Introvert, Yes; Shy, No

I’m not going to say to much here until I finish reading the book Quiet (the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking) by Susan Cain. I’ve just started reading it and I think it will prove to inform my thoughts and deepen my understanding of my self, my psyche, my relation to the world surrounding me. So far, so good so I’ll give my recommendation here.

I love all people generally and some specifically. I enjoy relating, hearing people’s stories, having casual conversations on the fly, sharing a smile or a greeting. I deeply need and treasure my close relationships with friends and family. I relate well and work well with co-workers.

But I also love my time alone.

I putter. I read. I daydream. I knit. I walk. I practice yoga. I meditate and pray. I study. I write. I photograph and sketch. I watch movies and crime/mystery series. I think. But mostly, I re-charge from the huge expenditure of energy needed to relate to the world outside my home, my sanctuary.

I am sorrowful – so I move that sorrow away to present a face of joy to the world. I participate with joy and receive joy and hopefully, give joy. Sometimes, although always satisfying, an attitude of joy can be hard to maintain in such a troubled, anxious world. It can be exhausting.

I am empathetic – so I try to guard against absorbing the pain, sorrow, anger, grief of those I encounter. Only partially effective, time is needed to decompress and remove the emotions of others from my heart. I do remember their emotions so that I can pray for them and work to console, when possible. Carrying the emotions of others is exhausting.

Without the sanctuary of aloneness, I would not have the strength or capacity to do the work God has set me to do.

I do all this to know people better and therefore know myself better. As I understand myself better, the more I can do for others.

I do not apologize for having few friends. They are precious to me. They have as much of my attention as they need.

I do not apologize for abstaining from large groups and loud parties. There is too much emanating from each soul to bear for too long.

I do not apologize for listening somewhat more than I talk. I do not apologize for looking you in the eye when you are speaking. I do not apologize for letting you know that, when I am with you, I am focused on you.

This is my version of Introversion.

What is yours?

More to come. Stay tuned.