Multiple options and idealized future plans
To reclaim and accept all of life, the pleasures and the pains, in the present moment
Sevens are exuberant, fast-paced, spontaneous, analytical and idea-oriented. Others may perceive Sevens as quickly shifting topics, making excuses, self-absorbed and indifferent to others’ input.
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As movers and forward thinkers, Sevens usually are optimistic and positive with an interest in many topics and activities. They avoid limits and prioritize fun in travel, adventure and intellectual pursuits. They can be critical, frustrated or bored when reality doesn’t meet their idealized vision. Sevens find it challenging to focus in depth or to stay the course in work and relationships. Slowing down, being in the moment, and learning to tolerate their own and other people’s suffering can bring needed balance.
You can avoid pain and frustration by inventing options, opportunities and adventures.
Adventurous, playful, imaginative, energetic, optimistic, quick-thinking
Self-absorbed, dispersed, uncommitted, impatient, unrealistic
Rationalization – staying in the head, or explaining away or justifying feelings and behaviors in order to avoid pain or accepting responsibility
Sevens use rationalization to avoid suffering and to maintain a self-image of being OK. They tend to see life through rose-colored glasses, reframing everything positively. Thinking of new options and possibilities allows Sevens to leave the present moment with its limitations and live in a seemingly boundless future.
Observe your habit of mind or focus of attention with as little judgment as possible. Ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:
Type Seven’s journey is to welcome all of life as it exists in the present moment – fear, pain, sadness, boredom and limitation, as well as pleasure, joy, excitement and options. Their tasks are to simplify their lives, delay gratification, empathize more with others, and steady their attention in the here and now.
Mental: Planning > Work
Emotional: Gluttony> Constancy
The aspect of awareness called the Inner Observer allows us to witness the internal patterns that drive outer behavior. The practice consists of focusing inwardly and becoming aware of the thoughts, sensations and other objects of attention that arise within us. As we become more fully present, our type patterns begin to relax and we become more receptive.
For Sevens, take a moment to reflect on the following principles:
As mental types, Sevens’ energy and attention tend to go up into the head and out into the world. Physically loose and flexible, their body armor is less about muscular tension and more about patterns of avoidance as seen in the upper chest and shoulders. Sevens retreat from sad or painful feelings into their minds; their challenge is to stay grounded in their bodies.
Your task is to balance your tendency to move up with turning inward and down into your body and feelings. Breathe into your belly, notice physical sensations in your lower body, and feel your feet on the ground. When you notice you have left your body for the pleasures (or worries) of the mind, practice dropping back down to your belly and feet. Although this may not feel like fun at first, it will become more pleasant over time as you open up a whole new realm of experience, focus priorities, feel your feelings, and develop your capacity for emotional intelligence.