Quiet

I was talking with a friend today, and I remembered something that happened about a year and a half ago--  It was a quiet afternoon following some sort of very social morning.  V  went into her room and shut the door.  And she didn't come out.  She was 3 years old at the time, and so naturally I felt a little worried at how silent everything was.  After 10 minutes, I knocked.  What are you doing?  Are you ok?  

And her answer was this mind opening moment of clarity for me: 

I'm ok. I'm working.  I'll come out when I'm done.  

She was building a tea party of great complexity with every animal and bottle cap and marble she could find... 

  

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.  

Have you heard of this book?  If not, you should google it, or check it out, or just jump in and start reading it.  My friend, who I love so incredibly much, and who happens to be one of the most lovely extroverts I know, also read it and adored it.  

Whether or not you consider yourself an introvert, it's a book that is worth reading. --One that I wish every single one of my school teachers had read growing up.  Anyone who ever felt as kid that Kick Ball is a bit like Lord of the Flies revisited could relate.  Especially now, raising a very introverted child, this book truly made me realize that being an introvert is not something to overcome.  When nurtured and supported, Introverts can be some of the best innovators, teachers, thinkers, creators, and even leaders.  I feel like I finally truly see it in my own kid-- and I am at peace with it, because I see it in myself too-- that all she really needs is down time each day, a quiet space for her mind to stretch and recharge.  Anyway, I could say more, but really.... just go read it.  It's short.  And it will help us all understand each other a little better.     

  

Quiet child-- go inside your Rubik's Cube.  

Take your time to line up all the greens and reds and blues as only you know how 

and come out laughing.    

--And watching,
mapping every word we say
in inky eyes, wide and brown
to translate all the noises into craft and cake
and stories that we'll read someday in magazines
or framed on walls in some museum
built for quiet contemplating minds.