While examining why I might be be drawn to an eremetic life, it was clear that introversion was a significant driver. I do my best thinking, my best caring, my best creating and concentrating when I am deeply in solitude.
Online tests of introversion usually capture that I am in the 99th percentile of introversion, and in new type theory, I am a highly expressed Social, Thinking, and Restrained Introvert. Not at all an Anxious Introvert, which does really explain much of how I can putter and contemplate my days away happy as a clam without seeing people. Now, I must wonder if clams can be happy, and if so, what happiness can feel like to a clam.
It also explains why a day like today with three trips to town including an epic 4-hour tire change trapped in front of a big-screen NCIS marathon at a car dealership are so deflating. It even ended with getting to see my son for a short bit, and still, I am so glad to be back at Mons Domus with my pack, some chocolate milk, and a fire.
I do think it takes a special sort to be alone so much and love it. In my readings, there are some passages about extroverted monastics, but strictly speaking, monastic life more often than not includes regular orchestrated social interactions, even if highly structured.
In any case, I hope sharing my experiences is helpful to someone out there. I think there is value in sharing opportunities for peace, solace, and finding comfort in one’s own mind.