Audible sampleThe Awakened Introvert: Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World
Audible Audiobook – UnabridgedArnie Kozak (Author), & 2 more
4.3 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
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Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap in to your inherent introvert strengths and awaken your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.
In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages - as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder, then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?
In The Awakened Introvert, mindfulness expert and card-carrying introvert Arnie Kozak provides a comprehensive set of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral tools to help you maximize your introvert strengths (such as rich access to your interior) while minimizing your introvert weaknesses (such as a tendency toward worry and rumination). In the book, you'll learn powerful strategies to help you monitor your energy; recharge after social interactions; improve social and communication skills; and take advantage of your capacity for quiet reflection and sweet, sweet solitude.
If you're looking to unlock the full potential of your unique introvert brain, this book provides a fun, practical, and authentic user's manual.
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©2015 Arnie Kozak (P)2015 Wetware Media
Listening Length
6 hours and 31 minutes
Author
Arnie Kozak
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Product details
Listening Length 6 hours and 31 minutes
Author Arnie Kozak
Narrator Stephen Paul Aulridge Jr.
Audible.com Release Date November 23, 2015
Publisher Wetware Media
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0189SXL9G
Best Sellers Rank #219,467 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#2,762 in Mental Health (Audible Books & Originals)
#3,188 in Popular Psychology Personality Study
#4,964 in Interpersonal Relations (Books)
Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
46 global ratings
5 star 65%
4 star 13%
3 star 9%
2 star 8%
1 star 4%
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Top reviews from the United States
Jill Avey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, not just for introvertsReviewed in the United States on August 1, 2015
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I originally got this book to better understand an important introvert in my life, my husband. But, I found in reading this book that as I have aged and gotten more into mindfulness and meditation, I have come more towards the middle of the spectrum. I found a lot of the advice and ideas helpful in my own, mostly-extroverted life. It also helped me to see how introverts can struggle in our society so that I can be more compassionate to their needs, whether it's my husband needing a break or a coworker taking more time to make a decision because he or she needs to think on it for a while.
I particularly liked the sections on solitude and noise. I feel like I understand how energy can be rejuvenated from solitude and to watch little things like not booking a weekend solid so that my husband doesn't have time to rest after a social event. The Social Survival Strategies gave both of us new ideas on how to compromise and plan social engagements for more success. We both used the Party Survival Strategies at a party where we didn't know anyone but ourselves. It made it so much less intimidating to have a few tactics to fall back on.
The Energy Ledger Tool really got me thinking. Because if introvert activities would give my husband a recharge in energy, the opposite would be true for me. I am always thinking that I need to rest, rest, rest when I have overdone it but now I realize that sometimes, a trip to the farmer's market might be much more rejuvenating for me. I now realize that I need a balance of people and solitude in my life and I bet there are lots of more-towards-the-middle introverts out there that could get some use from being around people at times, too.
And, I also loved the section about redefining what happiness looks like. Again, I think there is something here that we could all use. It does make me think differently about family, friends and coworkers who are not people-centered and the different ways that they could still be happy, even if they are complaining about how people drive them crazy at times.
I thank the author for opening my eyes (and compassion) up in a new way. And, I am glad that I bought the book in paper form so that I can pass it on to some introverts in my life, too.
15 people found this helpful
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INFP-A
2.0 out of 5 stars The well-written Introduction was my highlightReviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022
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Some readers may have little use for the clinical approach with exercises for personality tendencies they have long treasured finding in others, and in self. Could be great for some.
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Karla J Sonnek
3.0 out of 5 stars Not thoroughReviewed in the United States on May 28, 2021
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The author seems to not have done her research
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Rodge
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on June 15, 2015
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Excellent, clear, substantive approach!
2 people found this helpful
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vppzelie
5.0 out of 5 stars Useful for IntrovertsReviewed in the United States on May 27, 2015
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This is a useful book for introverts with many strategies for dealing with the world as it is. Understanding the differing styles of communication is helpful. What I enjoyed most was the workbook style, allowing me to work with some of the ideas and concepts and develop my understanding of the introvert. I also found the section on Managing Your Energy useful, as it clarifies the introvert-extrovert energy balance and how to avoid getting too far out of balance. Best of all, is the understanding that there is nothing wrong with being an introvert.
12 people found this helpful
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Kristen Strong
5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight!Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016
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I thought this book gave clarity to how I think and it made me realize how much I was trying to act like an extrovert in this extroverted dominated world. I feel relieved that I don't have to be ashamed of being an introvert.
