Cruising the Shelves - An activity for being 'pulled'
Libraries have always been sacred spaces for me. As a young child I would wind my way through the mysterious and cavernous shelves, never knowing, but anticipating all the new knowledge I might come across. Sometimes I would find a how-to book...some secret I wasn't supposed to find. I could learn how to make a shelf? Conduct an experiment? Grow a garden of lush flowers? Experience another culture or take an adventure? I relished in the possibilities.
To this day, when I am "stuck" in my creative endeavors, the library is one of my first attempts to wiggle free. I walk through the aisles. I visit sections I rarely stop in on. I wander into the children's section or young adults (which as I get older gets a bit scarier to be honest!) Then I do the same thing I would in a forest...I get quiet and wait for the books to come out.
I wait for the books that are curious about me to jump off the shelves and come closer. I wait until they jump in my arms. I greet them 'oh hello - I am Adina. What's your name?' I look at their art. I flip through their pages. I invite them to stay with me. I carry these adventurous books home and give them a primary spot next to my reading chair. Then I jump in. As I leaf through, I feel it out...what about this book stood out to me?
A few tips for the library book cruising:
Get present in the space - a library is an intentionally silent space. Enjoy the quiet bubble being offered!
Take your time - it's best to do this when you have a good chunk - 30 minutes is great...a little longer is better. Once you zone in, time will go faster than expected. Give it to yourself.
Go with the flow - if a book draws you in just go with it. This is a practice in noticing when to 'pick it up' or 'put it down'. Trust your gut and check your energy. You will know where it's going.
Get a library card - this is access to community resources and knowledge. Checking out books keeps your home free of clutter and saves money...if you don't have a library card just go for it. Most libraries also have digital resources in the form of audio and e-books galore!
Read however you want - someone once told me "you don't have to read a whole book to enjoy it". Years later, I take this to heart. I might read a chapter. I might start in the middle. It's your experience...read the book however you like.
Check out, read, return, repeat - do this as often as you need. Become a patron of the library, befriend your local librarians, and enjoy all the library has to offer as food for creativity.
Happy cruising book worm!