i don’t often think about the words ‘extrovert’ or ‘introvert’ (most of us are probably a blend of both). these words, however, have been surfacing enough during recent conversations to invite more thought about them. a few times, while talking about this subject, others have expressed feeling as though the time they choose to spend alone is somehow frowned upon—as though others question their innate need to step away from a crowd.
there are probably many unique reasons why each soul is drawn to certain ways of living and being—and there are benefits that we receive through both connection with others and spending time alone, in more quiet, still and solitary ways. while it doesn’t always, often time spent alone translates into a meditative stillness. the stillness in our surroundings supports different thought patterns and energy movement.
i truly enjoy listening to and interacting with the people i cross paths with, yet one of the reasons i find myself feeling more quiet, at times, is that i easily pick up on the thoughts and feelings of others. being in a crowd is like walking into an electronics store and having every piece of equipment on around me. it’s overwhelming—and, again, while i sincerely enjoy time with others, i need some time, spent in quiet calm and silence, after a crowded event to regain balance.
i can process through life events, with others, warmly and effectively—yet it’s often in the less frenetic, solitary moments when i feel the most growth taking place and when i may even feel the most connected. i imagine that there are many others who feel and process things in these same or similar ways.
we each receive our own unique list of experiences, during life, that invite us to discover and see things from new angles. we each meet with trials that may elicit potential within our beings that we were previously unaware of. when we practice stillness, through peaceful moments alone, and allow ourselves to experience the world around us without distracted senses, we—regardless of how off track we may feel, at times—retain an alignment with what is good and right for our course.
in these reserved spaces, free of culturally or personally imposed ideas about what is best and what outcomes should present themselves, we deeply connect with ourselves and we connect with a power within us that presents greater and stronger possibilities than what we might perceive through our logical minds, alone. out beyond the visions, the hopes and the dreams that interweave the plans or intentions of others, we find clarity for our own story.
stillness allows us to hear what might not be effectively coming through amidst the noise of our routine life and living. even during our most alone-feeling moments, it can infuse us with a sense of hope and trust in the perfection of our life path. it brings an awareness to the connection and interplay between our mind, our emotions, our breath and our body. it supports tapping in, bringing up, working through and letting go.
we thrive in community, in feeling connected, in embracing all with a spirit of divine love. we also thrive in allowing the time and space—as much as we need—for quiet, soft moments to work their magic unveiling and integrating us into the sacred network of universal intelligence.
yes, connection is essential to our well-being. stillness, too, as a simple act of self-care, is powerful.
(elephant journal, november 2014)