|
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
Learner
You love to learn. The
subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes
and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process
of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially
exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from
ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts
to recite or practice what you have learned, the
growing confidence of a skill mastered--this is the process that entices you.
Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences--yoga or
piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work
environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are
expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time
and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean
that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for
the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome
of the learning is less significant than the "getting there."
Empathy
You can sense the emotions
of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their
feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their
eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily agree with each
person's perspective. You do not necessarily feel pity for each person's
predicament--this would be sympathy, not Empathy. You do not necessarily
condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. This instinctive
ability to understand is powerful. You hear the unvoiced questions. You anticipate
the need. Where others grapple for words, you seem to find the right words and
the right tone. You help people find the right phrases to express their
feelings--to themselves as well as to others. You help them give voice to their
emotional life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to you.
Consistency
Balance is important to
you. You are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same, no matter what
their station in life, so you do not want to see the scales tipped too far in any
one person's favor. In your view this leads to selfishness and individualism.
It leads to a world where some people gain an unfair advantage because of their
connections or their background or their greasing of the wheels. This is truly
offensive to you. You see yourself as a guardian against it. In direct contrast
to this world of special favors, you believe that people function best in a
consistent environment where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone
equally. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is
predictable and evenhanded. It is fair. Here each person has an even chance to
show his or her worth.
Intellection
You like to think. You like
mental activity. You like exercising the "muscles" of your brain,
stretching them in multiple directions. This need for mental activity may be
focused; for example, you may be trying to solve a problem or develop an idea
or understand another person's feelings. The exact focus will depend on your
other strengths. On the other hand, this mental activity may very well lack
focus. The theme of Intellection does not dictate what you are thinking about;
it simply describes that you like to think. You are the kind of person who
enjoys your time alone because it is your time for musing and reflection. You
are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose
yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. This
introspection may lead you to a slight sense of discontent as you compare what
you are actually doing with all the thoughts and ideas that your mind
conceives. Or this introspection may tend toward more pragmatic matters such as
the events of the day or a conversation that you plan to have later. Wherever
it leads you, this mental hum is one of the constants of your life.
Connectedness
Things happen for a reason.
You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we
are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments
and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of
something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label
it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence
from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and
the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities.
If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we
will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting
ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system.
You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind,
you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the
invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our
humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing
and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close
friends in the face of life's mysteries.