The Power of Introverts!

“For instance, if a man ceases to take any concern in worldly matters, conceives a distaste for common pleasures, and appears sunk in depression, the doctor will say, “This is a case of melancholy, and requires such and such prescription. The physicist will say, “This is a dryness of the brain caused by hot weather and cannot be relieved till the air becomes moist.” The astrologer will attribute it to some particular conjunction or opposition of planets. “Thus far their wisdom reaches,” says the Koran. It does not occur to them that what has really happened is this: that the Almighty has a concern for the welfare of that man, and has therefore commanded His servants, the planets or the elements, to produce such a condition in him that he may turn away from the world to his Maker. The knowledge of this fact is a lustrous pearl from the ocean of inspirational knowledge, to which all other forms of knowledge are as islands in the sea.” 

-The Alchemy of Happiness, Imam Al-Ghazali

I really enjoyed listening to the above TED talk by Susan Cain, the author of the NYT Bestseller, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking." I haven't officially started reading the book. However, I didn't waste time and downloaded it on my Kindle, haha.

She brought up some good points, and a few I can definitely relate to. I agree with her idea that we each reside on the spectrum, so to speak. Never being 100% one way or the other. I tend to dabble in both. By nature I'd say I'm an introvert. However, destiny has always put me in positions of extroversion. Today, I feel fairly comfortable in both worlds. There is so much to learn finding ease living in either realm. With that being said, times of solitude aren't something I shy away from and find it essential for growth, giving space to reflect and hone in on creative energies. It's a power source.

Growing up and being in certain sectors of the corporate world I have always been fascinated when being steady and quiet was often looked down upon. In many ways, the squeaky wheel, always got the grease. I think another thing most introverts have is, patience. There have been more than one example in my life, where sitting back, observing, while continuing on with the work, in the end, brought reward.

All in all, there is a season for everything. A time for being open and outward. A time for receding and reflecting. Dancing in both realties is a good thing. However, in our culture extroverts are more highly regarded in most cases. Which gives me pause, living in a country where people are naturally reserved. There tends to be more distrust in those who are overtly boisterous and demanding of attention. I find it has definitely taken affect on me. Instantly, when I am around Americans, I am always left wondering why are they talking so loud? Hahaha. I say this out of love. But it's true.