Habit of the Month

Quiet Spaces in Public Places

For three times already this past week, at about 530 pm, I would sweep into the National Library, charge for the NIHON KEIZAI newspaper, snuggle comfortably on a divan and, simply, read. This is my latest habit for 2006.

You would know by nosing around 20 Japanese Keeps Insomnia Away that I am studying Japanese. But browsing for juicy articles and happening events in Japan in the newspaper was more than just an effective tool to improve Japanese. The trip to the library is therapeutic.

Think of a place you can shut your yakking friend or boss up just by entering it. The library! It is not only an effective and free escape from any annoying, talking machine; it is my recommendation that you visit this quiet space daily before you head home from work…not to mention somehow people are just cuter when they are not talking.

Research in Germany made the discovery that a man’s right brain is still busy replaying events at work even after work to the unfortunate degree that the left brain which rules communication [including with your family whom are waiting eagerly for you at home] is put on hold, Find a favorite quiet spot in the library and take time to think your day through.. Do that as a favor to your family or boyfriend or lover.

I love to hangout in the library. In fact, I went to 2 libraries today: went to the first for the Japanese newspaper, the second at PASIR RIS as a waiting lounge while my sister drives to meet me for dinner.

Many, many moons ago I ‘lived’ in a library while preparing for the A Levels. That was the Stamford Library, a red-brick building a stone’s throw away from the National Museum of Singapore. This historical building was a baby to many Singaporeans, some of whom turned up to witnessed its closure. It passed into history forever to give way to a road to ease traffic. It went away a noble cause. I had no other reasons to believe it had to be demolished.