Shadows when I've taken pictures have always fascinated me. When you see the picture after you've taken it, I find that shadows you don't see when you take the picture reveal themselves. So guessing that is similar to to the view y'all had. So many dimensions to any view.
I have really enjoyed sitting with the question around where I see myself at the table. Also INFP - working in extraverted professions (prior ministry/current healthcare) where I have felt the need to push myself to “extrovert”. I have enjoyed each place at the table at different times- now tending to prefer the quiet end- where the conversations occur that fill my soul. There will be times to return to other parts of the table- but such a wonderful reflection for me to see, understand, and accept where I am at present. Thank you for this question.
Carrie and beloved community, I am way at the quiet end of the table, INFJ/P. So only these few words from me today, just to say that I am here with us as we wrestle with these difficult times and as we affirm the power of love and the presence of the sacred. Fall down, get up, always we begin again. A deep bow of gratitude.
Last night I hosted a zoom meeting of old college friends from 50 years ago. I am an introvert so I didn’t do much to direct the conversations. Some spoke quite a bit and others very little. I wanted to hear from those on the edge of the screen who didn’t talk much. After reading what you wrote, I think I need to initiate some quiet conversations with those on the edge.
I love the quiet conversations at the quiet end of the table, getting to know one or two people on a deeper level. If there is an interesting discussion in the middle of the table, I like to listen and learn but only occasionally speak up if I feel strongly about something. There can be dominant voices that drown out others.
Your reflection came to my heart this morning as I was walking Scout and saw the clouds in the western sky opposite the sunrise. Such a beautiful reminder to take in the whole and not just the parts. Here are those clouds this morning...
Naturally started as ISTJ, but with lots of effort and practice, almost now fully balanced with ENFP, but still working on F. Makes life far more interesting to understand multiple perspectives, so while the quiet end of the table is instinctive and calming, and the busy end is fascinating and exhilarating, the middle is a wonderful place to experience all of life and help bring people together.
Carrie, thank you for sharing this! I've always thought I am an ENFP and as I get older I'm more INFP. Like you, I love love love people but I'm called to nature and to water to recharge and go inward. I love your description of the sunset from the boat. Last night I was also on a boat relishing the changing sky at sunset. Your description took me back. A Blue Heron also graced us last night....I really connected to your story. I often like to hear all conversations at a table (which sometimes means I don't really hear any of them) and last night I found myself in one on one conversations a couple different times and it felt good. Thank you for your inspiration and invitation to reflect.
Thank you, Carrie. I too am an INFP, a folksinger and UU minister who has stayed pretty close to home, largely because of my nature--and admiring you so much for getting out into the world as you have! Thank you for your vivid and thoughtful reflections here, which it seem to me can only be offered from that quiet place. We all so benefit from your many many gifts!
I’m an INFP also. Just turned 75 years old. I’m still working as a psychotherapist but also need solitude to recharge. Nature with my camera and your music / writings help so much. I’ll be looking behind me the next time I photograph a sunset. Thank you.
I'm also an INFP. I;m a ceramic artist, and it's the nuances that make a piece work. First, I'd try to avoid going to the table, but once I'd get there, I'd be on the quiet end. If I were in the middle, I'd be trying to listen to both ends.
I used to tell our daughters to listen to all the people around us---sometimes the quietest ones have the most to say.
Dear Carrie I’m a fellow INFP! So I’d be joining you at the quiet end of the table. Conversations at this end I find are more personal, deep and one on one. Like you said the inner conversations happen here. If I’m at the middle of the table I’m very much an observer and find it not so easy to break into the conversation's happening. I can attest that most pastors/ministers are introverts, there isn’t one I haven’t met who isn’t one.
I too recharge in solitude and stillness. Living in the city and all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it, I long for quiet and solitude. My husband and I discovered how much we enjoy camping and bought a trailer. We try to seek out campsites that are quiet, surrounded by trees and if we are lucky, close to a body of water. That’s how we spent our Canada long weekend ( and seeing my daughter too). Being out in the boat on the water must have been so peaceful and calming and seeing the sunset is always so awe inspiring. I’d love to be out in a boat too. Glad you got to do something special with family and friends for the 4th of July!
Shadows when I've taken pictures have always fascinated me. When you see the picture after you've taken it, I find that shadows you don't see when you take the picture reveal themselves. So guessing that is similar to to the view y'all had. So many dimensions to any view.
