As I was thinking about how to express the Art of reading for this series, I was thinking I needed to talk about ‘how to read’ and ‘how to tell a story’. Of course, those could have been talked about, but, when I came across this video of Wes Callihan, published by Roman Roads Media, giving a tour of his personal library. I realized I was focusing on the wrong aspect of this art. Watch this video and let’s talk about it.
Beautiful isn’t it? He embodies love, generosity, and joy as he talks about his books, their history, and the ideas contained in them. In fact after watching this and thinking about it for a while I think the art of reading is about learning to dance with the ideas contained in the books and the civilization they form. We Callihan is a master at this art. How can we practice this art? How can we begin a walk that will move us along on the path of this art? Here are few suggestions, however limited they may be that may get you going.
:: Read the great books, this may seem obvious, but many of us don’t. We may read books about the great books or have the greatest intentions to read the great books, but never do. There is a handful of online groups, retreats, and conferences that can help you enter-in. It is like that. I remember hearing Wes Callihan, Christine Perrin, and John Mark Reynolds talk about this during ‘The Poetic Knowledge Panel’ at the Circe Conference in July 2014. Christine specifically discussed the idea that we all enter in somewhere, and it is never ideal. But once in, you are home.
:: Read them to your children. Some may think that our children are not ready to hear some of these books, and maybe that is true. Nevertheless the dance can be introduced. It may not be entire dance, and they may be standing on their daddy’s feet, but they are a participant, and that is what we want.
:: Look for and join a reading community. If our goal is to participate in culture, in civilization, then the very nature of that is communal. We must read and discuss in community. You can discover option online and in person. My favorites are of course, the amazing friends over at the Expanding Wisdom Facebook community. Right now we are discussing Dante. I know there are others as well. The Summer Institute and The Apprenticeship through CiRCE are fantastic options if you are looking for an in person, in depth option. Another opportunity that is like that is one Wes Callihan leads. The Summer Hall at Hill Abbey. Lastly, ask a couple friends to join you in reading something. Begin reading, ask questions and discuss, there are so many resources and options out there; it is always a matter of priorities and doing it the thing.
I would love to hear what you are reading right now. Let me know in the comments section or join us on Facebook for our reading group. We would love to have you.
Expanding wisdom, extending grace,
Jen
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| This part is a member of our 31 Days of Playing with the Arts Series |
When I hear about great groups like this I sometimes wish I were still on Facebook. :/
I think you’re so right about how it’s important to just start somewhere instead of being intimidated or thinking that there’s a right “order” that the great books need to be read in.
Yes! I was talking about this with a couple friends today. The struggle between the real and the ideal.