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Mid-October 2018 Newsletter
Hello, and a magical over-the-top Mid-October to you!
Welcome, or welcome back, to my newsletter.
Today's issue is about being an introvert, and thriving in a
noisy extroverted world.
Enjoy!
Being an introvert
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The definition of an introvert is someone who gains energy by
being alone, and can get depleted by too much time in company.
An extrovert, on the other hand, needs to be around other people
to feel fully energized and alive. No one is totally an introvert
or an extrovert all the time. Each of us is somewhere on the spectrum
between the two extremes, and we can temporarily shift in one direction
or the other with certain strong emotions or events. However, most of
us do lean more toward introversion or extroversion.
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The man trapped inside the jar, looking out at the world and everyone
else, seems to be the way extroverted folks, with their mindset of "the more
people, the better!", view introverts. I'm an introvert, and we like
being alone! When I was younger, my favorite way to spend my free time
was with a book. My extroverted mother often urged me to go socialize,
which was the last thing I wanted to do. She actually told me, "Why don't
you go out with those other students? You don't have to like them!".
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Introverts often get mis-labeled as anti-social, which is unfair.
Just because we don't want to be with others as much or as often
as an extrovert, doesn't mean we never want to be around people at
all! I've also noticed I'm much more comfortable with one or two friends,
having a conversation without a lot of interruptions, than in a crowd.
This is true even when it's a crowd of people I know well and care about.
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The image above reminds me of the "energy hands" work I've learned in my healing
classes. We put our hands gently on another, say on their shoulders when they're
seated in front of us. Then we let our energy hands sink down below the skin to
the bone, seeing what we sense there. Our energy always precedes us, reaching
out before our body's actions catch up. This makes me think of introverts, who
are often more sensitive, getting overwhelmed by all the energy coming at them
from others, when not everyone can feel this. No wonder we often prefer to be
alone, or with a very small group.
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As an introvert, I've built up my small social circle one close friend at a
time. And yet I still have to watch out for getting overwhelmed with people,
even if being with each one separately would be wonderful. Recently I participated
in a Mastermind coaching weekend with a handful of coaches I've trained with
for years. We know each other well, and I feel safe and supported with them.
Reviewing the weekend afterwards, I realized I spent every single meal, my
only "free time", eating with the group! In retrospect, this was a bit too
much for my solitary nature, and even though I didn't want to miss any golden
moments of connection and learning, one or 2 meals alone to refill my personal
batteries might have suited me better. Know thyself!
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Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, you're OK! Accept and appreciate your
uniqueness, and see if you can understand those who are a bit different from you.
If you're an introvert, you can still go to a party, and not stay too long. If
you're an extrovert, see if you can spend an hour or 2 alone and not get restless.
It's always good to stretch our limits, while still honoring our own special
nature. We don't want to turn into someone else! Finally, appreciate your gifts
as an introvert, that you may be able to listen more intently, or be aware of
nuances others can miss. Introverts usually go deeper in conversation. I can't
count the number of times someone has told me "I never thought of it that way!"
about something that was obvious to me. Cherish your sensitivity as an introvert,
and appreciate your more outgoing extroverted friends. It takes all kinds.
To read about how my introverted nature affected my eyesight,
click
here.
Have you wondered if my work could help you?
I'm now offering complimentary Discovery Session consultations
of 20 to 30 minutes, for us to discuss what you're looking for
in a coach, and to see whether you and I feel like a fit.
To schedule your Discovery Session, click
here.
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Thank you!
Please send me your questions and comments
Let me know what you've wondered about concerning energy medicine
or vision or dreams. I'll be glad to write a short article addressing
that topic. Thank you to those who have sent me questions, or see
a question you asked me in a private session written about here.
You're helping many other people!
Enjoy the remainder of your October.
I'll write again in a couple of weeks. Take care!
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