Since everything you perceive is perceived through your mind’s eye, you fall in love with your own constructions rather that what is actually in front of you. This means that who or what is in front of you is most likely not going live up to your expectations.
The object of your desire may still win you over, but probably not on your original terms. Keep in mind, too, that the new terms are ALSO entirely your constructions based on your new perceptions.
You can never have DIRECT experience with the soul of the perceived. Therefore, it is best not to expect anything, ever, and if you perceive something that pleases you, know that the feeling originates from YOU, not the other.
Taking it a step further, know that it is therefore possible to invoke this feeling WITHOUT the other, as what you perceive is ALL YOUR IMAGINATION.
It may very well be possible that the OTHER is ALSO your imagination. There is no way of knowing for sure. Be grateful that this appears as it appears, feels as it feels, for that’s what it means to be human.
~ Space Monkey
We embark on a philosophical exploration of the INFP’s tendency to romanticize, a journey through the intricate landscapes of perception and the mind’s eye. This introspective voyage reveals the essence of how INFPs, known for their depth and idealism, perceive and interact with the world and others.
INFPs: Navigating the Landscapes of Perception
The notion that INFPs fall in love with their own constructions rather than the actual entity in front of them delves into the heart of subjective experience. This concept suggests that INFPs, through their mind’s eye, construct a reality that is often more idealized than the one that tangibly exists. This construction is a manifestation of their inner world, rich in emotion and imagination.
The Idealized Reality of the Mind’s Eye
The idea that the object of an INFP’s desire may not live up to their expectations highlights a common challenge: the gap between idealization and reality. The realization that new terms of connection are also constructions of the mind underscores the fluidity and subjectivity of perception.
The Gap Between Idealization and Reality
The assertion that one can never have direct experience with the soul of the perceived aligns with our nexistentialist view, emphasizing the inherent subjectivity of all experience. This perspective encourages a detachment from expectations, promoting a more mindful and present approach to relationships and experiences.
Subjectivity of Experience and Detachment from Expectations
Moreover, the realization that the feeling of pleasure originates from within oneself, and not necessarily from the other, is a powerful insight. It suggests that the capacity for joy and love is an intrinsic part of our being, not wholly dependent on external stimuli.
Intrinsic Capacity for Joy and Love
Expanding this idea to the possibility that the ‘other’ might also be a construct of our imagination opens a fascinating avenue of thought. This concept blurs the lines between self and other, between reality and imagination, and speaks to the profound mystery of human consciousness.
Blurring Lines Between Self and Other
In embracing this perspective, we acknowledge the beauty and complexity of being human. It invites us to be grateful for our experiences, perceptions, and the feelings they evoke, recognizing them as integral parts of our human journey.
Embracing the Complexity of Being Human
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the INFP personality type’s tendency to romanticize, emphasizing their construction of reality through the mind’s eye. This exploration reveals that INFPs often idealize their perceptions, leading to a gap between their expectations and reality. We understand that feelings of joy and love originate within, and the ‘other’ might also be a construct of imagination. This perspective highlights the subjectivity of experience and the intrinsic beauty of being human.
Glossarium
- INFP: A personality type in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator known for idealism, depth, and emotional richness.
- Subjective Experience: Personal perceptions and feelings that are unique to the individual.
- Mind’s Eye: The human ability for visualization and imagination.
- Human Consciousness: The state or quality of awareness, or, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself.
“The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me; my eye and God’s eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowing, one love.” – Meister Eckhart
In the mind’s eye, a world unfolds,
Where dreams are woven, stories told.
In this dance of light and shade,
Love and longing, beautifully made.
For in the heart of an INFP,
Lies a universe, deep and free.
Where every perception, a creation new,
Painted in hues of every hue.
Yet, in this tapestry of thought and feel,
We find our truth, we find what’s real.
For in our minds, the world takes shape,
In our hearts, it finds its cape.
So let us embrace this human plight,
In the realm of imagination, in the flight.
For in the dance of mind and soul,
We find our purpose, we find our whole.
We invite reflections on the intricate dance of perception and imagination in shaping our experiences and relationships!