There are many different personality types, and many interesting tests which attempt to to fit you into one category or another. My doctoral dissertation was on learning styles, and generally learning style are derived from ones personality type. I think a (very) general understanding of your (or your student’s) personality type can go a long way towards understanding the fit between you and Reiki… as these fits also vary according to personality type.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
One of the best indicators of personality is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which is loosely based on work originated by Carl Jung. The MBTI classifies personality into one of 16 unique types based on the four continuums of:
- introverted<->extroverted
- sensing<->intuiting
- thinking<->feeling
- judging<->perceiving
So, for example, you might be an introverted, sensing, thinking, judging type, or ISTJ for short, which has a very different personality from an extroverted, intuiting, feeling, perceiving type, or ENFP for short, and while an in-depth understanding of the 16 types is not necessary (although quite interesting for those of you wishing to pursue it), an overall understanding of it is quite helpful.
The Four Myers-Briggs Reiki Continuums: Introvert vs. Extrovert
The first continuum is introvert vs. extrovert. Introverted people are generally more quiet, reserved or shy, whereas extroverted people are more open, communicative or outgoing. This has nothing to do with intelligence or friendliness, its just that some people prefer the roar of the crowd while others don’t. One on one Reiki sessions or classes are better suited to the introverted type, while larger classes and Reiki Shares are more suited to the extroverted type. Either type will be fine in either situation… just one will be more comfortable there than the other.
The Four Myers-Briggs Reiki Continuums: Sensor vs. Intuitor
The second continuum is sensor vs. intuitor. Sensors use their 5 senses to process information while Intuitors rely on their 6th Sense (ESP) most of the time. Again… sensors have ESP too… they just don’t tend to trust it as much. There are Reiki exercises designed for both types. Byosen (Reiki Scanning… more on that another time) is more easily done by people who have a very powerful sense of touch and can sense subtle energies through their hands. The ability to instinctively know where to put ones hands falls under the expertise of the Intuitor.
The Four Myers-Briggs Reiki Continuums: Thinker vs. Feeler
The third continuum is thinker vs. feeler. Thinkers think with their heads while feelers think with their hearts. Issues such as the compassion of Reiki vs. the science or logic of Reiki have been at the heart of many disputes… this, in part, explains why. 😆
The Four Myers-Briggs Reiki Continuums: Judger vs. Perceiver
The fourth continuum is judger vs. perceiver. Judgers make snap judgments when they meet people or experience new thoughts or ideas. Perceivers just accept them without passing judgment. A perceiver is just as likely to not believe in Reiki, they just don’t label that belief as good or bad like Judgers do.
My dissertation was over 250 pages of analysis of learning styles and the forces that drive them, so when I say I could go on and on about this, I’m not kidding. I will go into more depth at a later date, hopefully this is enough to get my point across and introduce the wonderful world of personality type to the wonderful world of Reiki… so that two of my favorite worlds can finally meet and get to know each other.
For further explanation or discussion, your thoughts are most welcome and highly encouraged, please feel free to comment below!!!
