Wisdom helps us recognise our own problems or shortfall. We also need wisdom to sort out problems, and survive in adversities, crystalising it into life experiences. In fact, wisdom is one of the main tools that help us cope with adversities and live a fuller life. Wisdom is not exclusive to those with good education. As long as you seize every opportunity to learn and observe your surroundings, there would be plenty of good "teachers" for you. Books are in fact a reservoir of wisdom. A comic book, a magazine or a piece of poetry can all be interesting and inspiring. Reading provides a "short-cut" to enriching mind, and allows personal space to ponder and gain experience. It is through reading that we can sharpen our logics and learn different perspectives. Apart from gaining wisdom, reading can help us strike a balance between busy work life and personal space. While reading, we can enjoy personal quiet moments, slow down in the hustle and bustle of life and calm the nerves. In our experiences with clients, quite a few of them extricated themselves from self-imposed situations after reading a good book. Some of them learnt to let go and treasure what they had got, while others realised their own maladaptive habits and made spontaneous changes. We have had a client who eventually learnt to treasure life and gave up his intention of committing suicide.

In the next few issues, we will offer you different choices for reading. Reading is not difficult, but cultivating a reading habit takes time. Take your time, relax and try to enjoy the funs of reading!

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group: 28666206

(5th floor, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay). PEN: psg@police.gov.hk

(All cases will be kept in strict confidence.)