Mindful reading and mindfulness for seniors

Unwind in a calming decompression session that introduces mindfulness through the practice of mindful reading.

Discover how the act of reading can lead you to develop the skill of mindfulness. They go hand in hand in terms of health and wellness benefits and can assist in lowering the risks of cognitive disorders, reducing stress and offering a form of escapism.

In this 60-minute mindful reading workshop, you will be guided by meditation teacher Trish through 3 mindful reading exercises:

1. Interacting with the physical qualities of a book, using it as an anchor for meditative focus.
2. Practising the principles of mindfulness with reading activities.
3. Reading in a way that is deeply immersive and restorative.

You'll also be able to practice your newly acquired skills during short reading sessions, and you’ll get the chance to ask questions during each exercise.

You’ll need to bring your favourite book, or, if you prefer audio or e-books, bring the device you access the book from, and remember to bring your headphones. You can also borrow a book here at the library. You can bookmark a passage or two that you enjoyed and share this with the group.

At the end of the workshop, you’re welcome to hang back and ask questions and even practice your newfound meditation skills in the library.

Check out the following books related to mindfulness and reading, all available through Willoughby City Library:

• Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books by Cathy Rentzenbrink
• Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading by Bijal Shah
• The Simple Act of Reading by Debra Adelaide

Visitor information

We follow NSW Health guidelines for the health and safety of our community and staff. Please read our Behaviour in the Library guidelines before your visit.

This event may be filmed or photographed. Images may be used on Council websites, publications, social media channels and circulated to the press and other media organisations for publication, transmission or broadcast. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify staff before the event.