Reading and random noise

[Katsunami]

Today I finally did it again: Zen reading.

For about 10 years, I've not been reading as I used to. I have had the feeling that I... was... reading... every.... word.... separately.

Today, I sat in public transport (bus), and it was really busy, and quite noisy. The result was an undetermined noise, but without any definable elements; even the the bus stop call system was off (or set too low for me to hear it).

After a few minutes, everything was gone. It felt like my brain was off, and I wasn't actively reading. I'd just look at the screen of the Kindle, slowly sweeping from top to bottom, and tapping when hitting the last line.

I almost missed the bus stop where I had to get out. When I got home, I saw that I read somewhere around 40 pages (using my own custom counting in Count Pages) in 30-40 minutes; that's about 60-80 pages an hour, and I remember everything.

Normally I've been reading 25-30 pages in one hour, so my speed was at least double of what it was normally.

In times past, this was my normal way of reading. Maybe I got too busy 10 years ago, as that is the moment I started to work full-time, but I wonder.

Could it have been that ambient, but non-distracting noise? Normally when at home, there is always some noise, but it's focused: a neighbor making a sound, the clock going "tick/tack, tick/tack", something going on outside, or whatever.

Would it be worthwhile to experiment with using a headphone, playing white noise on a very low level, or maybe even classical music something? Is this the reason why some people can only study or read while "some noise" is going on somewhere; that you/I may now need something to block out my own thoughts, while I didn't need that 10 years ago?

Any thoughts?

[DiapDealer]

The older I get, the less I'm able to tune out noise (of any kind) while reading. Unfortunately for me, solitude is getting harder and harder to come by.

[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

The older I get, the less I'm able to tune out noise (of any kind) while reading. Unfortunately for me, solitude is getting harder and harder to come by.

True enough; it's almost impossible to be anywhere without there being some sort of sound. Often enough it drives me up the wall. I'm in an open office space, so there are always people talking, or on the phone, or other noises such as printers. It's *HARD* to engineer software and write code in such an environment, so at the end of the day, I often just want to hear nothing (or just hear what I want to hear, such as instrumental music).

If you try to talk to me at the wrong moment, especially when I'm trying to concentrate on something, don't be surprised if you find me to be unfriendly to the point of having to surpress the urge to hit you. I even have been living alone for over a decade, and at this point, I don't see myself getting back into the dating and girlfriend game ever again. I think I would be a sorry excuse for a partner most of the time, because very often, I just *don't* want to talk or even hear anything.

What I'm wondering about if it's possible that random noise that lacks any focus can actually assist in concentrating, while clearly definable noise such as talking (in such a way that you can hear the actual words), ticking of a clock, kids screaming outside and so on is only distracting.

[rkomar]

I knew a coder who would listen to recordings of rain or surf on a beach while working. So, it's common enough to have a viable market for it.

Some libraries also play white or pink noise in the background, because it helps drown out other sounds and allows people to concentrate better.

[cromag]

I prefer silence (or, at least, quiet) for my reading environment. I can read while my wife is carrying on a phone conversation, during a thunderstorm, etc.

But, I have a difficult time reading out on the back deck when my neighbor (a thoroughly decent guy and good neighbor in every other regard) has his music playing on the stereo speakers on his back deck. It's not terribly loud (anymore -- we've had a quiet conversation about it) but it's not the kind of music I choose to listen to, and it's distracting even when it's at a low volume. At times like that I go fetch my MP3 player.

[Apache]

I am unaware of my surroundings, when I read. Even in the noisiest places. People can talk to me while I read and I do not hear them.
Apache

[4691mls]

On Youtube you can find hours-long recordings of various kinds of sounds - white noise, pink noise, brown noise, waves, rivers, etc. It would be easy enough to try playing one of those in the background and see if it helps.

[BenG]

http://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/win...eGenerator.php

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by BenG

http://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/win...eGenerator.php

Thanks for the link.

I had the only mystical experience of my life sitting in a bus on my way to school, many years ago. I could see clearly in my mind, the "presence" of God. Commute by public transport is often a setup for quiet, and relaxation.

[MikeB1972]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

The older I get, the less I'm able to tune out noise (of any kind) while reading. Unfortunately for me, solitude is getting harder and harder to come by.

That must be why all those wise old men always sat on top of mountains

[Apache]

You think it is quiet on top of mountains??????????????
Apache

[DiapDealer]

I need a "cone of silence" a la Get Smart.

Though I guess I should start with something like a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. I may experiment with that with some various white/pink noise generators. Or perhaps some gentle rain/surf stuff. Music's out though--been there/tried that. Words get sung; melodies get whistled/hummed. It's automatic.

EDIT: Anybody have any good Android noise generator apps to recommend? I've found a few free ones with some good sounds, but none of them seem to continue to play in the background. Wouldn't have a problem paying $2-5 for a good one with no time-limit that can continue to operate in the background.

[theducks]

Noise is OK for me, as long as it is steady (hum, fan drone...) and not overly loud.

I have never been able to read (or code) with conversations going on nearby.
At work, I used 'over the ear' headphones and soothing music (no significant Beat), to drown nearby voices.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Apache

I am unaware of my surroundings, when I read. Even in the noisiest places. People can talk to me while I read and I do not hear them.

Me too. At least, when it's a really good book.

[DiapDealer]

I definitely used to be that way (oblivious to surroundings while reading). I miss it terribly. I don't know how/when I lost the ability. I don't think I'm reading bad books!