The dictionary defines an introvert as 'a person who is shy, quiet, and prefers to spend time alone rather than frequently being with other people.' There are deep connections between being an introvert and being spiritual.
"Best ideas come to your mind when you remain objective in silence & solitude."
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN INTROVERT?
Here are some indicators that you might be an introvert:
1. Your inner monologue never stops.
You possess a persistent inner voice that continuously operates in the recesses of your mind, and it can be challenging to silence it; at times, it may even seem impossible. Occasionally, this prevents you from sleeping because your conscious mind remains active. Memories from the past can trouble you, such as regret over words spoken five years prior or recollections of being bullied eight years ago.
2. You enjoy spending plenty of time alone.
Staying in on a Saturday night poses no issue for you; in fact, it's something you anticipate with pleasure. For you, 'Netflix and chill' genuinely signifies watching Netflix and unwinding. Alternatively, you might enjoy reading, gaming, sketching, cooking, composing, crafting miniature hats for cats, or simply meandering around your home. Engage in your favorite solo activities as often as your schedule permits. Feeling good when alone is natural; it's a time when you're at liberty to be truly content.
3. You do your best thinking alone.
Solitude isn't merely for engaging in personal hobbies; it's also crucial for allowing your mind to unwind and generate fresh thoughts or ideas. In the company of others, your brain may become too overwhelmed to function optimally. Solitude grants the freedom to engage with one's inner dialogue. It can foster greater creativity and deeper insights when alone. The space to breathe is essential when surrounded by others, providing room to think creatively and unwind.
4. You often feel lonelier in a crowd than when you’re alone.
There’s something about being with a group of people that makes you feel disconnected from yourself & you feel insecure. Maybe it’s because it’s hard to hear your inner voice when there’s so much noise around you. Whatever the reason, as an introvert, you crave intimate moments and deep connections — and those usually aren’t found in a crowd.
5. You feel like you’re faking it when you have to network.
Approaching strangers to introduce yourself can feel as unpleasant as sticking tiny needles under your fingernails. Yet, you recognize the potential benefits, so you consider doing it despite feeling insincere throughout the process. If you're anything like me, you've had to learn it on your own. In the moment, you need to engage your "public persona." You remind yourself, "Smile, make eye contact, and project a confident voice!" Afterwards, you're exhausted and require time alone to recharge. You ponder whether others must exert this much effort when meeting new people, or does it come naturally to them?
6. You have no desire to be the center of attention.
In the workplace, you prefer to discuss matters directly with your boss after a meeting or convey your ideas via email rather than presenting them to a large group. However, when you are truly passionate about an issue, you are willing to face the potential overwhelm of speaking out if it means making a significant impact.
7. You’re an old soul.
Introverts are known to be observant, absorbing a wealth of information and contemplating before speaking. They are analytical and introspective, frequently seeking to uncover the deeper significance or underlying patterns in events. This trait can make introverts appear wise beyond their years. Their interests often span a variety of subjects, including science, technology, art, philosophy, spirituality, literature, and more.
8. You alternate between being social and being alone.
Introverts savor their solitude, enjoying the liberty to engage with their inner thoughts while shutting out the world's clamor. However, it's not that introverts always wish to be in solitude. As human beings, we are inherently designed to connect with others, and as introverts, we yearn for meaningful interactions. Introverts inhabit two realms: the external world of people, which we visit, and the internal world of solitude, which is our sanctuary. We may seek a breath of fresh air and a space to express our emotions over prolonged companionship.
9. You shut down after too much socializing.
Recent studies indicate that socializing depletes energy over time for everyone, including extroverts. This is due to the energy expenditure involved in social interactions. However, introverts tend to become fatigued more quickly than extroverts and may experience social burnout more intensely. Individuals may experience what is known as an "introvert hangover," characterized by extreme fatigue and, in some cases, physical malaise following extensive social interaction.
10. You live in your head.
You may find yourself daydreaming so intensely that others might advise you to "get out of your head" or "come back down to earth." This happens because your inner world is nearly as rich and vibrant as the external one.
(While this applies to everyone, extroverts may not spend much time alone, whereas introverts often revel in solitude.)
11. You are an overthinker. You tend to overanalyze and overthink, even the minor things, especially regarding your social interactions. "Oh! I shouldn't have said that!"
