MES: Striving Mentally Oriented

Like fire, this style can warm or burn. When in tune (in a healthy, balanced state), the MES style can warm those around them, causing people to draw near and feel safe. When dissonant (in an unhealthy, out-of-balance state), this style can become too hot for those around them, causing people to move away or get burned. Individuals expressing an MES style are driven to achieve. They are gifted at developing new ideas and manifesting them in the world. Their minds can process information and make decisions quickly. This can be very useful but also limiting because once they make up their minds about something, it can be difficult for them to see it any other way.

Principle Characteristics

When in tune (healthy, balanced state), these individuals are often analytical, assertive, driven, good at developing and following through with plans, decisive, creative, charismatic, and ambitious. When dissonant (unhealthy, out-of-balance state), they are opinionated, quick-tempered, pushy, overworking, intense, impatient, judgmental, and inflexible.

Communication Style

Individuals who express an MES style are likely to communicate directly and efficiently. Being strongly mentally oriented, they are naturally good at putting words to what they are thinking, though they may struggle with putting words to feelings. They are typically quick-witted and able to contemplate and communicate deep concepts. When dissonant, they are more prone than any other style to speak with a sharp or hateful tone. They can use their words to tear people down, impose their opinions, and/or gaslight others. On the other hand, an in-tune MES style can use their verbal skills to uplift and encourage those around them.

Boundaries

Those with an MES style struggle with boundaries in two ways. First, they frequently cross the boundaries of others, even though this is often done with good intentions. Their ardent desire to protect and serve often causes them to help where they aren't welcome. On the other hand, sometimes they may cross boundaries intentionally because they believe things would be better if people just did it their way. Secondly, they are likely to have no boundaries with the ones they love. They give of themselves and allow loved ones to take as much as they want until they feel taken advantage of or disrespected. At this point, the person expressing an MES style will wall up and lash out in anger. When this happens, they are typically ashamed of the way they reacted and then return to having no boundaries. Those who express an MES style often find themselves repeating this cycle.

How Constructed Awareness Benefits the MES Style

Constructed Awareness (CA) can support individuals with an MES orientation by enhancing their awareness of the less developed building blocks—especially sensation and the external world. Because those with an MES style tend to rely primarily on their mental capacities to navigate life, CA teaches them to bring mindful attention to their sensations and external environment, which they may overlook. By developing a greater awareness of sensation and external cues, individuals with an MES style can access a more balanced way to self-regulate and connect with others. CA encourages integrating all three building blocks—mental, sensation, and external.