An introvert’s worst nightmare: school
Hey plebbles!
When kids spend 4-10 hours at school, where there are hundred’s of other people, you can imagine this being similar to being on a party - high noise levels, picking up on other people’s moods and energies, a lot of movement and having to watch your step to not bump into someone when out of class, etc.
Not many people would choose to go partying every single day of the week (or even the weekend, for that matter) for 4-10 hours and over a period of 12 years, as this can be extremely draining and stressful, especially for introverts.
What are introverts and what are their trates?
We all crave some "me-time" now and then, but for some of us, it's a real game-changer. Introverts, in particular, find comfort and energy in alone time rather than socializing. Introversion, as a personality trait, means focusing more on internal feelings than external stimulation, making alone time a top priority for recharging.
These are some of introvert’s traits:
Feeling drained by crowds: However, introverts don't necessarily shun socializing altogether; many enjoy the company of close friends rather than seeking out new acquaintances
Appreciation for solitude and in solitary activities such as reading, taking peaceful nature walks, or indulging in personal hobbies
Close-Knit Friendships: These relationships are characterized by depth and intimacy, as introverts prioritize quality over quantity in their social connections
Reserved Nature, often mistaken for shyness: Introverts tend to be selective with their words and prefer meaningful conversations over small talk
Sensitivity to Overstimulation: Research suggests that introverts are more prone to distraction than extroverts, leading them to seek quieter atmospheres
Embrace of Self-Awareness: Introverts enjoy delving into personal reflection and understanding themselves on a profound level
Preference for Observational Learning: They often learn by watching others and practicing privately before showcasing their skills publicly
Attraction to independent careers that offer autonomy and minimal social interaction such as writing, programming, graphic design, or artistry are appealing to introverts due to their independence
Introverts comprise approximately 25% to 40% of the population. With that said, introverts and extroverts are commonly perceived as two polar opposites, but in reality, most individuals fall somewhere in between.
This means that most of us crave and need some alone time - some more than others - but if you see these numbers, about a third of school kids are in an environment that is hell for them and that doesn’t fit their personality or learning style!
APTB FIXES THIS!
So, Are You Born an Introvert, or Does It Just Happen?
According to clinical psychologist Monica Johnson, PsyD, the whole introversion thing is pretty complex. Research suggests that personality traits, like being introverted or outgoing, are kinda passed down through the genes. For instance, studies on twins show that genetics play a big role in where we land on the introversion-extroversion scale. But hey, the environment also has its say in shaping these traits.
This means that the people you’re surrounded by from the moment you’re born, mainly family and friends, also nursery and school, have a big influence on where you’re at introversion-wise. Your natural inclinations are shaped depending on your upbringing.
What is certain is that the school environment creates an imbalance. It’s designed for extroverts which means that introverts will quickly feel like there is something wrong with them and that they should be more extroverted and strive to be seen, heard and perceived as such. Or they simply resign to ‘being weird’ and find coping mechanisms to endure the school nightmare.
Extroverts don’t like to be bored, it’s almost life threatening to them. For them, schools can promote an addictive personality because they constantly compete with other extroverts in different ways. There are no people who are 100% extroverts, so not giving them the opportunity to get more in touch with their introverted side - focusing more on internal feelings - they have little chance of experiencing someting extremely important for one’s mental, emotional and ultimately physical health: meditating over their feelings, getting to know who they really are and unlearning their conditioning.
APTB FIXES THIS!
How does APTB fix these issues?
Yes, there will also be a lot of people at APTB, however, there will be more outdoor than indoor spaces and each person can decide where to be at any given time of the day.
This way, every child can simpy listen to their inner guide of how they feel with or without people around and act accordingly.
Furthermore, even the democratic meetings aren’t obligatory, so bigger gatherings can always be avoided by introverts who prefer spending their time in more solitude.
Nobody will be forced to do anything they don’t want to do. We’ll have events, go on trips together, there’ll be classes of small groups and many more gatherings in different sized crowds and as the space will be so big, even introverts will be able to stay further away or not join at all.
Extroverts have more chances to tap into their introverted side and are likely to turn out more balanced.
What else? What are your thoughts and experiences? Are you more on the introverted or extroverted side?
What about your kids? Do you know their personality type?
