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective
8. A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One by Martin, George R.R. (2011) Audio CD
10. The Prophet Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
One or two of these are among my all-time favorites, and books that I regularly gift to other people. But most are just tasty morsels for the moment, for the summer.
Reading is a way to learn, to live many lives and to see the world from a different perspective. Reading give us a tremendous opportunity to grow without leaving the comfort of home and our favorite cup of tea or coffee. Books can be discussed and shared to bring light and joy into the lives of others.
So, this summer, whether you plan to read right away, stock up for the winter, read to your grandchildren or give as gifts, spend some time quality time reading. You never know what you may learn about life… or about yourself.
