As an
introverted thinking type (for a further explanation of Jungian personality
typology see here) I am used to analysing, categorising and evaluating
according to principles. Gardening can
be a way of letting go and embracing the moment. Rather than assessing whether something fits
the framework or model and figuring out the principles on which something works
I can, instead, let go of the need to check for inconsistencies.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® instrument is
largely based on Jungian theory.
In transpersonal psychotherapy the four elements represent the different states of matter. The Elements Model is unique to CCPE and ranges from disembodied energy (fire), to solid earth. The model closely relates to Jung’s four functions (sensate, intuition, feeling and thinking). The aim of the model is to bring harmony to the four elements. In the model, earth (sensate) is a character like the earth ‘solid and strong willed’ just like fire (intuition) is a character like the fire ‘energetic’. Water (feeling) is a character like the water ‘flowing and emotions’. Air (thinking) is a character like the air ‘mental oriented’.
We may grow up in alignment with our essential nature, or our essential qualities may become suppressed and distorted depending on our upbringing and the forces of family, schooling, relationships and society.
The earth element has the slowest vibration, and the person with an earth nature, or primary orientation, will have a more quiet, calm and slower tempo with firmer boundaries. Earth is more solid, and a person said to be more typically an Earth type will walk in a solid, grounded way.
In transpersonal psychotherapy the four elements represent the different states of matter. The Elements Model is unique to CCPE and ranges from disembodied energy (fire), to solid earth. The model closely relates to Jung’s four functions (sensate, intuition, feeling and thinking). The aim of the model is to bring harmony to the four elements. In the model, earth (sensate) is a character like the earth ‘solid and strong willed’ just like fire (intuition) is a character like the fire ‘energetic’. Water (feeling) is a character like the water ‘flowing and emotions’. Air (thinking) is a character like the air ‘mental oriented’.
We may grow up in alignment with our essential nature, or our essential qualities may become suppressed and distorted depending on our upbringing and the forces of family, schooling, relationships and society.
The earth element has the slowest vibration, and the person with an earth nature, or primary orientation, will have a more quiet, calm and slower tempo with firmer boundaries. Earth is more solid, and a person said to be more typically an Earth type will walk in a solid, grounded way.
Gardening
can be a grounding experience. The earth
quality can be a powerful antidote to the air quality of intellectualising and
rationalisation. Earth qualities can involve conserving, patience and
thoroughness. Planting spring bulbs is
certainly a case in point. Gardening can be a way of discovering one’s hidden
qualities and actively nurturing others.
See also
Understanding
Yourself and Others: An Introduction to the Personality Type Code Paperback
– August 1, 2004"
