As I age, I notice that I experience 'imposter syndrome' less often or less intensely. Despite being very conscious of how little I know, my anxiety diminishes, largely because I no longer live in a competitive and competent knowledge economy. It's not a full-blown Fear of Not Knowing Enough (FONKE), but rather a nagging feeling that sneaks up on me as lurking self-doubt or a looming second-guessing when my spirit becomes shy and tentative. I find solace in this: whatever little pocket of knowing I come to pass, I have truly metabolized and embodied it - most of the time - from head information to heart transformation, and am ready to put the wisdom out there for the common good.
Yes, yes, yes, and THANKS, Susan! It's such a happy kick to find other Quiet Ones here discovering Dr. Iain McGilchrist! A welcome reminder of the riches he continues to offer us all. I first came upon Dr. Iain McGilchrist on Youtube. Instantly I too felt a deep affinity with him, a sudden recognition brightly-lit by longing 'to be like him when I grow up' (I'm 81). What a relief to find this brilliant, quiet, warm sage already kin.
There are his numerous Yt talks, his books, first 'The Master and his Emissary', and a terrific BONUS: ☺️ the delightful archives of his "Daily Poetry Readings" (Youtube)
The fine quotation you share is my story too. Shy and uncertain from year one, I'm a reflective observer/witness, reactive yet also fulfilled by 'performing' sincerely and passionately as a teacher animated by the fun of exploring, thinking, and seeking expression. For 33 wonderful years, my college students could not believe I'm actually an introvert -- unless we happened to meet at the mall ... As ever, bright blessings to this community of Quiet Ones. So much special joy in the profoundly enriching support you engender amongst us.
****
PS [Oh: fyi, a recent Yt talk with guest Dr. Iain McGilchrist, "Context Changes Everything"]
The thought that came to me after reading this, even though there may not be a super direct correlation, is that I have gone through my life feeling like Cinderella’s step sisters - IN THE SENSE that any social situation, I feel like I am trying to put on a shoe that is not the right size for me. I dont feel inferior or haughty like those two step sisters, but never finding the shoe that fits me, always a little uncomfortable. We are much more powerful in our gifts than we ever give ourself credit for in an extroverted world, but its easy to always feels “lesser than” like Aian shares. It’s nice to be in spaces…like these!
I worked on the leadership team of a large school district department. I was easily able to speak in front of 250 people. And I could make the crowd laugh! During a break, talking to individuals was so difficult. I always thought it was very weird until I heard Jerry Seinfeld joke, "I can talk to ALL of you, but I can't talk to ANY of you." Performing and being just yourself are two very different things.
Thanks for introducing us to Dr. Gilchrist. As a person with social phobia and shyness, the link to his website has opened up what appears to be a person with something to share and say that I can really relate to. Am looking forward to reading his books and watching the videos on his website, as well as subscribing to his newsletter. Information like this is what makes "The Quiet Life with Susan Cain" so worth while. Thanks again!
Yes. Exactly. Never made the connection between lack of confidence and "drilling down and gathering in and trying to make sure that what I’m saying is grounded on something that is very hard to refute" but there it is. And the stage thing, too. Wow. Just learned something new about myself.
My imposter syndrome shows up in explaining and re-explaining and in trying to anticipate all possible arguments before anyone makes them. No editor of either of my memoirs has let me get away with that. Yet I still try.
I am so pleased that you are looking into Iain McGilchrist's work. As you know, this has been a major pillar in my own writing and formation. I am looking forward to hearing your take on him.
As an introvert, I connected with him easily and found a like-minded person who provided words to my thoughts.
And yes, there are ways to express oneself through defined, guarded forms of exposure like being a DJ, speaking, or acting, as I did in my youth.
You can't imagine how many times I was left in awe, nodded along, and immediately integrated his thoughts into my framework. I think we would have a great time together. I have thought of visiting the island of Skye just to sit with him.
I think we shy people tend to be ponderers. Pondering leads to curiosity and wanting to know. In specific moments I might not know enough, but generally I want to know it all!
I love your beginning quote and your reflections! I can identify! I would love to hear more of your thoughts on the writings of Iain McGilchrist. I have read his very short “Ways of Attending: How Our Divided Brain Constructs in the World,” and is an easy introduction to his thinking and work.
I understand the "performing" and it relates to my photojournalism and street photography. I can be at a crowded social event that otherwise might overstimulate me, but when I'm taking, pictures, it's as if I am in my own world. I will crouch down, lie down or stand on a chair to get the perspective I want for the photo and I do not worry about what others think. A few years ago, a guy commented that I was "hanging by my toenails to get the shots."
