In introversion we discover that the love, joy and peace we were looking for are all within us.

By: B.K. Natalie Steel  
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/07/24/e-paper-today-delhi-25-july-2026/  
Dated: July 25th, 2026

In the ways of the world, an extrovert is seen as good company; chatty, outgoing, active, and often dynamic. An introvert, on the other hand, is sometimes seen as too quiet, a little dull, less to say for themselves, and are often valued less. However, someone following a spiritual path cultivates introversion for many reasons, but mainly for the strength and power that comes with that state of mind.

All of us have different strengths and talents – our personalities are a sum total of all of these – but we also have failings or weaknesses that in normal life we try to hide. Sometimes, in fact, they are hidden even from the self, and they do not serve us well. The weaknesses or lack of spiritual wisdom are the obstacles in our path to full vitality. Meditation is the way to understand the complete personality. 

If we want to live a full life using all our talents, skills, and wisdom, then we must embark on a voyage of self-discovery. We must cultivate introversion. This will reveal the inner world that only I am aware of. We need time to work from the inside out. We need time to reflect on our thoughts and behaviour. It can start with the gentle practice of meditation, and we can use journalling or some other method of self-reflection. By doing this we learn how to replace the negative self-talk and attitudes into positive and spiritual thinking patterns. When things go wrong, and they will, we can change the habit of criticism of the self, because it leads nowhere, and look for the learning, and what I could have done better.

Many say they have no time for this or even feel uncomfortable spending time with the self, but the rewards are great. When I develop this art of seeing with a higher level of understanding, it gives me more independence, gives me the option of increasing capacity, and fortifies my sense of well-being. I become less and less reliant on anyone or anything to do that – because I am doing it by myself. I no longer need to distract myself when things become uncomfortable – I can check where the discomfort is coming from and change the thoughts, and therefore the feelings, that are causing it. In fact, challenges become a welcome opportunity to move forward in a wonderful way. Introspection gives us the time and power to face something new. Everything we want in life – love, joy, peace are all within us. All of this lies hidden from us because of our own limiting thoughts and what I have taken on board from what others have told me about myself. I need to discover what is really true. When I lack this awareness, I will run here, there, and everywhere in extroversion.

Understanding who I am, a being of light, a soul, gives me great power. Once I have lit that light within, I need the energy of the soul, the light, the being, to keep sparkling. I do not want anything to take that away or diminish it; nor do I want the hidden potential I hold to be undiscovered. This is what I am – I want to be this fully.

It is through regular practice of meditation that I can live my best life. In the state of heightened awareness of soul consciousness, I become peaceful, happy, loving, powerful. I make healthier decisions and see my mistakes as part of my learning. I learn, become light, and let go.

I am able to help others when I emanate this higher energy – without any kind of extroversion. I can see the being within another in a natural and appropriate way. This is living with my truth, and this is only possible when I am introverted. It has been said that if you want to hide something from man, do not hide it in the sky – he will reach it. Do not hide it in the ocean – he will plumb those depths. Hide it in the heart of man, because he never looks there. Meditation lets me look deep within my heart and discover the hidden truth and treasures within the self – that is the hidden strength of introversion.

By Natalie Steel is a Chaplain at Loughborough University. She is the Area Coordinator for the Brahma Kumaris Centres in the Midlands, UK.