UPBUILDING THE SELF

The Three Sources of Introversion

Hari Prasada, Michael, and Rasanath discuss the three sources of introversion and share the different gifts and challenges faced by introverts depending on where the introversion comes from. When we discover the reasons for our introversion, we have greater access to self-understanding and self-empathy. It allows us to live with greater intentionality and to stretch our borders without disrespecting them. The team also debunks the often unconsciously held view that extroverts are better than introverts.

Podcast Hosts: Hari Prasada, Rasanath Das, and Michael Sloyer

Highlights

  • [4:00] The Enneagram as the source of the sources of introversion

  • [4:50] The first source of introversion: The Perforated Ego Boundary / being a Withdrawn Type on the Enneagram

  • [5:50] The conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind as the three areas of our inner world

  • [7:00] Advantages and disadvantages of being a Withdrawn Type

  • [8:50] The overwhelm that Withdrawn Types feel

  • [9:30] Why being an introvert is often seen as a disadvantage in the corporate world

  • [11:00]] The complexity of having both introverted and extroverted wiring

  • [17:00] The difficulties that extroverts have in understanding how they are feeling

  • [21:00] The second source of introversion: Insecurity Around Perception

  • [23:00] How introversion has become fashionable

  • [29:00] Why we might show up as different personality types using Meyers Briggs (MBTI)

  • [31:00] Experiencing introversion without being an introvert

  • [31:30] The third source of introversion: The Self-Preservation Instinct 

  • [33:00] The difference between someone with a Perforated Ego Boundary and a Self-Preservation Instinct

  • [36:30] How someone can be a Go-Getter Enneagram Type but show up as low energy

Quotes

  • “When we tell a person who is a Withdrawn Type to compartmentalize, it’s like asking someone to do something that they are not wired to do.” -Rasanath Das

  • “When we are not in touch with our feelings and our heart, relationships are not satisfactory.” -Rasanath Das

  • “We want to create some space for ourselves to process what might be going on in our relationships and to see what might be behind the introversion.” -Hari Prasada Das 

  • “Sometimes, introversion can be a result of circumstances, especially circumstances that create shame.” -Rasanath Das

For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self

About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.