I was thinking today about how some solitary pursuits can be particularly challenging for those of us not blessed to be introverts. Many kinds of life changes and re-directions–whether requiring learning, dietary shifts, inclusion of new activities in our lives or regular movement–ultimately depend upon us acting. We might act in concert with others, but ultimately, we are engaged in enacting our particular choices.
In a boisterous culture like the U.S., being an introvert isn’t usually seen as a plus. I speak as a life long introvert here. I’ve had to learn how to engage people in a responsive and lively way when I am out and about in my life. My natural tendencies are to be quite internal and quiet, even when I am part of groups of people. Yet, as a teacher I know that these habits won’t necessarily serve me very well.
However, there are advantages to of being an introvert when it comes to personal meditation and movement practice. Us introverts often enjoy our own company and are aware of our need to “re-charge” by being alone and quietly reflective. We are also often people who prefer to work things out in solitary or in our own heads, before we share them with others. These traits can be very supportive when you are learning to develop a personal yoga or meditation practice.
You might be reading this and thinking, “Well, I’m a extrovert–no wonder I hate practicing by myself at home!” Remember, just like us introverts can learn how to go to a party, meet new people and have a good time, you, too, can develop some of the skills that introverts come by “naturally.” Starting with only minutes a day, reduce your sensory input and see what it is like to just hang out in the company of yourself. You might find your mind racing or your body twitching for social interaction. That’s okay—you can just observe it, laugh, and keep breathing through your mini-solitude practice. As you develop the capacity for being at home with yourself, see how this quality can be carried with you even during your lively, social moments!
