One of the best parts I’ve found about volunteering in a strange land is how little I have to talk to people. Being an introvert, it’s a nice change of pace. Other people make life complicated for us weirdo loners.
Some days I might not say more than ‘good morning’, until its time to say ‘goodnight.’ Great day in my books.
The only talking that goes on in between is most often times in broken English or Sinhala and revolves around the basics – food, mental health, food, the media, food, stigma, and we finish it off with why Trina and I don’t have kids and how much I make. The average discussion lasts 56 seconds and I’m back to my thoughts.
The odd day I miss the chatter and endless meetings, but most of the time I can get by with the chatter in my head – or the sounds coming from Trina’s mouth. Haha.
It’s like I have all this extra energy now that I used to waste on being around other people all the time. And now, when I am with friends and such, it’s much more enjoyable because it’s a treat to be around them.
I hope I don’t seem like a dick here. I do love people, having fun, laughing and telling stories. It’s just that being alone and quiet more gives me energy that I didn’t used to have.
I was worried that I’d be lonely in Sri Lanka, but in reality, I’m enjoying the silence – even though I know it’s not going to be quiet forever.
Shaun
Shaun and Trina are Sweating 
November 26, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I know how you feel Shaun. Fred was gone to Banff all week and so I probably talked to Humphrey more than any actual human being! I still think i’m much more of a weirdo loner than you though. 😛
November 27, 2011 at 8:26 am
Humphrey is as good as a companion as you could ask for. I think we come by our weirdo loner-ness honestly.
November 26, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Els says: ‘This is about not having to many commitments…’
I don’t want to agree or disagree, the weekend is still long.
By the way, when wil we have dinner at our place?
November 27, 2011 at 8:21 am
I think Els could be right. I find it’s always a good idea to agree with a woman, especially on the weekend. Trina says: “We will come for dinner at your place whenever you tell us to come.” We do love eating.
November 26, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Shaun… I never knew you even had an introverted personality! Wow your blogs really inspire me to take some time and really become more introspective about my life. Hope you and Trina have a safe and great stay in Sri Lanka
November 27, 2011 at 8:19 am
Thanks Alvil. I can fake an extrovert pretty well when I’m in public, but it’s exhausting. Keep up the solid work in jiu-jitsu!
November 26, 2011 at 10:10 pm
And then a scholar said, “Speak of Talking.”
And he answered, saying:
You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.
There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone.
The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape.
And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves do not understand.
And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words.
In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence.
K. Gibran ‘The Prophet’
November 27, 2011 at 8:17 am
Very beautiful and wise. Trina just reminded me that we read from “The Prophet” at our wedding. Maybe we should have read this section too (especially Trina…haha).
December 2, 2011 at 11:16 pm
What do you mean “you come by your weirdo loner-ness honestly?”
December 2, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Welcome to the blog Bob. And I also see that your using your own email address again. Sweet. I was talking about mom, of course. Her and Grandma Braun.