Solitude: Food for the Introverted Soul

2327 Words5 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: characteristics of introverts and extrovert

Solitude: Food for the Introverted Soul The greatest angler in the world,” this is the title I bestowed upon myself at six years of age. I was blissfully ignorant to the fact that the fish in the pond on my grandparent’s farm located in rural southwestern Arkansas, needed to be hand-feed twice weekly. When they wanted fresh fish, they would omit one or both of the feedings for that week, making the fish ravenous and eager to strike anything that lighted atop or entered the water, including an un-baited hook. My father introduced me to the sports of fishing and hunting during the summer of 1967. After the trauma of witnessing the shooting and panicked flight of a beautiful deer, the fear I saw in its eyes before dying made hunting too cruel and violent a sport for my six year old psyche. I preferred the quiet and peace of fishing, the struggle to lure and land your quarry, the age old dance between predator and prey. Even though my youth made it impossible for me to realize then, that preference of the “quiet struggle” were the initial steps toward my introversion, my comfort and ease of inward reflection, shunning of the masses, taking overt steps to insure some quality alone time; and reveling in the splendor of nature, all of which are conducive with angling. “It is in your power to withdraw into yourself whenever you desire. Perfect tranquility within consists in the good ordering of the mind—a realm of your own” (qtd. by Helgoe 231) “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not the fish they are after” (Thoreau). First, I must state categorically that fishing, at least for me, is not a “gang bang” sport. It is a quiet competition between the angler and fish; it does not require the company of others or sp... ... middle of paper ... ...> Helgoe, Laurie. Introvert Power. Why your inner life is your hidden strength. Naperville: Source, 2008. Print. King James I Version. The Holy Bible. New York City: House.1988. Print. Lindh, Wilburta, et al. Comprehensive Medical Assisting Administrative and Clinical Competencies. Clifton Park: Delmar,, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. Pintoman. Understanding Introverts. Hub pages. 2012. Web. 13 March 2012. Kebler-Ross, Elizabeth. Goodread Quotes. 2012. Web. 15 March 2012. Sisson Mark. Power of Solitude: Why you should spend more Time Alone. 2012. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. Thoreau, Henry, David. Welcome to the Quote Garden. 2012. Web. 11 Feb. 2012.

Show More
Related

  • Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It

    1318 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the Maclean family, fly-fishing was portrayed as the link that brought the father closer to his two sons. Not only did the family strongly believe in their Presbyterian values, but they believed that fly-fishing was an important way to release their frustrations and just relax together every Sunday after church. In Norman Maclean’s novella, A River Runs Through It, a sport that started out as a hobby transformed into a tradition that brought discipline and structure into a family that seemed as though they would never be able to get along. In everyone’s life there is one activity that brings him or her these same feelings and emotions, it is just up to them to find it.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Introverts In Quiet By Susan Cain

    1397 Words  | 3 Pages

    The book Quiet by Susan Cain explains that extroverts are the type of people who are talkative and sociable, therefore, they could easily get others' attention during various conversations with the topics that they are discussing. Introverts, on the other hand, are the more quiet type. The ideas from introverts are usually drowned because they do not talk as much as the extroverts do. Introverts don’t expect themselves to handle leadership positions, but it doesn’t mean they cannot be successful leaders at their jobs. We often assume that talker as smarter than the quiet type and perceive talkers as leaders. However, introverts actually make the best leaders by carefully listen to what their followers have to say; not only because introverts gain knowledge by listening, but also their abilities to demonstrate modesty and they are extremely

    Read More

  • Solitude, Solidarity, and Sexuality in One Hundred Years of Solitude

    412 Words  | 1 Pages

    Soledad in Spanish means more than our word "solitude," although it means that too. It suggests loneliness, the sense of being apart from others. Although ultimately each human being is alone, because there are parts of our experience we cannot share, some people are more solitary than others. The really solitary figures in this novel are those who deliberately cut themselves off from other humans. They are contrasted with characters who combat their solitude, by making strenuous efforts to reach out to others.

    Read More

  • The End Of Solitude Analysis

    1262 Words  | 3 Pages

    In William Deresiewicz’s essay, “The End of Solitude,” he describes how technology has made it impossible to be alone. Media, social networking sites, television have so much influence on our mind that our lives revolve around these things. Everyone wants to be recognized, famed and wants to be appreciated by others such that being alone isn’t appealing to them. William Deresiewicz argues that being alone is a vital part of life and everybody should try to achieve that solitude in their lives, but with technology it has become impossible to be alone when we have technology in our pockets. He suggests that solitude is very important to hear God and to hear our inner selves. He compares the eras Romanticism, Modernism and

    Read More

  • Essay on One Hundred Years of solitude

    855 Words  | 2 Pages

    Believed by many to be one of the world’s greatest writers, Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian-born author and journalist, winner of the 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature and a pioneer of the Latin American “Boom.” Affectionately known as “Gabo” to millions of readers, he first won international fame with his masterpiece, One Hundred Years of Solitude, a defining classic of twentieth century literature.

