Today I read something a friend wrote in which she described me, along with others, as being insulated by books. I chuckled, but then realized that she's right. I do use books as insulation.
When things get too hectic and stress builds, I often insulate myself from the madness by rereading old favorites. It serves to create a familiar place in the middle of chaos and uncertainty.
When faced with long, cold winter days or steamy hot summers, I insulate myself from the elements by literally surrounding my favorite spot of the sofa with new reading material.
When there are appointments to keep and children to taxi to and from lessons, I insulate myself against the cracks in time by tucking a book or magazine into my large slouchy bag.
I use books as insulation all the time--to keep in the happy or ward off the stress, to keep my cool or warm my soul. Books temper me. They keep my mental and emotional climate stable. Books as insulation. Who knew?
It is amazing how books can be both insulation and a means of expansion. Books both draw us inward and push us beyond. Your piece definitely strikes a chord with me.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting thought, to have books as protectors from stress or to keep something safe. I think I do what you described, always needing a book by my side wherever I am, and one particularly difficult school year, I re-read the entire Tolkien ring cycle in May. It helped me through. It also makes me wonder what other people do for insulation? I liked that you included different areas of your daily life.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! I know that when I am reading incessantly, it usually means I am hiding incessantly from something else - sometimes it is as mundane as laundry and dishes, other times it is work, while other times it is the stress of being all grown up and not really knowing what the means or is supposed to look like. Thanks for the great analogy!
ReplyDeleteThis is a calm reflection. I like the analogy.
ReplyDeleteTerje
I never thought of books as insolation....more of an escape. I can clearly see what you are saying though, and I'd have to agree. Keeping in the warmth of happiness and keeping out the cold of lifes stresses. Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt seems I read more when I'm busier--yes, comfort during the chaos!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting idea. I cannot read when there is something to be done, a problem or another person around. I always feel like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I cannot escape with a book; I can read a book when I am released. And THAT is why I guess I don't read often enough!
ReplyDeleteYour thought of books as keeping your mental and emotional climate stable resonated with me. I definitely have go-to books for specific moods.
ReplyDeleteYou made me think of insulation in an entirely new way! I really liked how you repeated "insulation" - it kept the image in my mind. Something that keeps me warm and safe. Loved this post!
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