One of our most useful productivity practices is to take a break in the late afternoon, lie down, and read a kid’s book until we fall asleep for a refreshing 30 minute nap. If it’s the right book, it will take our minds AWAY from all that’s on it and into another world, while firing up our creativity, because the best kid’s books are really about living and discovery (like Phantom Tollbooth’s dissertation on asking “Why Not?“)

A favorite of late is Moominland Midwinter, one of Tove Jansson‘s beloved series about a family of Moomins, who are hippopotamus-like in looks, wise and eccentric in character.  The Moomin stories take us far and are full of curious wisdom, like Too-ticky explaining the refrain of a song she wrote about a snow-lantern (above):

All things are so very uncertain, and that’s exactly what makes me feel reassured.

That one line is a very radical and daring approach to living.

Moominland Midwinter cover

Ed Note: The cover above is of an older version of Moominland Midwinter, which has been reprinted many times.

Thanks Holton!

If you’ve found illumination, joy, or inspiration in this post, please consider supporting Improvised Life. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation that helps pay our many costs. A little goes a long way towards helping Improvised Life continue to live ad-free in the world.

Support Improvised Life ♥

One thought on “Productivity Practice: Read a Great Kid’s Book

  1. “All things are so very uncertain, and that’s exactly what makes me feel reassured” what a great saying that fit into buddhism’s impermanence, that means when you’re angry, sad or suffering in any form, it’ll NOT last forever, unless you keep hold on to them and think they’re real…..

    what a great habit to read a creative children’s book in the afternoon before the nap….thanks for sharing!!!

    xo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *