Dear Friend,
Today, we begin reading our first selection for this new contemplative reading project, Ed Yong’s An Immense World.
Why Contemplative Reading?
Contemplative reading asks us not just what we’re learning about the book in our hands (or ears), but what we’re learning about ourselves through the experience of reading it. The aim is to create deeper awareness of ourselves and understanding of others. It is often described as “holistic,” but also as “heart-knowing.”
Heart-knowing. Doesn’t that sound nice?
An Immense World
It has been a pleasure speaking with people from all around the world these last weeks, via social media, MS Teams meetings, and on the phone, about this project and our first season’s selections. I’ve been so glad to hear how many people are excited about this journey and about the first books we’ll be reading together. I only hope I can keep the selections up to these standards in future seasons! (I’ll have your help for that, though, thank goodness.)
The Plan
An Immense World has 359 pages (not including back matter and two sets of pictures. I am very much looking forward to the pictures!) Since we will have three conversation posts and one concluding post each month, that means a good pace to set is about ninety pages per week.
As I aim to be truly contemplative, taking time to think about and write about what I’m reading, my personal plan is to divide those pages further into daily meditative reading, which I’ll do each morning. So, with ninety pages per week to cover, I will aim for about thirteen pages per day. Please feel welcome to follow my pace or to set one that works for you.
On the eve of our first reading, I have my copy of the book open to page one. I like to have everything ready to go so that I can wake early in the morning and sink in. I have a favorite pen (this is a pilot G2. I normally write with Pilot G7 pens, but this particular one is nice for annotating, and it was nearby.) I’ve also got a nice journal (from Barnes & Noble) for generative and reflective thoughts (not pictured is the journal I keep for all-time favorite quotes. Perhaps I will share that one day!)
You’ll also see a lovely, personalized bookmark created by Shannon Silver, owner of Silver Penny Studio. She has some wonderful pieces on her Etsy site, and I believe she’s open to commissions. Lastly, my little Raven mascot, who keeps me company when I’m reading and writing. Raven still needs a name. Any suggestions?
Reading & Responding
Each set of reading will guide my responses here on the blog and on social media. I might sometimes share the most provocative line or passage, and what it makes me think about. Other times, I might ask questions about the reading, things I’m wondering about or confused about. And still further, sometimes, I might compare what I’m reading to what it reminds me of from other readings or experiences.
I don’t want to give too much guidance about how to read, except to say, read attentively, read slowly, and listen to yourself. What thoughts and feelings arise as you’re reading? Write them down and give yourself some moments to reflect on why you’re thinking what you’re thinking, or why you’re feeling what you’re feeling.
Schedule
My reflections on the reading will appear here every week, on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 28th. That’s the schedule I’ll keep every month. I will also be interacting on social media, of course, and may share micro-thoughts and favorite quotes or reactions on Instagram, Threads, X, and Facebook. I encourage you to join me in these conversations, or here in the blog comments. On social media, please use #theCRPblog so we can find one another. This week, I aim to read through page ninety.
Meditation: “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.”
Iain S. Thomas
Wishing you thoughtful reading,
~Adam
Contemplative Reading Project 
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