Reading Deprivation

What would a reader do when they are not allowed to read?

Photo by Chembarathi

I have always been a reader. Very rarely a day passes in my life without being moved by the power of words. So when I started with Julia Cameron's The Artist's way almost two years ago, I was dumbstruck by the idea she proposed in it - Reading Deprivation. At any given day, a million articles are written praising the habit of reading. So why the hell somebody who reads everyday wants to stop reading for a week? The answer is, for the creatively blocked people, it is far easier to consume and enjoy the work produced by others than to put an effort in pursuing their own creative life. Cameron treats reading as an addiction just like alcoholism.

"Reading Deprivation is a very powerful tool - and a very frightening one. Even thinking about it can bring up enormous rage. For most blocked creatives, reading is an addiction. We gobble the words of others rather than digest our own thoughts and feelings, rather than cook up something of our own".

Before I started with the Artist's Way, I had a vague understanding that I am stuffing my mind with words instead of developing some of my ideas and giving it a form. I was finishing off a book in every 2-3 days. Unlike my peers, I never used to listen to music or book while walking. It was a time I allowed my mind to wander. But in those days I started listening to audio books while walking. I thought that I would rather bury myself in a book than to try and remove the cobwebs in my mind. Sounds familiar? Then there is high chance that you are also addicted to reading.

Fortunately I was in a receptive phase when the reading deprivation was recommended to me. I hid all my new book purchases and uninstalled audible. Initial days were spent scrolling through Instagram and Twitter which beat the purpose of reading deprivation. Then I uninstalled all the unnecessary apps from phone.

Without the constant humming of words in my mind, I tried to write about some of the books that I loved and I failed miserably. It made me realize that books make me emotional beyond measure and I will always be someone who lacks objectivity when reviewing a book. But that’s when I really tried putting my thoughts into paper instead of relying on the sudden inspiration that struck me once in two years. I also enjoyed my walks without the constant narration of audio books, frequented veggie markets, tried out new recipes and went out to have breakfasts in the early morning. I think I also laughed more often during those days.

And there was never a doubt about going back to reading. Reading deprivation helped me to appreciate books more and I understood the thin line between a substance becomes nourishing to the mind and getting addicted to it. The key in life is to find that perfect balance where we can enjoy it in tiny doses without being addicted.

If you are stuffing your mind with words and wondering why you are not able to write, it will be worthwhile to give reading deprivation a try. Meanwhile, happy reading!