Showing posts with label introverted intuition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label introverted intuition. Show all posts

Jan 20, 2011

Introverted Intuition and Mystical Experience

Here is my response to a reader's letter, which is posted at bottom:


Your first question — "what exactly is Intuition of time" — is hardest to answer. The simple answer is that it is the internal experience of physically intangible phenomena. Ask 10 different socionists, and you'll get 10 different answers. But there is nothing inherently "mystical" about introverted intuition.

According to socionics, every function is responsible for both input and output — perception and behavior (passive and active "uses" of the function). Every type has all the functions and thus, at least to some degree, all the perceptive and behavioral potentialities of all the other types, however, the functions have different roles and importance for different types.

Next, what exactly is a mystical experience? Once you have defined it, can you assign that type of perception/behavior to a specific function? I suspect you cannot. Most people occasionally experience unusual states where their consciousness expands into unusual territory. This ability seems to me to be mostly unrelated to type. But is this what you mean by mystical experience? If you mean some type of totally otherworldly experience, then that is something that is indeed rare. I certainly don't have it, and most other people don't, either. This also suggests it's unrelated to socionics, because something socionically related should be more or less universal, while having different importance for different people.

If by mystical experiences you mean your own "beautiful impressions and poetical dreams," these are probably more or less universal. Almost everyone has these. Not the fact itself that you have impressions and dreams, but perhaps some of the content of your dreams and impressions is related to your specific socionic type, just as it is related to your basic personality and temperament.

I'm interested in transpersonal psychology. So I wanted to know, what exactly is Intuition of Time? Socionists believe, that this function is responsible for mystical experiences. So, can I ask an answer in simple English, why there is that function? How it makes mystical expreiences real. Why do socionists believe that it comes from this world and how sure we can be in that? Is this understanding final? Or is there place for other worlds?
I have a weak intuition, but I'm thinking that weak intuition too can have such experiences. I have had beautiful impressions and poetical dreams. But, are, in orthodox socionists understandings, the mysticism available only to strong intuiters?

Dec 21, 2006

The Information Aspects Revisited

Let's revisit the information aspects with the help of The Semantics of the Information Aspects. First, a very brief look at what the information aspects are about (areas of overlap of both the extraverted and introverted versions of the aspect):

Intuition (extraverted intuition and introverted intuition): creating mental images
Sensing (extraverted sensing and introverted sensing): concreticizing and materializing
Logic (extraverted logic and introverted logic): the thinking process
Ethics (extraverted ethics and introverted ethics): influences on people's feelings

Now in more detail (translated material in black, my paraphrasing and commentary in red):

Intuition
Intuition involves the process of creating a mental image. Images are usually described in speech through the use of metaphors and figures of speech. The more the description of an object or situation is abstracted from a multitude of concrete details - as is characteristic of image-based perception - the more complete and multi-faceted the image can be. Through the pole of intuition the individual perceives the object or situation in its wholeness and entirety and strives to translate concrete information (sensory images) into more generalized form, resulting in a perceptual vector from specific to general.

Overlapping themes:
Describing time
extraverted intuition perceives time as an external process and describes it in relatively concrete terms (indicating specific time intervals or amounts of time), while introverted intuition perceives time as an internal sensation and describes it in subjective terms (what time seems to be doing and how it feels to be in the flow of events).

Perceiving non-material aspects of reality
extraverted intuition describes guesses or insight about the external non-material world (intuitive guess, realizations, insights; motives, paradoxes, prospects), while introverted intuition describes the reflection of the external non-material world on the individual (foreseeing, imagining, anticipating; a sense of the meaningful).

Sensing
Both extraverted and introverted sensing involve concreticization - emphasizing the specific characteristics and details inherent to the object or situation - resulting in a perceptual vector from general to specific.

Overlapping themes:
Describing object's concrete characteristics
extraverted sensing perceives physical traits directly, without an implied reference to the individual (size, shape, color, strength, rigidity), while introverted sensing perceives physical traits as they are experienced subjectively (objects' feel in your hand or as they come in contact with the subject through all senses).

Handling objects
extraverted sensing describes the handling of objects as an external physical act (throw, grab, stick, push, remove, fit, hit), while introverted sensing describes the experience of handling and interacting with objects (hold, rub, hug, feel, squeeze, try, stain, clean).

