Session 14 250
Know Yourself What have you learned Now that you have been journaling for 6 months, what have you learned? Are there things that you know about yourself now that you didn t know a year ago? That is one of the best results of introspection- clarity. The exercises in this session are designed to bring clarity. #1 Take 12 minutes and write down anything that comes to your head. Set a timer, start writing. The things that pop into your head may surprise you. Make sure you have extra paper if you need it. 251
Know Yourself What have you learned.#1 Take 12 minutes and write down a very detailed description of yourself. Describe how you have changed since you were a child and how you have changed since you started working with me. 252
Know Yourself What have you learned.#1 What are your best qualities? 5 minutes to list what you are good at and what you do right! 253
Myers Briggs Test You may be surprised The purpose of learning about your personality type is to help you understand yourself better. When you know what motivates and energizes you, it helps you to seek opportunities that most suit the way you are. Four Facts 1. No type is better than any other type. The best type for you to be is whatever type you are. 2. No type is more intelligent than any other type. Intelligence is not measured by the MBTI. 3. No type is more spiritual or moral than any other type. People of all types are saints and sinners. Most of us are saints and sinners simultaneously. 4. No type is more emotionally balanced than any other type. Mental and emotional health are not measured by the MBTI. Two Don ts 1. Do not use type as an excuse for failings. Of course you make mistakes in your weak areas. Why would you make them more where you are strong? They are still mistakes, and you still need to change your behavior. 2. Do not use type to stereotype yourself or others. People of the same type may nevertheless be very different from one another. Three Do s 1. Use type to widen your understanding of human behavior, to help you see the possibilities that exist in all of us. 2. Use type to help you identify areas in which you need to change or develop. 3. Use type to make you more compassionate, more sympathetic with others. The Golden Rule of Type-watching: Use type with others as you would have others use type with you. Myers Briggs Type Indicator Test Link 254
Myers Briggs Personality Types Extroverts vs Introverts - where we get our energy Extroverts Introverts act or speak first, then think like variety and action seek interaction enjoy groups expend energy think out loud enjoy discussing focus outwardly outgoing talkative think first, then speak or act like to focus on one thing at a time like to be alone enjoy one-on-one conserve energy think to themselves enjoy reflecting focus inwardly reserved quiet Sensors vs Intuits - how we take in information Sensors Intuitives prefer facts, concrete information prefer insights, abstract information more interested in what is actual more interested in what is possible pay attention to specifics focus on the big picture practical and realistic inspired and imaginative focus on the present focus on the future value common sense value innovation pragmatic speculative Myers Briggs Type Indicator Test Link Use this website to discover your Myers Briggs Type: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp The Institute for Integrative Nutrition Copyright 2012 Cathy Sykora Copyright 2012 255
Myers Briggs Personality Types Thinkers vs Feelers - how we process information Thinkers Feelers usually don't take thins personally usually take things personally analyze the problem sympathize with your problem objective, convinced by logic subjective, convinced by values can be seen as insensitive can be seen as overemotional decide with their head decide with their heart good at critiquing good at appreciating value competence value relationships firm-minded gentle-hearted value justice value harmony direct tactful Judging type vs Party type - how we like our lifestyle Judging Party work now/ play later play now/work later seek closure seek openness value structure value the flow plan ahead adapt as they go like order like flexibility You will never be rebuilt, for I, the LORD, have spoken. Yes, the Sovereign LORD has spoken! ~Ezekial 26:14b http://www.myersbriggs.org/ http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp The Institute for Integrative Nutrition Copyright 2012 Cathy Sykora Copyright 2012 256
Faith and Individuality Do Christians get a new personality? Ideas abound in so many Christian circles about the ideal Christian personality, and this is a major reason for our confusion. While it may not be taught explicitly that one personality type is more godly than another, stereotypes persist nonetheless. Many Christians assume that leaders, and other strong believers whom they admire, are closer to having the perfect Christian personality than they are themselves. As a result, they try to emulate the personality style of these leaders. There is no ideal Christian personality type that we are expected to emulate, nor are certain talents more important for us to possess than certain others. It is important to remember that: God has given each of us individuality, which he wishes us to express, and not repress, as we follow Christ. God has put within each of us a unique mix of potential and interests, which to a large extent remains consistent throughout our life--present before we commit our life to Christ, and continuing afterward. God does expect us to take our potential seriously. God has created us uniquely, and we are contributing to the work of Christ, and not detracting from it, by being the individual he has made us to be. Reflect often on the fact that God has made each of us a one-of-a-kind creation, and that he has work for each of us to do that no one else is as well-equipped to carry out. May you take heart in knowing this, and determine to take the best possible steps to realize your potential for Christ. As we come to understand the distinctiveness he has given us, we gain vital insight into how he wants us to live our life. Nehemiah Notes, Faith and Individuality, Do Christians get a New Personality?,Copyright 2011 M. Blaine Smith 257
Ego What is our ego? Most of us are trying to be better people. Whether it is a conscious or subconscious choice, we can all move toward spiritual growth. Part of being truly healthy is going beyond physical well being and attending to our mind and spiritual growth. Step 1 Ego What is our ego? It is our awareness of self. It is not our true self, but the image we develop of our self. It is what we think we are. We are only limited by our ego if we allow it. Our true self is our potential. We move past our ego when we start to fulfill our potential. The world will ask you who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you. ~Carl Jung We are born without ego. Small children live wonderfully free of ego, joyfully oblivious to what others say about them or limitations that they have placed on themselves because of false beliefs. Ego in its strongest form is narcissism, where everything is about you. All that matters is how you look, what you feel and how everything relates to you. 258
Ego Get beyond ego So how do we get beyond ego? My best answer since I have a hard time setting aside my limiting beliefs is to focus on others instead of myself. This way, I become nothing and I have the ability to reach my potential. I use my power and talents without expectation or self imposed limits because I am working toward an outcome that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with what is possible for another. What do we let go of by setting aside our awareness of self? resentment expectations excuses the need for instant gratification judgment the past jealousy disrespect fear manipulation isolation competition vanity blame avoidance victimization By shedding our awareness of self, we open ourselves up to a unity of spirit with everyone. We see the good in others. We feel the joy of acceptance and we get a little closer to our true potential. What do you think? How do you see this applying to your life? How close do you get to releasing your ego? What would change in your life? 259
Follow Up Please complete for our next visit Name Date 5 Positive Changes since our last visit What can you do in the next two weeks to bring you closer to your goals? What are your main concerns? Weight Sleep Constipation/Diarrhea Energy Mood 260
Follow Up Please complete for our next visit Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks Liquids Comments Update on goals 261