SEM: Trusting Sensation Oriented

The SEM style is naturally kindhearted, innocent, curious, and cautious. Given that their mental building block is the least relied upon, it can be difficult for them to make sense of their thoughts. This can make it challenging for them to interpret their experiences without the mind to add meaning. As a result, they often look outside themselves for answers, turning to friends, romantic partners, teachers, books, religion, spirituality, and politics to find meaning.

Principle Characteristics

When in tune (in a healthy, balanced state), these individuals are often kindhearted, caring, sweet, childlike, endearing, innocent, empathetic, considerate, and likable. When dissonant (in an unhealthy, out-of-balance state), they are helpless, dependent, suggestible, emotional, unreliable, unpredictable, indecisive, and easily overwhelmed.

Communication Style

People who frequently experience an SEM orientation often struggle to communicate with words. Being least oriented mentally, verbal communication can be challenging for them. They may speak slowly, stumble over their words, appear confused, or frequently ask, "What do you think?" In fact, this question is a significant part of how SEM individuals communicate. Without strong awareness of their own thoughts, a dissonant SEM orientation makes it difficult to add meaning and logic to their experiences. As a result, they tend to rely on others to interpret situations and help them navigate life logically.

Boundaries

Those with an SEM style typically struggle with boundaries. When dissonant, they may let anyone in, hoping to receive the advice or support they are looking for. This can lead to people getting too close too quickly. Once they realize this, it's usually too late. They may either cut the person off or continue to reluctantly allow them to remain too close. In fact, it is common for SEM individuals to stay in unhealthy relationships longer than necessary. They may also struggle to recognize whether they are crossing someone's boundaries or if their own boundaries are being crossed. As a result, they often find themselves in risky or uncomfortable situations they aren't aware of until it's too late.

How Constructed Awareness Benefits the SEM Style

Constructed Awareness (CA) can support individuals with a SEM orientation by enhancing their awareness of the less developed building blocks—especially mental and external awareness. Those who frequently express a SEM style may depend on others for mental processing or decision-making due to their underdeveloped mental awareness. CA helps them increase mindfulness of their own thoughts and cognitive processes, allowing them to build trust in their mental abilities. By integrating all three building blocks—sensation, mental, and external—CA enables individuals with a SEM style to achieve greater self-reliance, balanced self-regulation, and enhanced self-trust.