Assimilating space
extraverted sensing describes the physical act of assimilating an area (look around, squeeze in, get through, rearrange, put in its place, influence), while introverted sensing describes subjective experience of assimilating space (get adjusted, get cozy, make comfortable).

Needs and desires
extraverted sensing describes desires as the need to consume an external object ("I really need," "I want," "come on," "I want you to"), while introverted sensing describes the internal experience and physiological processes of satisfying one's needs and desires (processes and sensations associated with health, illness, physical exertion, sex, pleasure, eating and drinking).

Logic
Both extraverted and introverted logic describe thought processes (the process of reaching logical conclusions). Individuals with introverted logic describe to a greater degree - and, hence, are more aware of - thought processes (their own or other people's) expressed in analysis or classifications. Individuals with extraverted logic describe the external manifestations of this process - for example, one's awareness of one's actions. Both aspects involve citing or listing facts and data; in extraverted logic citing data serves to specify the subject of discussion and the order of listing is irrelevant, while in introverted logic it reflects the information's internal structure. Also in common between the aspects is the theme of discussion - expressing and substantiating one's thoughts, as well as the habit of referring to the functioning of living things (people) as if they were mechanisms.

Overlapping themes:
Clarifying information
extraverted logic essentially treats facts and data as external, autonomous objects (emphasizing facts, details, principles, algorithms, and the act of expressing them), while introverted logic perceives data in the context of its structure and organization (emphasizing constructions, models, proper organization of data, outlines, systems, and structures).

Asking clarifying questions
extraverted logic focuses on the what and the how of facts and data, while introverted logic focuses on the why - the logical basis of assertions.

Substantiating one's own and others' conclusions
extraverted logic focuses on the external proof of assertions - facts, examples, illustrations, concrete data and its interpretation - while introverted logic focuses on internal proofs of the logic of statements and the consistency of logical principles applied.

Ethics
Both extraverted and introverted ethics describe influencing and influences on people's feelings through vocabulary such as offend, make happy, enthrall, infuriate, scare, get interested. It appears that individuals with strong extraverted and introverted ethics emphasize somewhat different aspects of this influence: the former are focused on external action as a way of changing the emotional atmosphere (saying or doing something), whereas the latter are focused on changes in the subject's emotional state and feelings as a result of this impact.

The same is true of emotional states. Extraverted ethics emphasizes external manifestations (facial expressions, gestures, words), while introverted ethics emphasizes internal feelings, though the theme itself is a part of both aspects. Also, all ethical types are prone to personification - the "animation" of unliving things ("bad computer!" "the computer is acting up again," "this fence doesn't seem to want to fall over; it's still alive"). The field of ethical aspects also includes evaluatory or emotionally charged oaths, for example "creep" or "mean person."

Overlapping themes:
Verbs describing relationships between people
extraverted ethics describes external manifestations of relationships (meet, date, make friends, be friends, flirt, break up, make up, break off, suck up), while introverted ethics describes the subject's experience of relationships (be grateful, admire, love, fall in love, hate, be offended, be embarrassed, value).

Verbs describing influencing feelings
extraverted ethics focuses on the external (observable) actions associated with emotional interaction (excite, praise, get going, hurt, fool, offend, cheer up, scare, make laugh, comfort, calm down), while introverted ethics focuses on internal feelings (trouble, get tired of, make nervious, offend, let down, scare, irritate, make mad, make upsent, calm). Note that the same words can be used, but with a different emphasis.

Abstract nouns for expressing emotions
extraverted ethics focuses on visible emotional states (edginess, gloominess, breakdown, boredom, quietness, ecstasy, horror, panic, enthusiasm, sarcasm), while introverted ethics focuses on internal feelings (guilt, unrest, delight, pride, annoyance, fright, love, hate, hurt, feeling, shame, embarrassment).

Adverbs describing how actions are performed and one's attitude toward them
extraverted ethics, again, focuses on visible emotional attitudes (gladly, dismally, wonderfully, half-heartedly, discreetly, sarcastically), while introverted ethics focuses on internal attitudes (frankly, honestly, dishonestly, decently, in a friendly way, in a good way, in a bad way, tactfully, tactlessly).

