When was the last time you read a book that made you feel like it was written about you?
It happened to me recently, when I read the book Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, written by Susan Kane.
The book talks about the differences between extroverts and introverts, says that the world is better built for extroverts, and gives tips on how to better understand introverts. It turns out that it also helps us, introverts, to understand ourselves.
One of the effective ways to distinguish between introverts and extroverts is the degree of stimulation required for them to be aroused. While extroverts thrive in a busy and noisy environment, introverts will suffer in it and find it difficult to function. On the other hand, in a quiet and low-stimulus environment, which is the optimal environment for introverts, extroverts will probably get bored pretty quickly.
I remember coming out of the pool once, after swimming 60 pools, and bumping into a friend who was on her way in. She didn't understand how I do it without headphones. While for me this is a wonderful time to think and enjoy the routine and meditative action of swimming, for her it is simply boring and she needs additional stimuli to withstand the prolonged swimming.
Somehow being alone in the studio is more accepted by others. I myself, in order to really paint, need no distractions. Just me and the canvas. It turns out I'm not the only one. There is even scientific evidence for this.
The author quotes the researcher Erikson who claims that only when a person is alone can they achieve intense concentration, while being deeply motivated by what challenges them.
Phoohhhh... and I already thought that maybe I'm not social?...
What a relief it is to recognize these differences. There is no right or wrong. There is different. Everyone needs a different environment. It is important that we recognize our true nature and chooses to operate in an environment that suits us, so that that we can bring out the best in ourselves.
Back to the studio. Alone 😊