Reading As Recovery
If you are one of those people who says “I really should read more”, you know what? You really should read more. If not, you are missing out on one of the most beneficial ways you can contribute to your understanding of the world. Whether it’s science fiction or science fact, medical journals, detective novels, non-fiction, training books or cooking books! There is a whole world out there, waiting to be discovered. Some folks buy books, stockpile them on a shelf, occasionally pick one up and flick through the pages. This is not reading. You need to give yourself the time to get into it. Make it part of your day. Like all good habits, when you read regularly you find yourself asking “Why didn’t I do this more often?”. If you need the justification to sit still for thirty minutes then treat it as recovery time. But do it today, grab that book you’ve been ignoring for the last few months and dig in…what’s the worst that might happen? You could learn something.
Books are not badges. You don’t get brownie points for simply owning a pristine copy of “War and Peace”. To, once again, use Bruce Lee’s example…
- Read what is useful (but don’t limit yourself only to the things you think you are interested in, crack open a decent novel, I dare you!)
- Reject what is useless (just because you bought it doesn’t mean you have to finish it, if you find yourself simply not enjoying a book it’s ok, you can put it down and go read something else. Just don’t confuse lack of comprehension for boredom)
- Add that which is specifically your own (You have opinions, as relevant as anything you see in print. Agree or disagree, that which makes you think helps you grow)
- Books are to be shared. If you love a book, pass it on. Who knows what you might get back in return. Some folk like having a shelf full of books, read, unread, carefully placed in order of height, author, subject matter. Books aren’t furniture. Unless you are going to come back to it, pass it on. and ask the person you give it to to let you know their thoughts on it. Books are community, they bring people together…and make sure to tell them to pass it on once they are done.
Here’s a selection of the books I have enjoyed this year, if you have read any of them, let me know what you got out of it -
Train to Win – Martin Rooney
The tenth anniversary edition of Train to Win is hands down Martin’s best. “Training For Warriors” and “Warrior Workouts” are the how, Train To Win is the why. You wont find a better book on coaching, training and reaching your potential from a more authentic writer.
Four Hour Body – Tim Ferris
Lab rat Ferris puts together one of the most interesting and sometimes controversial on body transformation. Like all good training books, he’s more than happy to share the good the bad and the ugly. I wrote about the book here
Fuck Calories – Krista Scott Dixon
A fantastic, not to mention FREE, ebook on the not so commonsense truth about the food we eat and out relationship with it. You can download it here
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet – David Mitchell
One of my favourite authors. A beautiful story, an amazing writer. Each of Mitchell’s books has it’s own tone and colour. This is no exception.
How to become and Action Hero – Elizabeth Strebb
Thoughts of performance artist extraordinaire, Strebb articulates what it is to embrace movement and push the limits. A fantastically inclusive artist who wants us all to MOVE!
Fighters Mind -Sam Sheridan
Follow up to Fighters Heart, Sheridan goes in search coaches, trainers and fighters to find out just what makes them tick. Great interviews with Greg Jackson, Josh Waitzken, Renzo Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Freddie Roach and more.
Mastery – George Leonard
An absolute classic on embracing the journey, enjoying the “plateau” and the beauty of practice for practice sake. I can’t recommend this book enough. Some books we should keep, for me this is one of them.
The How of Happiness – Sonja Lyubomirsky
Not another self help book. Lyubomirsky explore the science behind the “positive psychology movement”. Seems your grandmother might have been right all along.
Bounce – Matthew Syed
Another book on the “myth of talent” but a fantastic insight from someone who played at the top of their field and understands the value of practice.
The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown
A humorous but heartfelt look at how the drive for perfection sets us up for disappointment.
Paleo Solution – Robb Wolf
Amidst the current Paleo circus and primal nonsense, Wolff puts forward some compelling arguments for a more primal approach to diet.
Live Life Aggressively – Mike Mahler
Mike’s fantastic book highlights his own journey with humour and tough love. Reviewed here
Program or be Programmed – Douglas Rushkoff
Rushkoff has been at the forefront of the “digital revolution”. For anyone interested in the power of online media and identity.
The Magic of Reality – Richard Dawkins
A beautifully illustrated book that might just let you sleep more soundly at night. “poetic magic…all the more magical because it is real and because we can understand how it works”.
Sum – David Eagleman
Neuroscientist, David Eagleman presents an incredible, thought provoking collection of of tales on the afterlife. Simply beautiful. Watch his fantastic Ted Talk
You can also read Sam Harris rebuttal of Eaglemans talk here
I have to give “End of Faith” by Sam Harris a mention as it is a book I go back to often.
“Every person you have ever met, every person you will pass on the street today, is going to die. Living long enough, each will suffer the loss of his friends and family. All are going to lose everything we love in this world. Why would one want to be anything but kind to them in the meantime” – Sam Harris
Challenge yourself, challenge your assumptions, challenge your point of view. I dare you.
You can also read Sam Harris rebuttal of Eaglemans talk here