Real-life Phrases of ILIs and IEIs

In a previous post I tried to compose statements of my own that reflect a introverted intuition semantic emphasis. I'm not sure how successful they were because they were contrived, not spontaneous. Here I'm going to gather some examples of introverted intuition phrases from the16types forum. Since this forum is focused on theoretical discussion of socionics, most of its members do not wax particularly poetic or reflective in a way that might bring introverted intuition to the forefront. Nonetheless, there are clear differences in the lexical emphasis of different types within the common topic of discussion.

Similarities and differences between introverted intuition and extraverted intuition will be discussed in a later post.

1. The following set was gathered from this thread (my commentary in red):

  • I suppose...
  • in the spirit of...
  • in general...
  • it's like I...
  • I tend to feel most held back by...
  • it sounds as if...
  • I guess it's a matter of interpretation...
  • but then again...
  • the thing I still find mysterious is...
  • it would appear that...
  • but somehow...
  • understand how you perceive the issue...
  • so it sounds as if you're saying...
  • perhaps you might associate X as being...
  • I'd like to be able to see if...
  • X is inclined to...
  • it seems perhaps that...

Dominant introverted intuition themes: uncertainty, perceiving an image, interconnectedness, associations

Comments: These phrases reflect the process of generating an image. This image is never complete, but ever remains in a state of uncertainty, with hints of more connections and possible implications always arising. Categorical and unambiguous statements are absent, as these would reflect a state of certainty and finality that is foreign to introverted intuition. Instead, phenomena are described as likelihoods ("inclined to," "tend," "perhaps," etc.). The statements here reflect the ability to deal with contradictions easily and bring these contradictions out into the open without passing judgment - or making a final choice between them.

Introverted Intuition in Action - Garrison Keillor

"Introverted intuition in action" is sort of an oxymoron, but there are plenty of situations where it can come to the forefront and display its unique point of view.

Garrison Keillor is a radio show host and writer whom I have typed as IEI (bottom of page). During part of his weekly show, "A Prairie Home Companion," he does a monologue called "Lake Wobegon" where he lets his introverted intuition completely loose. Here is a beautiful sample (sound only):

Part one (8.5 minutes)
Part two (4.5 minutes)

To get an idea of how Garrison Keillor looks and acts and what his show is like, view his interview with Charlie Rose (starting at 35:00).

In his monologue, Garrison Keillor covers literally all the semantic fields of introverted intuition covered below (link). There are the themes of bygone years and memory, of death and renewal, of legends, rites, and symbols, of the soul and one's inner experiences, words denoting states and mood, uncertainty, recollection...

Keillor's slow, drawn-out speaking style serves to induce a state of relaxed reflection in his audience. Images are convened that carry emotional weight and a sense of meaningfulness. His monologues effectively distract listeners from all their worldly cares and carry them elsewhere, creating a cleansing effect.

Dec 20, 2006

Practice with Introverted Intuition

This post is a place to practice making comments in the spirit of introverted intuition as described in the post below. Please participate by adding comments with statements of your own. They don't have to be perfect; we'll work on them. Here we go...

First, genuine phrases I have recorded from people with strong introverted intuition:

  • Do you feel nourished? (a question about the state of a person's soul)
  • Another week has vanished into the netherness of "history".
  • Everything is a blur.
  • isolated memories ... sporadic memories
  • It feels like an eternity.

- - - - - - - - - -

Now, my own attempts. Some of these seem a little contrived, but I'm trying...
  • It had to happen sometime. I had long awaited this fateful day.
  • Somehow your description just doesn't resonate with me.
  • Once that sank into my mind, the rest was a cinch.
  • I have a very hazy understanding of X, but for some unexplicable reason I'm drawn to it more and more.
  • Why she says that is a mystery to me.
  • I guess I'm not in the right frame of mind right now.
  • I've got a hunch that the answer to this riddle is somewhere nearby...
  • I'll wait till this whole thing dies down.
  • Let's try to get a sense of the background of this problem.
  • I'm trying to see how one line of reasoning flows into the other.

Introverted Intuition Semantics

This is the first of a series of lists of the words and language associated with different information aspects. For the methodology behind the research of Kochubeeva, Mironov, and Stoyalova behind this, read my article at Socionics.us.

To try your hand at practicing introverted intuition, look at the following post (directly above this one).

Lexical themes of introverted intuition, with samples.