As I age, I notice that I experience 'imposter syndrome' less often or less intensely. Despite being very conscious of how little I know, my anxiety diminishes, largely because I no longer live in a competitive and competent knowledge economy. It's not a full-blown Fear of Not Knowing Enough (FONKE), but rather a nagging feeling that sneaks up on me as lurking self-doubt or a looming second-guessing when my spirit becomes shy and tentative. I find solace in this: whatever little pocket of knowing I come to pass, I have truly metabolized and embodied it - most of the time - from head information to heart transformation, and am ready to put the wisdom out there for the common good.
Yes, yes, yes, and THANKS, Susan! It's such a happy kick to find other Quiet Ones here discovering Dr. Iain McGilchrist! A welcome reminder of the riches he continues to offer us all. I first came upon Dr. Iain McGilchrist on Youtube. Instantly I too felt a deep affinity with him, a sudden recognition brightly-lit by longing 'to be like him when I grow up' (I'm 81). What a relief to find this brilliant, quiet, warm sage already kin.
There are his numerous Yt talks, his books, first 'The Master and his Emissary', and a terrific BONUS: ☺️ the delightful archives of his "Daily Poetry Readings" (Youtube)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqBHk3itxyPCGwtSRMs0SwlEBZF81-ZZ7
The fine quotation you share is my story too. Shy and uncertain from year one, I'm a reflective observer/witness, reactive yet also fulfilled by 'performing' sincerely and passionately as a teacher animated by the fun of exploring, thinking, and seeking expression. For 33 wonderful years, my college students could not believe I'm actually an introvert -- unless we happened to meet at the mall ... As ever, bright blessings to this community of Quiet Ones. So much special joy in the profoundly enriching support you engender amongst us.
****
PS [Oh: fyi, a recent Yt talk with guest Dr. Iain McGilchrist, "Context Changes Everything"]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LJAYrk_GBM
The thought that came to me after reading this, even though there may not be a super direct correlation, is that I have gone through my life feeling like Cinderella’s step sisters - IN THE SENSE that any social situation, I feel like I am trying to put on a shoe that is not the right size for me. I dont feel inferior or haughty like those two step sisters, but never finding the shoe that fits me, always a little uncomfortable. We are much more powerful in our gifts than we ever give ourself credit for in an extroverted world, but its easy to always feels “lesser than” like Aian shares. It’s nice to be in spaces…like these!
I worked on the leadership team of a large school district department. I was easily able to speak in front of 250 people. And I could make the crowd laugh! During a break, talking to individuals was so difficult. I always thought it was very weird until I heard Jerry Seinfeld joke, "I can talk to ALL of you, but I can't talk to ANY of you." Performing and being just yourself are two very different things.
Dear Susan:
Thanks for introducing us to Dr. Gilchrist. As a person with social phobia and shyness, the link to his website has opened up what appears to be a person with something to share and say that I can really relate to. Am looking forward to reading his books and watching the videos on his website, as well as subscribing to his newsletter. Information like this is what makes "The Quiet Life with Susan Cain" so worth while. Thanks again!
You're so welcome - yes I felt that too, upon visiting his website, plus it gives me huge delight to share these things.
Yes. Exactly. Never made the connection between lack of confidence and "drilling down and gathering in and trying to make sure that what I’m saying is grounded on something that is very hard to refute" but there it is. And the stage thing, too. Wow. Just learned something new about myself.
My imposter syndrome shows up in explaining and re-explaining and in trying to anticipate all possible arguments before anyone makes them. No editor of either of my memoirs has let me get away with that. Yet I still try.
I know the impulse well!
I am so pleased that you are looking into Iain McGilchrist's work. As you know, this has been a major pillar in my own writing and formation. I am looking forward to hearing your take on him.
As an introvert, I connected with him easily and found a like-minded person who provided words to my thoughts.
And yes, there are ways to express oneself through defined, guarded forms of exposure like being a DJ, speaking, or acting, as I did in my youth.
yes, I was thinking of you while exploring his site - he really is the ultimate like-minded person, isn't he.
You can't imagine how many times I was left in awe, nodded along, and immediately integrated his thoughts into my framework. I think we would have a great time together. I have thought of visiting the island of Skye just to sit with him.
I think we shy people tend to be ponderers. Pondering leads to curiosity and wanting to know. In specific moments I might not know enough, but generally I want to know it all!
I love your beginning quote and your reflections! I can identify! I would love to hear more of your thoughts on the writings of Iain McGilchrist. I have read his very short “Ways of Attending: How Our Divided Brain Constructs in the World,” and is an easy introduction to his thinking and work.
I just ordered "The Matter With Things," so will undoubtedly have much more to share soon.
I understand the "performing" and it relates to my photojournalism and street photography. I can be at a crowded social event that otherwise might overstimulate me, but when I'm taking, pictures, it's as if I am in my own world. I will crouch down, lie down or stand on a chair to get the perspective I want for the photo and I do not worry about what others think. A few years ago, a guy commented that I was "hanging by my toenails to get the shots."
it strikes me that many photographers are this way.