HEALER infps are people like ... Homer, Virgin Mary, Shakespeare, Hans Christian Andersen and Princess Diana

The MBTI Personality Temperament theory and other temperament theories such as Keirsey, my favorite, divide introverts into four broad basic categories called Guardian, Artisan, Rational and Idealist. Introverts are people who are energized while alone and zapped of energy while being with others. Introversion is a legitimate personality type. Idealist introverts because they are so magical.

Idealist introverts are abstract in thought and speech. They are aspirational, positive and oriented toward future. They long to unite people in peace and love. There are two different types, Counselor (infj) and Healer (infp).

Idealist introverts make up just 2% of population.

Both types focus intensely on human potential - that of a few people around them -- and are among most "introverted" of all types, having exceptionally rich inner lives and little or no desire to be in positions of leadership. It is interesting to note, for example, that an idealist type has never been president of United States.

Both types of introverted idealists are rare, making up only 1% of population in each case. [No type makes up more than 13% of population.] The other group that is this small is Rational introverts (Masterminds and Architects) who also make up just 1% of population each.

Temperament theory statistics may reveal a nonphysical Darwinian evolution of "more fit" in these statistics: Guardians and Artisans make up 38% of population each while Rationals and Idealists make up 12% each.

We creatures on Darwinian edge-- Rationals and Idealists -- have both an advantage and a disadvantage. In a certain sense we are adapted to ways of future, which is evolving, but on other hand, future is not yet here. And therein lies rub. Suffice it to say, though we may be better adapted to realities of future, we are maladapted to world defined by "s" types, present world. I mean to say "maladapted" descriptively, not critically.

Now let's look at word "idealist" for a minute. This word has several different meanings and connotations, many, it seems, concocted by They Who are Not Idealists and "They" are most certainly in majority.

This is what dictionary.com says:

•One whose conduct is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations.

•One who is unrealistic and impractical; a visionary.

•An artist or writer whose work is imbued with idealism.

•One who idealizes; one who forms picturesque fancies; one given to romantic expectations.

•someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations

Hmmm "unrealistic", "impractical", "picturesque fancies", "romantic expectations" … this doesn't sound very flattering. Further down list, a synonym suggested for idealist is "dreamer".

Four of these definitions are, in fact, a real put down. Am I imagining a slight sneer on lips of lexicographer? Probably written by a Rational (someone who would be interested in compiling a dictionary), we are defined negatively by what we are not - we are not practical and we are not realistic.

To put this in perspective, why don't we write a dictionary and define realists as people who are "nonidealistic", "lacking in imagination", "bereft of meaning and romance in life", "stuck in here and now" ??

Well, no, we're not practical. So you won't catch us writing any dictionaries. What we are is magical.

Let's look further now, among ourselves - or perhaps some of you are reading this because your child or loved one has been "diagnosed" as an infj or infp. Let's try to understand real magic of idealist introvert personality type. Take another look at list at top of page. Think of contributions of Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Goethe and Gandhi. Can you think of five people across time who had a more profound understanding of human nature?

Idealism is related to Platonic ideals of ancient Greece-- as described by philosopher Plato -- which are somewhat like archetypes in a way. One mathematician in a chat group recently said, "Plato thought what we see in physical world is a dim reflection of true ideal thing. For example circular objects are crude approximations to ideal perfect circle."

Clearly this man is not an idealist personality type. As any intuitive idealist will tell you, there is nothing "dim" about manifest reality reflecting Platonic ideals. Our ideals, our beliefs and their beyond-sensory forms are vivid and infused with life.

Idealists warm to -- nay, set fire to, torch! -- their ideals because they respond to them as potentials waiting to be filled. In our minds, we can draw a straight line from thing we see in our Mind's Eye to reality it can become in future. We specialize in doing this with people. Time and space are not issues.

Kenneth Silber, in an article entitled "Searching for Bobby Fischer's Platonic Form", published online at TechCentralStation explains, "This has potential religious implications; in a recent TCS essay, Edward Feser identified Platonism, or belief in a realm of abstract entities, as a key assumption underlying Western religion."

An interest in higher realms is, indeed, a characteristic of idealists and a critical key to understanding their approach to "reality". The InfjInfp YahooGroup buzzes with talk about negative matter, extra dimensions, exotic energy sources, possible uses for becs, quantum computers, loopholes in relativity, space elevators, great unsolved math problems, consciousness, REIKI, Tarot cards and so much more!

Recently a new member Stela wrote, "I have never tried Reiki, but it is interesting to read about it. I am interested in healing and debate with myself about what type of healing I would like to do. Currently I am thinking about training as a nutritionist and using nutrition and herbs for healing. I also think that using prayer to diagnose and heal is interesting. Actually many kinds of alternative healing intrigue me. Has anyone ever thought of becoming a naturopath or naturopathic doctor?"

Areceli expects to get a “no,” even with smallest request, so she starts off with a plaintive and whiny tone of voice. She acts like it’s hopeless and she’s helpless.

She begins with, “I know you aren’t going to do this for me,” and a sigh. When someone does say “no” to her, she gets angry. She either says something flippant, like, “Like you would’ve helped me,” or raises her voice and says, “You never give me what I want.”

No, she’s not three years old, she’s an adult who has very low Emotional intelligence. No one ever taught her competencies she needs to understand her own emotions or those and others, and bring about win-win outcomes.

Use these Emotional Intelligence competencies to maximize your chances of getting what you want:

1.Empathy.

You may be urgent in your request, but understand other person’s position. Most of us want to please those around us, when possible; that is, we have good will. When someone asks us for something, we go through a bit of an emotional loop – Will they demand and be impossible? Can I give this without harming myself? Will this become never-ending? If I say “no” to this person who is important to me, will it create a problem?

Understand that a request may stress person you’re asking and make your request calm and pleasant, and your reaction to their response, pleasant and gracious.

2. Personal Power.

Personal power means you know you’re capable of handling your life. When you approach from this standpoint, you won’t come on begging or demanding. No one wants to have a demand placed on them. It immediately raises resistance. However, no one minds a request.

Has someone ever said to you, “I want this-and-such or I’m leaving,” or “If you don’t call me tonight this relationship is over”? EQ dictates -- Don’t demand, request. Ask. This gives other people permission to satisfy themselves while taking care of you.

3. Integrated Self: Staying centered.

Only when we’re three years old do we think we’re going to die if we don’t get what we want … or as teenagers … or as adults, if we aren’t thinking straight. EQ means being able to think clearly and act appropriately while under press of strong emotions (your own and others’). Yes, it’s important to have that raise/hot fudge sundae/kiss/help with dishes, but life will still go on without them.

The less ‘desperate’ you are, more likely you’ll get what you want. Just a rule of life. Before you make this request, do what we call “the EQ-Checkin.” Ask yourself “How am I feeling physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” This will get you in touch with all parts of yourself, and prepare you to make reasonable requests in a reasonable manner.

4. Trust Radius.

The past ended one minute ago. Don’t let it make you cynical, bitter and untrustful of others. If you approach your life that way, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are suspicious, other people pick up on it. They then think there’s a reason to be suspicious themselves … emotions are CONTAGIOUS.