Introversion and spirituality are often interconnected. It is believed that a person may become spiritual due to their introverted nature, or they may become introverted or ambivert as a result of spiritual experiences or influences. This is because spirituality involves introspection rather than extrospection. True introspection occurs in moments of silence and solitude, which suggests that spirituality inherently encourages introversion.
In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita, which focuses on Dhyana Yoga, the Lord recommends silence, solitude, and the practice of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga). Similarly, Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev advises in his video 'Be alone, be happy.' Consequently, we observe Yogis renouncing worldly possessions, dwelling in forests, and practicing celibacy and yoga.
Why Introverts get drained when they interact with too many people?
Spiritual introverts often engage in practices like yoga and meditation, which can enhance their psychic energy, vibration, and intensity. They tend to be highly sensitive, with a propensity for deep thinking and a high level of intelligence.
"Intelligence comes with a price called over-analytical thinking, that leads to anxiety and depression."
It has been observed that as you interact with various individuals, your aura and theirs can influence each other. If you possess high energy, vibration, and intensity, it naturally gets transferred. This is in line with Newton's law, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. The solution to managing this has been discussed in another article on Ashtanga Yoga.
Consequently, a spiritually introverted person may find their energy depleted. Therefore, they often seek solitude and silence.
The same thing happens when you have intercourse or have contact with too many people, too many times. Remember, S.E.X (Sacred energy exchange.) The longevity of Himalayan yogis, often exceeding 120 years, is attributed to their mastery of certain practices and lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.
"Celibacy is life, semen loss is death."
Insights from Bhagavad-Gita:
In the Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 6, which focuses on Dhyana Yoga, Lord Krishna imparts wisdom on meditation and discipline.
yuktahara-viharasya yukta-cestasya karmasu yukta-svapnavabodhasya yogo bhavati duhkha-ha
SYNONYMS
yukta—regulated; ahara—eating; viharasya—recreation; yukta—regulated; cestasya—of one who works for maintenance; karmasu—in discharging duties; yukta—regulated; svapna-avabodhasya—regulated sleep and wakefulness; yogah—practice of yoga; bhavati—becomes; duhkha-ha—diminishing pains.
TRANSLATION
He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.
PURPORT
Indulgence in eating, sleeping, defending, and mating—basic needs of the body—can hinder progress in the practice of yoga. Regulation of eating is achievable through the disciplined acceptance of prasad, or sanctified food. As prescribed in the Bhagavad-Gita (9.26), offerings to Lord Krishna include vegetables, flowers, fruits, grains, milk, and more. Thus, an individual practicing Krsna consciousness naturally learns to avoid food that is unsuitable for human consumption or that does not fall within the mode of goodness. Regarding sleep, a person in Krsna consciousness remains vigilant while fulfilling their duties and views any excessive time spent sleeping as a significant loss. A person devoted to Krsna consciousness cannot endure spending a single minute without serving the Lord. As a result, they minimize their sleep. They aspire to emulate Srila Rupa Gosvami, who dedicated himself to serving Krsna and seldom slept more than two hours daily, if at all. Thakur Haridasa would not even accept prasad nor even sleep for a moment without finishing his daily routine of chanting with his beads three hundred thousand names. As far as work is concerned, a Krsna conscious person does not do anything which is not connected with Krsna's interest, and thus his work is always regulated and is untainted by sense gratification. Since there is no question of sensual gratification, there is no material leisure for a person in Krsna consciousness. And because he is regulated in all his work, speech, sleep, wakefulness and all other bodily activities, there is no material misery for him.
Dan Pena stated that 98% of Fortune 500 CEOs are introverts, with only 2% being extroverts, including Dan Pena. This suggests an advantage for introverts in attaining such positions.
Introversion allows an individual ample time to think and be creative. Unfortunately, it's rare to find friends who engage in conversations about topics that interest us. Instead of indulging in meaningless chatter, solitude becomes a preferable choice. Observing people spend the majority of their lives gossiping about events and others, such a waste of time!
"Cheap discuss persons, mediocre discuss events, legends discuss ideas." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Personally, I find that being introverted has led me to look inward and discover happiness. I find that solitude is when I am truly happy.
In conclusion, being introverted does not imply that one is antisocial or superior. It's important to acknowledge life's realities and our own truths, and to use them to our advantage. We should aim to contribute to society, serve humanity, and honor the divinity within us.
Hope this inspires you!
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Yadu
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually
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