The Gift Of Introversion

Some say introversion is due to being shy, timid, or unsure.

But, I remember a time when I was very young that I ran around bold under the hot sun, bare feet pounding over scorching pebbled concrete, without my shirt on.

I felt at one with the planet, stars, and moon. I was a wildling born to rule – and it was the sun’s job to bake me and heat my bones, making me stronger.

Nature was there to guide and teach me. The orchards were full of the plumpest, sweetest, juice-flowing fruits to nourish me.

Then, darkness descended, ruled by a shadow man who infiltrated and puppeted those grown too weak in their psychology by broken diligence.

I became silent because I was told that if I spoke, someone would hurt me. Trying to break the habit released terror into the bloodstream.

Don’t move. Don’t breath. “Don’t speak a word to me.” Freezing up was a way of survival from when Man hunted me.

The way of the wolf – alone in solitude’s contemplation – has provided sanctuary. I learned how to fashion my own life and rules outside of captivity.

And now, that bright child inside and the strong woman that I have become want to emerge fully into this reality.