When we can’t focus, reading a page from a book is like reading only the words. We can’t picture what we’re reading, put things into context, nor wrap our mind around the ideas. In fact, we don’t even pick up on them. It’s like each word is a separate sentence–distinct from the other words that come before or after them.
I’m sure all of us have been here before. Whether it’s when we stayed up late to study for a test, or when we’ve started a book that we have no interest in reading. None of the sentences or paragraphs register in our brain. In fact, it’s like our working memory isn’t running at all. We are reading without understanding.
We might as well be reading a page of random words. It would make no difference. The only way reading can be beneficial is when we’re focused, engaged, and curious. When we are contemplating, visualizing, or questioning the merits of the ideas or the story. If our mind isn’t an active participate in the text, reading has no meaning.
Fallton Havenstonne 