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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