3 people found this helpful
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Brian
4.0 out of 5 stars Insights for understanding your inwardness...Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2016
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A bit humorous was a chart that attempted to describe a 3-dimenssional concept(The Spiral Function) vs time on a 2-dimenssional, x-y axis chart. Not possible. The chart essentially attempts to show levels of concentration diminishing as time passes. It essentially shows concentration going backwards to an earlier period in the day/week/year or whatever. But, no harm done. The book stands on its own without the chart. Didn't get out of it quite what I was hoping. but not too bad overall.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on November 11, 2015
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very interesting--things I didn't know
One person found this helpful
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The Awakened Introvert: Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World
by
3.51 · Rating details · 167 ratings · 15 reviews
Introverts are powerful observers and creators. If you are an introvert, this book will show you how to tap into your inherent introvert strengths and “awaken” your potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.
In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?
In The Awakened Introvert, mindfulness expert and card-carrying introvert Arnie Kozak provides a comprehensive set of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral tools to help you maximize your introvert strengths (such as rich access to your interior) while minimizing your introvert weaknesses (such as a tendency toward worry and rumination). In the book, you’ll learn powerful strategies to help you monitor your energy; recharge after social interactions; improve social and communication skills; and take advantage of your capacity for quiet reflection, and sweet, sweet solitude. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your unique introvert brain, this book provides a fun, practical, and authentic “user’s manual.” (less)
In a world that favors the outgoing, gregarious extrovert, being an introvert can be difficult. But the truth is that introverts have distinct advantages—as long as they know how to use them. Unlike extroverts, who draw their energy from social interaction, your energy comes from quiet reflection. Is it any wonder then, that mindfulness can help you hone your natural talents?
In The Awakened Introvert, mindfulness expert and card-carrying introvert Arnie Kozak provides a comprehensive set of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral tools to help you maximize your introvert strengths (such as rich access to your interior) while minimizing your introvert weaknesses (such as a tendency toward worry and rumination). In the book, you’ll learn powerful strategies to help you monitor your energy; recharge after social interactions; improve social and communication skills; and take advantage of your capacity for quiet reflection, and sweet, sweet solitude. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your unique introvert brain, this book provides a fun, practical, and authentic “user’s manual.” (less)
Paperback, 240 pages
Published May 1st 2015 by New Harbinger Publications
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Apr 21, 2017Julie Ehlers rated it it was ok
Shelves: goodreads-giveaways, buddhism-and-such, introverts-etc
I was going to write something about how this book wasn't particularly well-written and therefore was very slow going for me, but that it might be helpful to people who are new to mindfulness and looking for ways to better integrate their introversion with the lives they lead. But what I'm feeling is actually more complicated than that. I'll try to explain.
A book like this is full of exercises for the reader to do; some of them are written exercises, some of them involve observing your thoughts in different scenarios, and some of them involve particular types of guided meditation. All of them are extremely detailed and, in the case of the meditations in particular, tell you exactly how the meditation is supposed to go and what you're supposed to get from it. This results-oriented view of Buddhist concepts just doesn't sit well with me, and I worry a lot that if people start doing all these exercises and don't see precisely the results they're expecting, they will abandon practice altogether. I think if we do Buddhist practice, we should do it because we feel it's a good thing to be doing, something that makes sense for us. But, to paraphrase the writer Claire Dederer, we shouldn't go to mindfulness practice with our plates held out, asking for more of the same stuff we've always asked for. We need to be open to what might actually happen.
I know this sounds preachy, and I'm sure there are people who can be helped by regimens like this, or corporate mindfulness workshops and the like. But my own experience has taught me that there are just no shortcuts here, and I've apparently come to feel this quite passionately, which is something of a surprise to me. But I believe the time we spend reading writers who are busy trying to explain Buddhism might be better spent reading writers who are busy being the Buddha, if that makes sense. Less doing, more being.
I won this book in a giveaway here on Goodreads. (less)
A book like this is full of exercises for the reader to do; some of them are written exercises, some of them involve observing your thoughts in different scenarios, and some of them involve particular types of guided meditation. All of them are extremely detailed and, in the case of the meditations in particular, tell you exactly how the meditation is supposed to go and what you're supposed to get from it. This results-oriented view of Buddhist concepts just doesn't sit well with me, and I worry a lot that if people start doing all these exercises and don't see precisely the results they're expecting, they will abandon practice altogether. I think if we do Buddhist practice, we should do it because we feel it's a good thing to be doing, something that makes sense for us. But, to paraphrase the writer Claire Dederer, we shouldn't go to mindfulness practice with our plates held out, asking for more of the same stuff we've always asked for. We need to be open to what might actually happen.
