Words heal, words challenge, words are windows to other
worlds and possibilities and words can change lives.
1. Small is beautiful. If you
can plan to read small bits over days and weeks, their impact may be deeper
than if you rip through a book just to “get it finished”. The journey is the
destination and so let yourself really be with the
words.
2. There are three things you
may want generally be on the look out for as you read:
What words, phrases, concepts or passages when I read them mean nothing
to me, are confusing or offensive?
What words, phrases concepts
or passages make my soul sing, take my breath away, cause me to nod
enthusiastically in agreement, are simply gorgeous, resonate with me?
What in the reading nudged
or catapulted me in a new direction, woke me up, humbled or sobered me?
3. To capture these experiences
(words and passages) we suggest that you keep a reading journal. It will enable
you to be able to continue to learn from and be inspired by the reading. If you
are reading a book or pamphlet with a group in your meeting, keeping a journal
will make it possible for people to share specifically
in discussions and to be able to learn from one another in deep ways.
4. If you have been very moved by a book or pamphlet personally or have had a special and moving experience as a part of a reading group, the Yearly Meeting Library would be interested in hearing about it. We believe in the power of God working through the written word and want to spread people’s excitement!