I don’t ever feel ANOTHER pulled in two directions. Doesn’t matter where. Alone? Especially alone.
I have really enjoyed sitting with the question around where I see myself at the table. Also INFP - working in extraverted professions (prior ministry/current healthcare) where I have felt the need to push myself to “extrovert”. I have enjoyed each place at the table at different times- now tending to prefer the quiet end- where the conversations occur that fill my soul. There will be times to return to other parts of the table- but such a wonderful reflection for me to see, understand, and accept where I am at present. Thank you for this question.
This is so “me” also. But I have always viewed it as an anti-social failing. Thanks for the new perspective.
Carrie and beloved community, I am way at the quiet end of the table, INFJ/P. So only these few words from me today, just to say that I am here with us as we wrestle with these difficult times and as we affirm the power of love and the presence of the sacred. Fall down, get up, always we begin again. A deep bow of gratitude.
Last night I hosted a zoom meeting of old college friends from 50 years ago. I am an introvert so I didn’t do much to direct the conversations. Some spoke quite a bit and others very little. I wanted to hear from those on the edge of the screen who didn’t talk much. After reading what you wrote, I think I need to initiate some quiet conversations with those on the edge.
I love the quiet conversations at the quiet end of the table, getting to know one or two people on a deeper level. If there is an interesting discussion in the middle of the table, I like to listen and learn but only occasionally speak up if I feel strongly about something. There can be dominant voices that drown out others.
Your reflection came to my heart this morning as I was walking Scout and saw the clouds in the western sky opposite the sunrise. Such a beautiful reminder to take in the whole and not just the parts. Here are those clouds this morning...
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pcdbb3l9qnpmg3hc9hwrk/IMG_9098.jpg?rlkey=xw6ht9ub41qo4axvwxl9uiwzk&dl=0
Naturally started as ISTJ, but with lots of effort and practice, almost now fully balanced with ENFP, but still working on F. Makes life far more interesting to understand multiple perspectives, so while the quiet end of the table is instinctive and calming, and the busy end is fascinating and exhilarating, the middle is a wonderful place to experience all of life and help bring people together.
Carrie, thank you for sharing this! I've always thought I am an ENFP and as I get older I'm more INFP. Like you, I love love love people but I'm called to nature and to water to recharge and go inward. I love your description of the sunset from the boat. Last night I was also on a boat relishing the changing sky at sunset. Your description took me back. A Blue Heron also graced us last night....I really connected to your story. I often like to hear all conversations at a table (which sometimes means I don't really hear any of them) and last night I found myself in one on one conversations a couple different times and it felt good. Thank you for your inspiration and invitation to reflect.
Thank you, Carrie. I too am an INFP, a folksinger and UU minister who has stayed pretty close to home, largely because of my nature--and admiring you so much for getting out into the world as you have! Thank you for your vivid and thoughtful reflections here, which it seem to me can only be offered from that quiet place. We all so benefit from your many many gifts!
INFP who worked as an ESTJ before retirement!
THANK YOU!
I’m an INFP also. Just turned 75 years old. I’m still working as a psychotherapist but also need solitude to recharge. Nature with my camera and your music / writings help so much. I’ll be looking behind me the next time I photograph a sunset. Thank you.
I'm also an INFP. I;m a ceramic artist, and it's the nuances that make a piece work. First, I'd try to avoid going to the table, but once I'd get there, I'd be on the quiet end. If I were in the middle, I'd be trying to listen to both ends.
I used to tell our daughters to listen to all the people around us---sometimes the quietest ones have the most to say.
Dear Carrie I’m a fellow INFP! So I’d be joining you at the quiet end of the table. Conversations at this end I find are more personal, deep and one on one. Like you said the inner conversations happen here. If I’m at the middle of the table I’m very much an observer and find it not so easy to break into the conversation's happening. I can attest that most pastors/ministers are introverts, there isn’t one I haven’t met who isn’t one.
I too recharge in solitude and stillness. Living in the city and all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it, I long for quiet and solitude. My husband and I discovered how much we enjoy camping and bought a trailer. We try to seek out campsites that are quiet, surrounded by trees and if we are lucky, close to a body of water. That’s how we spent our Canada long weekend ( and seeing my daughter too). Being out in the boat on the water must have been so peaceful and calming and seeing the sunset is always so awe inspiring. I’d love to be out in a boat too. Glad you got to do something special with family and friends for the 4th of July!