I know this sounds preachy, and I'm sure there are people who can be helped by regimens like this, or corporate mindfulness workshops and the like. But my own experience has taught me that there are just no shortcuts here, and I've apparently come to feel this quite passionately, which is something of a surprise to me. But I believe the time we spend reading writers who are busy trying to explain Buddhism might be better spent reading writers who are busy being the Buddha, if that makes sense. Less doing, more being.
I won this book in a giveaway here on Goodreads. (less)
Dec 16, 2017Chris rated it liked it
Interesting read. Everyone has introverted and extroverted qualities and tendencies, so this is good for all, for both self-understanding and understanding of others. Need to find one on extroversion now :-).
Mar 27, 2020Katherine Green rated it liked it · review of another edition
Some useful strategies
There are some helpful ideas, especially if you have not spent much time embracing an introvert mindset. There are some good guided meditations if that is new to you. If you’ve studied mindfulness or meditation already, you won’t find this very helpful.
There are some helpful ideas, especially if you have not spent much time embracing an introvert mindset. There are some good guided meditations if that is new to you. If you’ve studied mindfulness or meditation already, you won’t find this very helpful.
Jun 27, 2017Natalie rated it it was ok
Shelves: self-help, nonfiction, psychology, mental-health, health, philosophy
1.5 / 5
Had some good information but it was just so boringggg ;-;
Had some good information but it was just so boringggg ;-;
Nov 29, 2017Carielyn Mills rated it it was ok
nothing new, and a bit too 'go along to get along' for my taste. (less)
Jul 29, 2018Paulo R P Behar rated it it was amazing
Excelent insights! A needed book for our time!
3.5*
Some good coping strategies for a mostly extroverted world.
Some good coping strategies for a mostly extroverted world.
There are some good information and reflective questions.
I received this book as part of a First Reads promotion.
Being a very introverted person, I really enjoyed how this book gives practical ways to deal with social situations in which we all must inevitably participate. The step-by-step workbook allows you to document your progress and how you feel as you complete each of the activities.
The main message that I gathered from this book is that it is OK to be an introvert as long as you don't use it as an excuse to become a loner or a hermit. You must pick appropriate times to push yourself, and the book provides useful ways to overcome anxiety or negative emotions that come with being in loud or overwhelming situations.
The book can also be helpful for extroverts in dealing with introverted people in their lives. By increasing their awareness of introvert tendencies, both introverts and extroverts can build each other up in having happy, stress-free social situations. (less)
Being a very introverted person, I really enjoyed how this book gives practical ways to deal with social situations in which we all must inevitably participate. The step-by-step workbook allows you to document your progress and how you feel as you complete each of the activities.
The main message that I gathered from this book is that it is OK to be an introvert as long as you don't use it as an excuse to become a loner or a hermit. You must pick appropriate times to push yourself, and the book provides useful ways to overcome anxiety or negative emotions that come with being in loud or overwhelming situations.
The book can also be helpful for extroverts in dealing with introverted people in their lives. By increasing their awareness of introvert tendencies, both introverts and extroverts can build each other up in having happy, stress-free social situations. (less)
Jun 11, 2016Robert rated it really liked it
I just started this book today. I'm only a few chapters in, but already it is resonating with me. The author's lucid descriptions of what goes on in an introverts mind, as well as the explanations of mindfulness and its practical applications are fascinating and very relatable. I would certainly recommend this book to anybody interested in learning more about their introverted tendencies. (less)
Jul 21, 2016Tariq Mustafa rated it it was ok
The book appears to be more about meditation rather than truly focused on the special conditions of intense introverts. It could be better categorized as a workshop handout rather than some work with respectable depth.
This book would be useful for an introvert who is into mindfulness meditation practice. For me, it confirmed that mindfulness meditation is not the dominant approach I wish to take to life.
Jul 27, 2016Bmw800 rated it liked it
Some helpful tips and mindful meditation exercises for getting out of your overthinking, introvert brain and into the present.
Jan 25, 2016Craig Maloney rated it really liked it
Very practical book for mixing together introverted tendencies with mindfulness practice. Wasn't nearly as "infomercial" or "woo-woo" as the other books on mindfulness that I was reading. (less)
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