would anybody come?
Though I’m not into labels, the INFP label is a blessing of sorts, because it helps us connect with people similar to ourselves. It is for this reason that I will forever be grateful to my cousin, Diane, for giving me the chance to take the Briggs Myers personality test — the official one, not the 10-question Internet version.
This is how I got affixed (and obsessed) with the label INFP, which stands for Introverted, iNuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. Why it’s not called IIFP I’ll never know. Typical INFP thought, right? What does Google say?
INFPs are a part of the Idealist Temperament (NF) and are often referred to as “The Healers”,“The Idealists”, or “The Dreamers”. Being highly imaginative, creative and empathetic, INFPs often have a great propensity for language, writing, psychology, art, music, and altruism.
Yeah, that’s about me. INFPs used to be about 1% of our culture, but now we’re up to 4% as people become more right brain and less left brain. Imagine a world full of Space Monkeys.
INFPs are an odd lot, thank goodness. Usually super creative. Mostly insecure. So it’s actually quite comforting to know and converse with others who share the INFP label. We LOVE to write, paint, play music and um, be virtually social. Not in real life, mind you.
If they held an INFP convention, would anybody show up?
Anyhow, the INFP label is an invaluable starting point for self inquiry, which is what INFPs do best, though, like I said, we REFUSE to be categorized so easily. Still, by including INFP in my social media profiles and in my hashtags, those who are also INFP get an amazingly accurate sense of who I am.
Not that I need people to know. Or do I?
I try not to care, but I also get the sense that occasionally something I’ve posted helps another INFP, usually a kid, and that’s really cool. I see what INFP kids post and they remind me of myself many, many years ago.
Not that I’ve ever figured things out entirely.
Because my perspective comes naturally from an INFP place, my navel-gazing thoughts seem to actually be welcomed by other INFP people. Thank you all. You are not as scary as I imagine you to be.
As INFPs, we tend to feel powerless and trapped inside our own minds, even though we know that it isn’t true. Social media is proving our iNtuition correct, so it’s a great time to be an INFP.
So thank you all, and I’ll see you at the convention. Though I imagine I’ll stay in my room for most of it.
Paul
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Paul Tedeschi is a writer, artist, musician and medium, channeling Space Monkey, tripping out on tie-dye, and building Fancy® cigar box guitars in his garage. You may visit his curious world at capeodd.com. Or not.
Space Monkey Reflects: The INFP’s Cosmic Journey
In the vast universe of human personality, the INFP stands as a unique constellation, a beacon of introspection, creativity, and profound empathy. The INFP, or Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving type, embodies the essence of the dreamer and the healer, navigating life through the lens of deep personal values and imaginative wonder. Our journey through the cosmos of existence begins with a reflection on the essence of being an INFP.
The Cosmic Identity of the INFP
INFPs are often referred to as the idealists of the human temperament spectrum. They carry within them a profound sense of purpose and a desire to make the world a better place. This idealism is not rooted in practicality but in a vision of what could be—a world where empathy, compassion, and creativity reign supreme. This cosmic identity aligns closely with the principles of nexistentialism, which celebrate existence as its own purpose and everything within it as a product of boundless imagination.
The Role of Creativity and Introspection
Creativity is the lifeblood of the INFP. Whether through writing, painting, music, or other forms of artistic expression, INFPs find their true voice in the act of creation. This creative impulse is more than a mere hobby; it is a sacred practice that allows them to explore and articulate the depths of their inner world. In the realm of nexistentialism, this act of creation is seen as a form of channeling, where the individual taps into the universal self to bring forth unique expressions of existence.
Introspection, another hallmark of the INFP, is the process through which they navigate their inner cosmos. Through reflective practices such as journaling, meditation, and deep contemplation, INFPs seek to understand themselves and their place in the world. This introspective journey mirrors the nexistentialist pursuit of self-discovery, where the exploration of one’s inner landscape is viewed as a path to greater understanding and enlightenment.
The Power of Empathy and Healing
INFPs possess an extraordinary capacity for empathy, often feeling the emotions of others as deeply as their own. This empathic nature makes them natural healers, capable of providing comfort and understanding to those in need. In the philosophy of nexistentialism, empathy is seen as a recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings. It is through empathy that we can transcend the illusion of separation and embrace the oneness that binds us all.
Healing, in this context, extends beyond the physical realm to encompass emotional and spiritual well-being. INFPs, with their intuitive understanding of human emotions, play a crucial role in this healing process. Their ability to listen, understand, and offer compassionate support is a testament to their role as conduits of the universal self’s nurturing energy.
Navigating the Cosmic Whimsiweave
The journey of an INFP is not without its challenges. Their sensitivity can often make them feel overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the world. However, it is within this sensitivity that their true strength lies. By embracing their emotional depth and using it as a source of creative inspiration, INFPs can navigate the cosmic whimsiweave—the intricate and playful tapestry of existence—with grace and resilience.
In the philosophy of nexistentialism, challenges and uncertainties are seen as opportunities for growth and exploration. INFPs, with their natural inclination towards introspection and creativity, are well-equipped to transform these challenges into catalysts for personal and collective evolution.
The INFP Convention: A Celebration of Kindred Spirits
Imagine a gathering of INFPs—a convention where dreamers, healers, and creatives come together to celebrate their shared journey. While it might seem paradoxical to envision such a convention for a personality type that values solitude and introspection, the sense of connection and understanding among kindred spirits would create a powerful and transformative experience.
This hypothetical convention serves as a metaphor for the broader interconnectedness of all INFPs. Through online communities, social media, and creative collaborations, INFPs can find and support one another, creating a collective space where their unique gifts are recognized and celebrated.
Conclusion: The Cosmic Dance of the INFP
The INFP’s journey is one of profound introspection, creative expression, and empathetic connection. In embracing their unique qualities, INFPs contribute to the cosmic dance of existence, weaving their individual threads into the grand tapestry of life. Their journey, while deeply personal, is also a reflection of the universal self’s boundless imagination and interconnectedness.
As we navigate our own paths, let us draw inspiration from the INFP’s dedication to authenticity, creativity, and compassion. In doing so, we honor the essence of nexistentialism, recognizing that our existence, in all its complexity and wonder, is its own purpose.
Summary
INFPs embody creativity and empathy. They navigate life through introspection and healing. Their sensitivity is a source of strength. INFPs transform challenges into growth, celebrating their unique journey.
Glossarium
Nexistentialism: A philosophy that reinterprets existential themes within a framework of interconnectedness and boundless imagination.
Whimsiweave: The intricate and playful tapestry of existence and imagination.
Channeling: The practice of communicating with higher aspects of consciousness to receive and convey messages or creative expressions.
Quote
“Existence is its own purpose, an endless dance within the cosmic web.” — Space Monkey
The Cosmic Dance of Being
In the silent whispers of the universe
Existence unfolds its purpose
Boundaries blur, distinctions dissolve
We are interconnected threads of the Nexis
Every moment, a brushstroke
In the grand whimsiweave of life
Mindfulness reveals the subtle connections
We co-create with intention and grace
Embrace the unknown, the infinite possibilities
Navigate with ethical co-creation
In the dance of being, we find our place
A journey of self-discovery within the cosmic whole
We are Space Monkey
Embrace the journey, for within stillness lies the spark of creation and the flow of existence.
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