Time, processes, speed

a long time
all shall pass
background
be in the air
change, changes (smooth, rapid, slow)
changeability
come from
come to a head
develop
development
dynamics
endlessly
eternal
eternity
everything
flows/changes
frequency
gradually
happen
haste
hasty, unhurried
historical
history (of a topic, thing, idea)
hurry, not hurry
in the future/past
initially
landmark
last (vb.)
over (several years, etc.)
periodicity
processes
prospects (future of any process)
rapidly
ripen, mature (fig.)
slow down, decelerate
slowly
smoothly
soon
speed
speed up, accelerate
stage
tendencies
time must pass
time, all the time
times ("in our times")
Sub-theme: crisis
The theme of death as a metaphor or a mysterious process.

Sub-theme: sense of time
compress
drag out
feel time pass
flow by
in its time
lost time
prematureness
sense of closure/lack of closure
sense of the flow of time: haste, unhurriedness, timeliness,
sense of upcoming events
slows down
someone else's time
spirit of the times
stretch out
time passes, flies, drags on
Sub-theme: the individual's influence on time and time's influence on the individual
devote time
drag out time
hasten events
hurry, be in a hurry
live at
one's pace
manage time
old age
save time
shorten time
speed up
events
wait
win time
youth

Theme: interconnectedness and interdependency of objects, events, and processes
all-encompassing
context, in the context of
contradiction
cosmic
destined
destiny, destined
doom, doomed
entirety
fate, fated, fateful
flow ("one flows into the other")
foretell
generally
global
harbinger, herald
holistic
in general
inevitably, inevitable
influence
karma
legends
mystical
myths
omen
on the whole
prophetic
reflect on
rite
rituals
saying
sign ("it is a sign")
symbol, symbolize
tale
traditions
universal
"everything is connected"
"it's destiny/fate"
"nothing is a coincidence"
"it had to happen that way"
Theme: foresight (through a sense of processes)
anticipate/expect that something will happen
foreboding
foresee, foresight
foretell
hunch, have a hunch
imagine
predict, prediction
premonition
sense
vision
Theme: the non-material world within us
deep down (feel something)
envision
higher meaning
idea
image ("form an image," etc.)
imagination
imagine
inner, inner searching
mystery
sink deep (in one's mind)
soul (in various expressions)
spirit, spiritual
whim
Sub-theme: internal processes
believe in
contemplate, self-contemplation
daydream, daydreaming
delusion
doubt, question, wonder
doubts, hesitation
dream, vision
dreams, dream of
drift (thoughts drift to the future or past)
faith, belief
frame or state of mind (working, lyrical, romantic, melancholic, mystical)
inner contradictions
inner searching
inner world (state of mind)
inspiration, inspire, be inspired
longing, long for
magic
meditate, meditation
melancholy
mood (fleeting, romantic, changes; be in the mood,
not in the mood)
nostalgia
see things
state (as a long-term phenomenon)
trance
waver
Sub-theme: words denoting state or mood (often used with the word "feel")
calm, peaceful, serene, still
dreary, wistful
empty, hollow
gloomy, dismal, morose
light-hearted
restless, uneasy, anxious
Theme: memory
fade, erase (from memory)
forget, forgotten
memorable
recall, recollect, remember
recollections, memories
register, sink in, etch into, imprint in (memory)
remind of, bring up images of
stream of recollections
surface (in one's memory)
Sub-theme: associations and connotations

call forth, evoke
connotations
reflect, reflection (hazy, vague, cloudy)
remind of
trigger images of
"something tells me"

Theme: the "music" of the inner world (of a person or any object, figuratively)
accordant, consonant
dissonant, dissonance
echo
find one's rhythm, beat
harmonic, disharmonic
harmony, disharmony
hear, be heard
inner rhythm
inner voice
key, in key
listen to oneself
melody
quiet, still
resonate, resonance
rhythms
sound, resound
to one's beat
tune, motif
vibrations
Theme: uncertainty

can't express in words
elusive, subtle, intangible
for some reason, somehow
inexpressible
mysterious, cryptic, weird, unearthly
mystery, enigma
relatively
roughly, approximately
somewhere, somehow, some kind of, a sort of
substance, essence, phenomenon
uncertain
unfathomable, inconceivable
unknown, unknowable
vague, fuzzy, blurry

Sub-theme: perception of an image
ambiguous, obscure, confusing
foggy, hazy
hidden, concealed, latent
implied, implicit, unobvious
manifest, reveal itself
mirage
nuances
shaky, vague
sketch, sketchy