PEOPLE PUZZLES
JoLyn Enterprises
APT Conference Proceedings Wellness is a Spiritual Journey:
The MBTI is a Road Map©
Lynda Trommelen
Recognizing Moments of Receptivity
Common Pathways on the Journey
Assisting People on Their Journey
Approaches to Type Development
When many people are introduced to type, it is the start of a journey of self-awareness and personal development. If their personal interest is supported and if they are encouraged to learn more, there may be an opportunity to explore the deeper layers of type. This search for a deeper self awareness can present a path for spiritual awakening and development.
The first introduction to the MBTI is important, since it determines the impact that it has on the individual. If the first encounter is a quick overview of the four preference scales with no time to experience the dynamic of type in action, there is a danger that it may be perceived as an interesting session with no desire for follow-up. One of the great challenges in introducing type is to ensure that people have the opportunity to experience its richness and application in their everyday life. Without that dimension. there may be little impact on the individual, beyond the immediate experience.
This session examines the use of type in an organization where ongoing learning has been supported and personal growth and type development is enhanced. It emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are on their personal journeys. This organizational example also provides insights into the scope of applications that provide opportunities for people to continue along the road of self awareness. The MBTI offers different gifts at different stages and helps people progress at their own pace and within their own comfort zone. People, who are at different points along the way, can help those who are just beginning. This case study demonstrates how, when the seed of self knowledge is nurtured, it can flourish and develop roots elsewhere in the community.
People are often attracted to type to solve a current problem (e.g.: stress, communication, teamwork) or to face a new change or challenge. However, this may lead to a desire for deeper understanding which takes the person on a self- awareness journey that awakens the spirit within. Examples will be provided to illustrate the following moments of receptivity.
|
issues related to teamwork, communication in the workplace |
|
issues related to stresses and coping strategies |
|
conflict resolution |
|
dealing with loss, grief and change |
|
career development or transition |
|
EAP counseling |
|
couples awareness or counseling |
|
understanding family members |
Common Pathways on the Journey
A common reaction, often experienced when people are introduced to the MBTI, is an affirmation of who they are. This is especially true when a person’s type differs from the group norms and they feel marginalized as a result. Many people have developed a persona to "fit in". It can be very liberating to acknowledge who they are and develop their unused gifts.
When people realize that they have embarked on an introspective journey, it can be very frightening. It may seem that their entire life, up to that point, is in question and that to move forward, major personal change is required. For some, this is an unacceptable outcome and they may choose to stay at that point.
Assisting People on Their Journey
The adult learning model is helpful in assisting people on their journey. It allows you to meet people where they are, respond to their current needs and re-enforce their steps when they are ready to move forward to the next stage of development. When possible, concrete applications help to re-enforce the benefits of personal growth and development.
Jung stated that you cannot individuate alone on a mountain top. People need support on their journeys to gain insights from the perspectives of others. Examples will be provided of strategies and resources that can be used to allow people to move forward, when they are ready, and tap into the support that they need at different stages.
Change requires us to learn more about ourselves and grow from the experience. It is an opportunity to help us on the journey towards reaching our fullest potential. This process occurs in individuals over the course of a lifetime. As we work through change, we move through these 4 main stages in this process: dependence, independence, interdependence and integration.
 |
Approaches to Type Development
As people reach higher levels of personal growth and development, the spiritual part of the journey needs to be supported. Different people have very different needs. Some models that may be useful at this stage include:
|
Jungian study / discussion groups |
|
Models related to individuation or self actualization |
|
Beebe’s model of opposing personalities |
|
Pearson’s model of the archetypal journey |
|
Spiritual guidance or mentoring |
Based on the experience within the example organization, the MBTI offered many routes towards spiritual growth and development. This moved beyond the walls of the organization to the development of a community network to link people to the resources that they needed. The body / mind connection leads to a third element, the inclusion of the spirit as part of the healing process.
Although this was not a specific goal at the onset of the program, the nurturing of the desire for spiritual growth when the opportunity occurs, can be an awakening experience for many people. The examples provided throughout this presentation demonstrate a variety of ways to respond to the needs of people at different stages in their journey. It also acknowledges the importance of supporting those who move from "travelers" to "mentors" for others on their journey.
There is no one "right" road. For those who choose to continue down the path when the door is opened by the MBTI, it can become an incredible journey to wholeness. Wellness is the linking of body, mind and spirit. For many people, it is an unplanned but rewarding journey.
- Barger, Nancy, Kirby, Linda, The Challenge of Change in Organizations, Davies-Black Publishing, Palo Alto, California, 1995.
- Beebe, John, C.G.Jung Foundation Lecture and Workshop, "Psychological Types and Personal Relationships", Toronto, April, 1991.
- Bridges, William, Making Sense of Life’s Changes, Addison-Wesley Publishing, Don Mills, Ontario, 1980.
- Bridges, William, The Character of Organizations, Consulting Psychologists Press, California, 1992.
- Centerpoint Foundation, Education Centre Programs, St. Louis Missouri
- Jung, Carl, Modern Man in Search of a Soul, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers, San Diego, 1933.
- Kreinheder, Albert, Body and Soul: The Other Side of Illness, Inner City Books, Toronto, 1991.
- Miller, William, Your Golden Shadow, Harper & Row Publishers, New York, 1989.
- Moore, Thomas, Care of the Soul, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 1992.
- Pearson, Carol, Awakening the Heroes Within, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 1991.
- Richardson, Peter Tufts, Four Spiritualities, Davies-Black Publishing, Palo Alto, California, 1996.
- Tagliaferre, Lewis, Harbaugh, Gary, Recovery from Loss, Health Communications Inc., Deerfield Beach, Florida, 1990.
- Von Franz, Marie Louise, Hillman, James, Jung’s Typology, Spring Publications Inc., Dallas, Texas, 1971.
- Zweig, Connie, Abrams, Jeremiah, Meeting the Shadow in Everyday Life, Jeremy P. Tarcher Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 1991.
© Jolyn Enterprises
Last Revised: 15/07/2008
