Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again. —Joseph Campbell
In her TED talk, Susan Cain discusses the power of introverts—especially when they allow themselves to go into the wilderness.
The wilderness is marked by quiet solitude and contemplation. The wilderness is my sacred space.
The wilderness is composed of the set of variables that promote key stimulation and productivity. For most introverts, the key ingredient is solitude.
As an introvert, I have tried everything to repel this defining characteristic. My efforts only resulted in growing frustration.
Many of my closest friends are extroverts. My husband is an extrovert. In order to maintain these relationships, I learned to share what I need to be my most productive and creative.
In college, my friends and roommate knew that I didn’t go to parties over the weekend. They also knew that I much rather go out for an intimate birthday dinner than do anything else. When I was working, they would turn off the music and let me be in my zone. If not, I would get crabby fast. However, I also knew that I needed to give my friends the space they needed to be extroverts. When it was party time, I would plan to work in the library. At first, I did feel like an incredible nerd. However, over time, I realized that these were my quirks and I had to accept them as well as those who wanted to be close to me.
Currently, my husband and I both work from home. This situation would have driven me insane earlier in our relationship. He needs constant noise in order to stay alert and productive. I need the opposite. So I work in my office with the door closed while he works in his own little nook on the opposite end of the apartment. I look longingly at those beautiful desks made for two (how do Sherry and John do it!?) wishing we could work side by side but know that is never going to be successful for us.
Being an introvert is not glamorous. However, we each have our own quirks that make us who we are. Intrinsically, we know what we need to be most productive. Once we accept this knowledge, we begin to realize our power and our full potential. Then, the wilderness becomes the most glamorous place to be.
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Do you ever think you’re a complete nerd like me?!
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