Introverts and Mindful Practices - A Perfect Match

“Everyone shines, given the right lighting” - Susan Cain, Author

I used to think that introvert simply meant “shy and quiet” and extrovert meant “outgoing and talkative” and while that’s somewhat true, it’s actually not quite accurate. What’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? There are lots of different personality characteristics, but it basically all comes down to where you receive your energy from. Extroverts are energized by socializing in groups and having lots of friends, while introverted people, in general, prefer smaller groups and more intimate, one-to-one interactions. There are also omniverts - those who display traits of both introversion and extroversion, depending on the situation.

Like many introverts, for most of my life it often felt to me like being an introvert is somehow slightly inferior to being an extrovert. I know it’s not true, but somehow it always felt that way. Growing up I desperately wished I was an extrovert. I associated extroverts with fun, having lots of friends and being popular. When you’re an introvert, and shy on top of that, people tend to interpret that as “cold” and “snobby”, even “rude” sometimes. Going to parties, any sort of party, is something I’ve always endured, not truly enjoyed. After spending time at an office meeting or even a large family party I will be totally exhausted and need to spend time on my own to recharge. It’s not that I don’t like people (I do!), it just takes a lot of energy to be around many people at once. Introverts need human connection just as much as extroverts, just in smaller, quieter atmospheres.

Happily, though, in the last few years I’ve begun to accept and even embrace my introverted personality. Why? I believe it’s all due to expanding my journal writing and discovering and practicing slow mindful yoga and meditation. I’ve written in journals for as long as I can remember, but when I expanded that practice (there are so many therapeutic writing practices to explore!) and was introduced to other mindfulness practices including yoga and meditation, I truly started to feel like I was coming home to myself.

Why is that? I think it’s because yoga, meditation and writing are all about introspection - going deep within and truly getting to know yourself. It’s something we have to do on our own, it doesn’t come from the external world.

Here are 5 ways mindful practices help me as an introvert:

  1. Mindful practices allow me to be myself. I can be an introvert and stop trying to pretend to fit into an extrovert world. I’ve met a whole community of people just like me and realize that I’m not completely alone, in fact, there are many of us around!

  2. These practices help me face my fears and keep me accountable to myself. When I first started yoga I thought I had to do everything perfectly and had the limiting belief that I wasn’t flexible enough. I was intimidated by the thought of going to a yoga studio. Does any of that sound familiar? 

  3. Becoming more mindful has helped me slow down and increased my awareness of my surroundings. I still get caught up in the rush of everyday life, but I make sure there are frequent opportunities throughout the day to slow down and catch my breath. I stop to stretch and breathe throughout the day and write daily in my journals. I also take mindful walks. 

  4. By engaging in my own mindful practices I’ve developed deeper relationships with my myself and others. I’m more curious about the world and people around me and take time to respond instead of react, especially when under pressure.

  5. Mindful yoga, meditation and journaling can be practiced anywhere, any time. There are thousands of free online classes, or better yet, find someone you like and support them by signing up for their scheduled classes. When I’m not home, I can be standing in a line at the store and do a body scan, a breathing exercise, or even some yoga asana (how about mountain or tree pose?). I always have a small notebook and pen in my purse. No other special clothes or equipment are necessary. What can be better than that?

Yoga and other mindful practices are for everyone - introverts, extroverts, omniverts, and whatever your shape, size, stamina, or physical condition is. Take some time to go inward and learn more about yourself. And if you’re an introvert, take an extra deep breath and enjoy!

If you’d like to learn more about being an introvert, I highly recommend the book: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain.

 

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I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.

For an audio version of this week’s blog, please check out my podcast here:

What is stopping you from living your best life? Get out your journal and a pen and take the new quiz on my website to find out:

Are you interested in learning more about life change & mindset coaching from a mind/body perspective? Please email me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com for more information or to schedule a free introductory consultation to see if coaching is right for you. You can also visit my website coaching page.

"I felt at complete ease with Sharon from our first conversation. She has a wonderful, gentle but firm way that made me focus on my thoughts / feelings so I could remove / change to move forward with a completely different feeling to what felt like obstacles. It was great having regular coaching that gently kept me accountable to actioning and moving towards my goals. Sharon has vast experience in so many areas, I felt that makes her an amazing coach.”

Michelle Carney, East Galway, Ireland

 

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