Chapter 1: The Importance of Homeostasis

For the past five years, my close friend, Peter the Bald Chiropractor, and I have shared Tuesday mornings at a St. Louis Bread Company, meeting halfway between his loft and my apartment. During our conversations, we often revisit the concept of homeostasis, a key principle in chiropractic philosophy.

Homeostasis refers to the body’s natural ability to maintain balance among its various systems, ensuring proper functionality. This principle is foundational to all living organisms. — Source: University of Minnesota

Understanding this concept has profoundly impacted me. Previously, I would chastise myself for perceived weaknesses in willpower, thinking that greater effort would lead to success.

In other words, I interpret homeostasis as a biological metaphor for the statistical notion of "Regression to the Mean." When faced with repeated adverse experiences, the subsequent occurrences are likely to be less severe. This idea, known as “regression to the mean” or “reversion to mediocrity,” illustrates how extraordinary events tend to be followed by more commonplace ones. — Source: The Conversation

These insights encourage me to practice self-compassion. Despite my desires to change overnight or to blame myself, there are biological and statistical realities that suggest otherwise.

Section 1.1: My Television Habit

My tendency to gravitate towards television is something I acknowledge and rationalize. Even though I attempt to limit my viewing, I often find myself drawn back in, even during social engagements. Afterward, I frequently reflect on whether we could have spent our time more productively.

Growing up, I observed my parents and grandparents engrossed in television. I longed for the example of reading to be set before me. I recall my mother devouring the works of authors like Stephen King and James Michener, though I never witnessed her reading. My father, while seemingly well-read, was not a visible reader.

I strive for change and wish to become an avid reader, leading me to accumulate a growing collection of books. I often joke that I’m in a “12 Step Program for Bibliophiles.”

Subsection 1.1.1: Current Reading Stack

On July 15, 2022, I realized the year was rapidly drawing to a close. Recently, I rearranged my living room, which required moving a pile of books. The first book, Come As You Are, is popular among my acquaintances, and I picked it up to stay informed. The second book, Reality Is Broken, was a gift from a much smarter partner who found it enlightening. I’m eager to dive into it after enjoying some TED talks by the author.

Polysecure is currently trending in the polyamory community, addressing attachment theory and communication strategies.

Chapter 2: Navigating Challenging Reads

In all honesty, Underland presents a substantial challenge for me. The author delves into complex themes regarding subterranean realms, using terminology that often escapes me. However, I persist.

I acquired Underland after a profound conversation with a professor emeritus outside a bar one evening. He suggested that I read it before tackling the latter portions of The Overstory, as it would enrich my understanding of the themes explored in that novel.

The author spans subjects from the universe's origins to a post-human future, highlighting underground networks that allow trees to communicate, and addressing the long-term storage of nuclear waste. — Source: Book Jacket of Underland

The first video provides a fascinating look into the restoration process of century-old books, emphasizing the craftsmanship and care involved.

Chapter 3: A New Approach to Reading

I recently had an epiphany: why not approach my reading goals with the same strategy I use for increasing my exercise? By evaluating my desired outcome, the time frame, and breaking it down, I realized I could set achievable targets.

The chunking method suggests that having a clear purpose motivates one to take the necessary steps to achieve success. — Source: Tony Robbins

Calculating the remaining days of the year and the pages left in the six books I aim to finish led me to a manageable goal. I accounted for inevitable interruptions and allowed for 19 days of no reading.

With 1,538 pages to read in 150 days, I figured I needed to cover about ten pages each day. Given my past reading habits during graduate school, this felt easily attainable.