MSE: Thinking Mentally Oriented—Passive

People with this type are deep thinkers. MSEs are usually very intelligent, creative, inquisitive, and able to think more deeply about complex topics than any other type. Oftentimes, they are seen as quiet, shy, eccentric, and socially awkward. When in tune (in a healthy, balanced state), MSEs are self-sufficient but able to reach out to others. When dissonant (in an unhealthy, out-of-balanced state), they may experience hopelessness and a lack of safety, leading them to cut off from their external experience more than any other type and take refuge in fantasy. When this happens, they may appear detached, reclusive, and dissociated. MSEs are often drawn to the arts, science, philosophy, and religious/spiritual ideologies that involve deep thinking—often obsessively dedicating themselves to their beliefs. In fact, some of the greatest and most well-known artists, scientists, philosophers, theologians, and spiritual teachers are MSEs. Additionally, this type, more than any other orientation type, is likely to enjoy reading, gaming, and activities that take place on digital devices.

Adjectives Describing the MSE Type

In Tune (healthy, balanced state): Self-sufficient, undemanding, quietly caring, intelligent, creative, inquisitive, analytical, thoughtful, empathetic, grounded

Dissonant (unhealthy, out-of-balanced state): Isolated, dissociated, withholding, detached, reclusive, unassertive, judgmental (especially of self), obsessive

Principle Characteristics

In Tune: When in tune, MSEs can enjoy time alone and with others. They can rely on their powerful mind and also move their awareness to their body and external senses to connect with others. MSEs who are in tune are able to not only think about complex concepts but are also able to clearly communicate their ideas to those around them. Given that they are natural thinkers, MSEs are more likely to think about their experience rather than actually experience it. An in-tune MSE can learn intellectually and experientially by engaging their body and external senses.

Dissonant: When dissonant, MSEs will retreat into their mind and cut off from their body and external senses. In extreme and persistent cases, this can lead to chronic isolation, dissociation, and inability to connect deeply with others. They may appear cutoff, withdrawn, detached, and may live a reclusive life. Dissonant MSEs often live in a cluttered environment and may struggle with personal hygiene. As mentioned above, MSEs are often drawn to the arts, science, and spirituality. When dissonant, they may take their ideas and beliefs to an extreme and become rigid and unable to see other possibilities. They are gifted thinkers and often have brilliant ideas. However, their passive energy often prevents them from completing what they set out to achieve.

Communication Style

MSEs can present with a wide variety of communication styles. Some MSEs speak very little, while others are vocal communicators. In fact, MSEs can make wonderful teachers and experts who can talk in detail about things they know, though they are likely to talk about things intellectually, not experientially. In some cases, MSEs may wrestle with such deep and complex ideas that they struggle to communicate them in a way that makes sense to others. Sometimes they may stutter or have difficulty getting their words out as if their mouth (body) is struggling with their mind. This can be frustrating and drive them deeper into isolation. Those in a relationship with a dissonant MSE, especially if they are externally or sensation oriented, may feel frustrated due to the MSE’s lack of ability to empathize and communicate their feelings to others.

Boundaries

MSEs have overdeveloped boundaries that cause them to be cut off from others. In fact, they may seem like a mystery to those close to them. They are naturally gifted at keeping people from getting too close and may be equally gifted at shutting out their external world altogether. On the contrary, this may cause them to miss if someone is crossing their personal boundaries or if they themselves are crossing someone else’s boundaries.