    Read More

  • Benefits Of Being Alone Analysis

    1021 Words  | 3 Pages

    The first source that I looked at was the TED talk episode of Susan Cain titled “Power of Introverts”. In her presentation, Susan Cain talks about how she believes that Western culture society is bound to the idea that being an extrovert is less fitting than being an extrovert in school, work force, etc. In the video Susan states that, “in past history, great minds such as Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Rosa parks were all introverts and they were important transformative leaders in society”. Cain’s aim here is not to attack extroverts, or to state that they are not as good as introverts. Her argument is that the introverts have an important role to play in many areas of society that is now often being overlooked. One example would be that, introverts have greater willingness to listen to others and their input makes them better leaders than is commonly known. To conclude, she added thoughtfulness and tenacity of introverts, and their keen capability to work independently, often gives them an advantage in creative enterprises like art and scientific improvement, also in more intellectual industries such as science and engineering. In particular, Cain highlights just how vital it is to encourage and support the introvert’s strange talents, and to be patient in dealing with their intimacy or familiarity. She also stresses the importance of inspiring the introvert to come out of their shell as much as they are able, so they may learn to make their opinions be heard, and to be able to reach their full potential and contribute in a world that is more extrovert friendly. When I think of it, it is kind of sad how society believes that wor...

    Read More

  • Why I Want To Be A Certified Medical Assistant Essay

    500 Words  | 1 Pages

    Aside from personality traits and characteristics needed in this field, certified medical assistants also need to possess certain applied skills. One of the most important skills is communication skills and listening skills. Certified medical assistants must also be able to comprehend diagnoses and medical charts, and may be required to perform medical coding for the purpose of billing. Most of the work is done on computers, therefore, certified medical assistants must be familiar with commonly used software and

    Read More

  • Medical assistant

    624 Words  | 2 Pages

    Our generation is going through a baby boom which is causing an increased population that has demands in the medical field. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states Medical Assistant as one of the fastest growing professions. It is expected to experience a 35% growth by the year 2016. While life is starting at birth and adding to our population numbers, individuals are expected to live longer. Medical...

    Read More

  • Analysis Of The Nick Adams Code Hero Hemingway

    1095 Words  | 3 Pages

    Coming home from the grueling experience of being a soldier in World War I, he felt ecstatic when he saw a trout swimming in the stream. The perils of war took a devastating toll on Nick, as he suffered from a physical wound while in action. The camping trip here is like an oasis, which will let Nick to recover from all the distress. “Nick looked down into the pool from the bridge. It was a hot day. A kingfisher flew up from the stream. It was a long time since Nick had looked into a stream and seen trout. They were very satisfactory...Nick’s heart tightened as the trout moved. He felt all the old feeling.” (178) The healing process begins here with Nick re-acclimating himself with one of his favorite hobbies: fishing. “He started down to the stream, holding his rod...Nick felt awkward and professionally happy with all the equipment hanging from him...His mouth dry, his heart down...Holding the rod far out toward the uprooted tree and sloshing backward in the current, Nick worked the trout, plunging, the rod bending alive, out of the danger of the weeds into the open river. Holding the rod, pumping alive against the current, Nick brought the trout in...” (190,193,195) Nick finally reels in a trout after the big one got away, getting to the feeling of relaxation and washing away the horrors of war. By pitching his tent out in the forest and being able to function by himself so smoothly, Nick shows how he represents the trait of stoicism. He did not complain or stop living, coming back with the trauma of war. Going camping, he is able to relieve himself through using all the nature around him, showcasing his

    Read More

  • The Chosen by Chaim Potok

    1368 Words  | 3 Pages

    "When a trout rising to a fly gets hooked on a line and finds himself unable to swim about freely, he begins with a fight which results in struggles and splashes and sometimes an escape. Often, of course, the situation is too tough for him."

    Read More

  • Medical Assistant Essay

    785 Words  | 2 Pages

    As medical assistants we are trained in both clinical and administrative duties, which is a unique skill, and sets us apart from other healthcare professionals. Administrative duties include tasks such as answering telephones, greeting patients, appointment scheduling, and arranging hospital admissions and laboratory services. Clinical duties include responsibilities such as taking medical histories, educating patients on any medical procedures, drawing blood, collecting specimens, and assisting the physician during exams. Because of the growing demand and extensive training of medical assistants, there is never a problem finding work in hospitals, clinics, or private doctors’ offices. (American Association of Medical Assistants, What is a Medical

    Read More

  • Susan Cain's Use of Carl Jung's Theories in The Power of Introverts in a Worl That Can't Stop Talking

    661 Words  | 2 Pages

    Cain, Susan. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. New York: Crown Publishers, 2012. 10. Print.

    Read More

  • Meditation

    4152 Words  | 9 Pages

    Michalon, Max. “Selflessness in the Service of the Ego,” American Journal of Psychotherapy. Vol.55, No.2, 2001. Web. 21 May 2015.

    Read More

  • Solitude and Isolation in One Hundred Years of Solitude

    577 Words  | 2 Pages

    "…Races condemned to 100 years of solitude did not have a second opportunity on earth."  These powerful last words of the novel One Hundred Years of Solitude ring true.  The book demonstrates through many examples that human beings cannot exist in isolation.  People must be interdependent in order for the race to survive.

    Read More

  • Fishing Essay

    1370 Words  | 3 Pages

    Now fishing has been used by many nations in every age and adapted for their use of nature. Fishing has always been about humans trying to outwit the fish, and beat it in a various uncontrollable elements. (Gilbey, 20) There has been fishing since, the beginning of the human civilization. Even though if you were fishermen, you are likely poor, but free. So fishing was rarely depicted as a heroic or a “rich” men pastime. (Ascani, 29) Because of this, there are no stories directly relating to fishing. An example of this would be a didactic poem the Halieutika, where the fishermen made 3500 hexameters, which is the most extensive ancient text about fish and fishing to be preserved to date even though, the fishermen were not mentioned once in the whole poem or the fish that was caugh...

    Read More

More about Solitude: Food for the Introverted Soul

Open Document