By Dr. Jane Guttman
Reading is a stress-buster. Reading preserves brain health. Reading reduces depression and anxiety. Reading helps us fall asleep. Reading can increase life expectancy. Health advocates that promote reading indicate that just a few minutes of this pastime can reduce heart rate. Literacy advocates agree that 30 minutes of reading per day can add a couple of years to our lives… A healthful practice to add into the daily wellness program of your life.
An award-winning author, Luis J. Rodriguez said that “Books saved me.” He referred to his early street life and to the mystical path that led him to visit libraries and read, read, read, even as a young juvenile offender. Books, those he has written and those he has read carried him to a vista of self-realization. In my long-time work with incarcerated youth, I witnessed the deep truth in the words of Rodriguez. Books opened minds and hearts for hundreds of children that I taught and carried them to the shores of lawful lives and promising adulthoods… Keeping our communities safer and healthier… Keeping children from the dismal prison pipeline… Stories and glories gave life back to discarded and disturbed children.
Books have been an inspiring legacy of my life. From a childhood practice of reading every Nancy Drew mystery to writing books, to devouring books, to having my mind and heart burst open to a new discovery, a new story, a new literary master, books have enthralled. Books invite healing of hearts, minds, and spirits. One young man at juvenile hall read a book each day for one year. We talked about the gifts in each choice and he took many gems with him as he embarked on a future inspired by words.
Books build community. For 15 years I organized a Read Across America gala at juvenile hall. The community answered the call to read to the kids. From every corner they came. Judges, attorneys, social workers, authors, justice advocates and parents…to inspire and comfort, to let a favorite story, poem or excerpt stir the souls of those that listened. From Dr. Seuss to Rumi, stories and poetry unfolded, compassion thrived and hearts lifted.
Mattie J. Stepanek wanted to write a bestseller before he died. As it turned out he had several before his death at age 15. Words were music to his heart and his books were considered to be “Heartsongs.” Jimmy Santiago Baca didn’t read until adulthood. After he taught himself to read, he wrote books and became an award-winning author. As authors, books are at the heart of our calling, to give our words to the world. As we read the verses given with such devotion, we become a partner to each author in our literary travels. I read The House on Mango Street too many times to count during my tenure as a teacher-librarian at juvenile hall. I read those pages to anyone who would listen, their grace too gorgeous to veil. Now I read Cisneros to a group of prison men and savor their regard for her story. Everyone has a coming of age story and perusing one awakens divine self-reflection.
Reading invites empathy. We become immersed in the vibration of compassion and empathy as we read. This is the health link. That vibration allows many chemical shifts that bring well-being and harmony. Whether we read fiction, non-fiction, prose, or poetry, gains are made. We interact with the characters in a fictional piece and we become intimately aligned with the poet’s heart as words unveil more of the human journey.
Book unite families in astounding ways. Time spent together savoring a rich story, watching a child or grandchild meet the wondrous moments of the world, helping a child to understand life’s difficulties become treasures in the generational tapestry. Winter is around the corner. Get your book list ready. Bedtime stories, living room read-ins and choral reading with your family or groups of friends invites wellness and well-being. A good book is a great companion for those who live solo. Make time for a day just to read. “Oh the places you’ll go!” Dr. Seuss said it so very well, and added “The more you read, the more you know, and the more places you’ll go.”
All guidance is educational and not given as medical advice or treatment., nor is it meant to take the place of qualified medical professionals. Please check with your physician for all medical concerns.
Jane Guttman is a bio-energetic practitioner, workshop presenter, educator, retired holistic chiropractor, Life-Wellness doula, and practices focused hearing. Her practice includes Soul Sound, energetic tapping, writing for wellness, memory release, pet hospice care, and crystal well-being. Her process invites deep reflection, self-love, and well-being; her healing work invites the presence of inner peace, an essential energy to sustain wellness and wholeness. Her work with focused hearing and intuitive guidance have helped many to redirect their lives. Jane’s process has evolved over thirty years of study/practice with the late Dr. M.T. Morter, D.C. and the late Dr. Lucille Edwards, an eminent and recognized metaphysical healer, clairvoyant and energy healer. Jane is committed to assisting people and pets of all ages in attaining wellness goals.
Educational and Related Services: (Non-medical)
Crystal Well Being – EFT Tapping – Emotive Memory Release – Energetic Balancing – Intuitive Guidance/Focused Hearing – Pet Well-Being – Sound Healing – Wellness Doula – Writing for Wellness
Contact Info: Drjane4wellness@gmail.com (909)436-9500