Being Introverted and the Need
for Solitude
I have a confession to make. I'm
extremely introverted.
Many people are unaware of that
fact. I was saying something about being introverted at a
gathering recently, and someone who attends many of our sweat
lodges and has known me for a couple of years was quite surprised.
Why?
Because I'm really good at telling
stories, becoming really animated to prove a point, being,
sometimes, the life of the party. I used to win awards as
a corporate trainer. But, I'm only up for that maybe twice
a month.
I much prefer solitude. Let me be
totally by myself in a beautiful natural setting and I forget
completely about missing society and other people. I can go
for days without the need for the sound of another voice.
What does it mean to be introverted
or extroverted anyway?
Introverted people need time alone
to feel centered and to renew their energy level.
They like to read, watch TV, play
videogames, work on the computer, pet a furry friend, or whatever,
usually in the comfort of their own room or home. Another
favorite activity is a walk in nature in silence and usually
by themselves. They are energetically drained by too much
time with others - a job where they interact with lots of
people or lots of activities away from home. They might go
to a party one night and stay home the entire next day. They
often don't like answering the phone, especially if they are
in need of alone time.
An extrovert, by contrast, gets
a renewed level of energy by being with others. They like
to go places with lots of people. They like parties, sporting
events, and outings of most kinds. Doing things alone is not
their idea of a good time.
Get an introvert and an extrovert
dating and what do you have? One person who is always wanting
to go out and do something and the other who would rather
spend a quiet night at home.
If they truly love each other, they
will learn to respect the needs the other has and go out sometimes
and stay in sometimes. The introvert has to learn to not take
it personally if the extrovert wants to go out with friends
when they do not. And the extrovert has to learn to not take
it personally when the introvert doesn't want to spend every
moment with them and do all the things they want to do.
I've heard that about 3/4 of the
population is extroverted. So the introverted minority has
learned to exhibit extroverted traits - like I have.
But what is an introvert to do
if they really aren't getting enough alone time?
One way to assist is with
the Magnificent Roll-on "Solitude." I made it for
myself for those times when I just have to be out there and
interacting to the point of being drained.
It won't completely eliminate the
need for time in silence, in nature, in meditation, or just
alone. But it helps a great deal. Especially if you know you
have to be "on" for awhile.
Magnificent Aromatherapy
Roll-On Solitude. $17.95 for 1/3 oz. bottle.
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