Mindfulness For Introverts

Understanding Social Anxiety With Mindfulness

I would like for you to consider the word introvert for a moment.

When we think of someone who is or who describes themselves as an introvert what qualities come to mind?

Quiet? Shy? Or meek, perhaps?

Perhaps you self-identify as introverted.

Would you be interested to know that social scientists have classified four types of introverts?

I'll briefly define these four below but I'd also remind you that as with all mindful considerations, it's possible to be fluid with these terms, meaning that even if we do not consider ourselves introverted we will recognize some of these qualities in ourselves.

The Social Introvert. This describes the tendency to prefer spending time in smaller groups of people or alone.

The Thinking Introvert. This describes the tendency to spend a lot of time absorbed in your imagination and the inner landscape of your thoughts.

The Anxious Introvert. This person reflects the need to spend time alone because the company of other people prompts feelings of shyness, social awkwardness, or lack of confidence. Alone, one might dwell on past experiences or worry about future ones.

The Inhibited Introvert. This simply means one is more likely to act with restraint than impulse. 

There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to spend time alone, in fact that’s often how we meditate or study. Myself included. And at times we all have or will exhibit these qualities. We are not pigeon holed into one specific category at any given time.

However humans are by nature social animals and by being social is how all of the many wonderful societies we see today came into existence.

However being excessively introverted can impact the balance of your being. Most often missing out on connecting with others. 

Sometimes the reasoning is ‘ I don’t like people’, I have enough friends’ but if someone is honest with themselves most often the more honest reason is something else. And that something else is usually a fear of not being accepted or good enough.

So we must explore this a little more. All fear is a result of living or projecting an outcome that is somewhere in the future. A future that does not exist. Even if it’s based on a previous experience, this current situation is not the one that has already passed

We need to bring ourselves into the present moment.

With mindful breathing and attention, acknowledge your present feelings - I feel nervous. I feel scared. I feel unworthy. It’s OK to identify each and every one.

Then explore each of those feelings you’ve identified and ask why they are there? You may find that in fact, they serve no helpful purpose in being there. At the end of your examination, let them go.  

Depending on how many emotions you’ve identified during your inventory will correspond to how long you’re mindfully examining each and every one. Therefore it’s important to remember this is about your overall personal growth and not necessarily an overnight success. It may take time to unlearn what you’re accustomed to doing and to learn and recognize the positive growth you’re working towards.

I wish you peace and ease,

Vladimir

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

The Importance of Gratitude

Opening Our Hearts To Receive Joy

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we often become more mindful of what we’ve been fortunate to have received, or not received, over the course of the year. We reflect on the trials and tribulations we’ve overcome, as well as fond memories formed, accomplishments and achievements, all the while rejoicing in being here, in the present moment. 

I would think that 2021 has been better than 2020 for most of us and that is something to be thankful for this year. Although we celebrate Thanksgiving with food, laughter, hugs, and affection, Thanksgiving contains a much deeper meaning.

As I write this I’m listening to My Life by The Beatles. It may sound like a sad song but if you listen to it it’s a beautiful reflection of ‘people and things that went before’. Everything in life changes, people, places, and memories will not remain the same. As a result of these changes, we reflect on the past with a certain nostalgia making it necessary to cultivate thankfulness for what we have received, even if it’s a memory of loss or hardship.

Although we may be grateful for someone holding open a door, letting us cut in line when we only have a few items, we truly recognize thankfulness when we overcome a situation where we were faced with the possibility of something precious taken from us. 

Overcoming these trying times with the support of family and friends, or even by yourself, is a wonderful accomplishment and illustrates the importance of being thankful, the essence of Thanksgiving.

Here are a few considerations you may be grateful for:

• Waking up this morning. Many won't and being alive is a wonderful gift.
• Clean air. You don't need to live on a mountain top or forest to appreciate a deep inhale and exhale.
• Clean water. You don't need to go to a well or river to drink. Fresh, clean water is right in your tap.
• Your clothing. Clothing is designed to protect you from the elements. No matter what you have on it's doing it's job and many do not have clothing as well.
• Shelter. You don't need a fancy home or even an apartment to be grateful for shelter. Shelter is anything that protects you from the elements, including a tent.
• Food. If you ate last night, you were more fortunate than many others.  

As you cultivate gratitude for what you have now, you may also bring mindful awareness to where you may be tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. When you have gratitude for what you have in the present moment you will ring this joy with you into all that you may have and experience in the future.

For it is when we are thankful that we are more open to compassion and forgiveness to ourselves and to others. So, as you begin to reflect this season, offer yourself compassion and forgiveness and reach out to those who may be hurting. Your caring voice may be the only one they hear and as a result maybe a bountiful cornucopia of blessings spring forward towards you both.

Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving,

Vladimir

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.