For most introverts, finding ways to relax is not a problem. We are natural nappers, daydreamers & meditators. But for others, the ability to quiet the mind can feel illusive.
The other day in yoga class, my instructor said “the true practice of yoga starts with Savasana.” Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose is the practice of deep, full-body relaxation. I thought about that comment for a while. It makes sense to me that if yoga were the union of body and mind, then savasana would be the ultimate posture for cultivating awareness and clarity. This isn’t a stretch for me personally, but with all of the adjusting and fidgeting around me in class, it became apparently clear how difficult quieting the mind and body could be for many.
Do you think extroverts struggle to quiet their minds more than introverts in practices like yoga and meditation? I’m fairly new to yoga, so the answer to this question may seem obvious to some. If you have insights, I’d love to hear them, especially if you’re an extrovert. I myself am going to lie down for a while to think about it 🙂
Namaste
Comments
I don’t believe that whether one is an introvert or an extrovert is related to the ability to quiet the mind. I know many extroverts who actually lead, guide and teach meditation, yoga and mindfulness. I also know many introverts who struggle to quiet their thinking. It is my experience that whether one gets recharged by making outer connections with others, or needing time alone, is not necessarily related to what is happening in our inner life and our ability to create a quiet space within.
Debra, thank you for your comment. Yes of course there are many extroverts with body/mind practices, and I believe it’s the best medicine for everyone. Since extroverts are outwardly-oriented, I do wonder if it requires more of a focused/intentional process, especially for beginners.
I agree with Debra, as an introvert, I struggle mightily with quieting the mind. Actually, I am trying a new approach. I now embrace my busy mind and watch it with curiosity and kindness. That helps.
Love this question, Joanie! As a self-defined “sufferable” extrovert, I used to find it nearly impossible to quiet my mind – although I could drop into a deep nap most any afternoon if given the space to do so. That changed dramatically once I embarked on the leadership track and began to learn about and practice coaching. On the BeAbove energy effectiveness scale I am at a greater frequency and therefore am still an extrovert and high energy but I operate at a much calmer inner burn. Not sure that this makes sense, but it comes down to reaching a true comfort level with self… a real release of ego. I love your posts, Joanie, and always look forward to them! <3 R
I’m an introvert with a very unquiet mind, due to ADD. I have a hard time focusing on something – most anything – but if something really engages me, I will hyperfocus and be lost to the world. Another ADD trait is blurting – speaking the first of many things that pops into my busy brain. This may make me temporarily appear to be an extrovert, but it is exhausting to try to self-censor in order to remain socially acceptable. I’m hypersensitive to noises, temperatures, lights, itchy fabrics, and chronic fibromyalgia pain. How can I possibly sit on a hard floor, close my eyes and have a quiet mind? I’ve tried it, and I just sat there and cried. It was physical and mental torture for me.
Hi Mary, I think we all need to find our way to what brings us peace, however we can. It’s about listening to the information our bodies give to us and responding in the most compassionate way.
I love Savasana and I consider myself somewhere in the middle between extrovert and introvert.
When I read this, my first thought was something like, “Who do you think enjoys grapefruit more, introverts or extroverts?” I don’t think the personality characteristic is indicative of the interest and/or ability to quiet the mind. As an ADD and Life Coach, I work with many people who struggle with quieting their minds and I have not noticed a correlation to personality type or propensity to be more or less outgoing. I have to say, I resist labelling or pigeonholing of any sort. I don’t see the value and in fact, I think it is limiting and often harmful for people. I absolutely recognize the value of quiet and stillness; however; for people who struggle with hushing their minds, (and/or their bodies) there are other ways to get quiet without lying down on the ground or just sitting in one position. (I am not in any way knocking yoga or meditation.) I simply believe that people who struggle with the more prescribed methods can just do what works for them. (Like walking, art, gardening, etc.) Perhaps it’s a step toward classic mediation/yoga, or maybe, it is simply how they achieve this state of being. My two cents! 😉
So many interesting responses here – thank you for writing! I see endless intersection between personalities, “quieting practices”, interests, relationships, skills, etc. There are no generalizations to be made, I was simply pondering…
Just to be clear, when I speak of introversion and extroversion, I am not referring to a person’s propensity toward socializing or friendliness. I am referring to the source of energy from which people recharge. In fact, I consider myself an introvert but I love to socialize (and also find it exhausting). Introverts tend to rejuvenate from an internal source. They seek quiet and alone-time to recharge their batteries, whereas extroverts tend to recharge from external sources such as socializing, working in groups or public speaking. Most of us are a combination of both!
Extraverts attend yoga classes just to meet people and socialize )). And introverts practice meditation to rest from the extraverted world of suffering, and to reach enlightenment and to flew away from this cruel world to the heaven, where anyone no longer need to socialize ))