Controlling Extraversion/ Introversion?

[The Introvert]

I hope someone has some sort of interest in this, or can explain what could have happened to me the other night. I will recount my actions and trains of thought as accurately as possible, and then explain what I think happened; obviously I want anybody's opinion on the matter.

First, a little bit of background on me. As one can probably assume, I am usually quite reserved, laid-back, shy; your typical introverted person (did the name give it away?) In addition to this, I am what I will call a "heavy-thinker". I like to take an idea and turn it over and over in my head in an attempt to perceive the idea in a different light. Keep this in mind as you read the story below.

It was late at night (around 2:30 ish, ~ 3:00 AM), I had my headphones on (Iakovos Kolanian, if anyone cares), and I was reading through one of the threads here on INTP (not sure which one, it's irrelevant). This is not abnormal for me, and I would generally consider myself a night-owl. As usual, I was mulling something over in my head, and now, in recollection, I realize that I was in my own universe (again, not abnormal for me). However, just as I was winding down and about to get some sleep, the strangest thing happened! The only way I can describe it is that it felt like a bubble popped in my head; sending repeated shivers throughout my entire body for about 30 seconds. During this time, I became increasingly nervous, much more focused, my vision seemed much more detailed, the music I was listening to became incredibly annoying (I had to take my headphones off), and I became hot (I took the jacket I was wearing off). Now, I know that this sounds like a got a rush of adrenaline or something, but I have had adrenaline rushes before (for multitudes of reasons; sports, fight/flight mechanism, etc.) and I can tell you that the experience I had was NOT an adrenaline rush.

I HAVE had the feeling before, however. The last time I felt this way was when I accidentally ingested certain cocanoids... and actually ended up becoming extremely wary of the feeling. Much to my surprise, however, the experience was "good"; I didn't have a panic attack, and I felt in control of my mind and body the entire time. Interestingly enough, the experience allowed me (I believe) to view what I was thinking about in a different way. I actually have notes that I wrote down right after the experience;

Spoiler

Change in perception simply a change from introversion to extraversion?
Is this why it is so strange and unwanted?
I am an extremely introverted person; this, however, does not mean that I am selfish; in fact, I would consider myself to be one of the most selfless people I know (sounds strange, but I believe it). For instance, I usually put my interests last (unless it is something extremely important to me) and I let other people be happy first. So, although I am introverted, I am not selfish; which gives me a unique aspect of my personality (one that differs from your typical INTJ).
My limited (but extremely intense) experiences with being extraverted have caused me to delve into states of psychosis! Sometimes, I get the feelings of extroversion in my body (as opposed to my mind) and I welcome the feeling… it feels strange… I like strange. However, a shift in perception of reality is not something that (until now) I had accepted. (I wonder what would have happened had I accepted the shift in reality that I had that night and the weeks to follow)… Regardless… I view my shift in perception as something that will increase my personal growth, not only intuitively, but also personality-wise. As an extraverted person, I am more akin to feelings, per se… which is good for relationships with people, and good for observing something. If I can control my shifts in perception… it seems as though I could be in two types of personality at once… and control it. I don’t know what this implies (which is why I’m asking) but I presume that if I can control it, it will be very unique. Need to research this/ experiment with different thinking “styles” on myself. This could be interesting… in a VERY good way.

tl;dr

I believe that I may have accidentally cracked open a can of good ol' extraversion! I also think that I may be able to control my "shifts of perception" in a way that will be incredibly beneficial for my well-being. I have yet to toy around with the experience again, due to lack of free time the past few days.

So: Thoughts? Ideas? Anything? I'm interested to see what you guys think. And, of course, please ask me questions. I like answering questions. If you want something explained in more detail, please do not hesitate to make it known!

​

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

Spoiler

The only way I can describe it is that it felt like a bubble popped in my head; sending repeated shivers throughout my entire body for about 30 seconds. During this time, I became increasingly nervous, much more focused, my vision seemed much more detailed, the music I was listening to became incredibly annoying (I had to take my headphones off), and I became hot (I took the jacket I was wearing off). Now, I know that this sounds like a got a rush of adrenaline or something, but I have had adrenaline rushes before (for multitudes of reasons; sports, fight/flight mechanism, etc.) and I can tell you that the experience I had was NOT an adrenaline rush.

I didn't have a panic attack, and I felt in control of my mind and body the entire time. Interestingly enough, the experience allowed me (I believe) to view what I was thinking about in a different way. I actually have notes that I wrote down right after the experience;

So: Thoughts? Ideas? Anything? I'm interested to see what you guys think. And, of course, please ask me questions. I like answering questions. If you want something explained in more detail, please do not hesitate to make it known!

I assume it's hard to put into words, so we'll triangulate with a different metric... How much weed did you smoke beforehand?

Also, how certain are you of said cocanoids (<-totally not a word)? If it's the same experience you described previously, I'd argue that the manner in which it was taken is not consistent with coke and that it was likely a synthetic instead. Quality coke smells of kerosene, which is difficult to assess if it's mixed with other odiferous substances.

Anyway, I experience this when I become "hypomanic", in schizoaffective terms (a state I haven't been in since September ), which isn't to say you have the same condition, just that the change in cognitive processes is similar. I think you'd do a better job explaining it in terms of Jung's cognitive functions. If you're INTP you could be describing Fe; if you're INTJ you could be describing Se. If so, you're dealing with the inferior function:

http://personalityjunkie.com/the-inferior-function/
http://personalityjunkie.com/05/dominant-inferior-function-dynamics-healthy-vs-unhealthy/

Unless you're an INTP who's just terrible at using Ne... (I refuse to give specifics on this because it's for you to discover/defend, Grasshopper).

In terms of endocrinology, this sounds very much like norepinepherine. I think your perception of it being unwanted is the result of your previous bad experience, Pavlovian conditioning, and a massive sample size of 2.

In terms of more conventional psychology, what you're describing could fit the description of mild delusions and dissociation. Not quite close to psychosis, really.

Could you better explain this?:

Sometimes, I get the feelings of extroversion in my body (as opposed to my mind) and I welcome the feeling… it feels strange… I like strange.

And now to poke the bear with a sharp stick

I view my shift in perception as something that will increase my personal growth, not only intuitively, but also personality-wise. As an extraverted person, I am more akin to feelings, per se… which is good for relationships with people, and good for observing something. <-I caution against interpreting this as being an extraverted person as opposed to using extraverted functions. Indeed, introverts are capable of very extraverted behaviors:

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BlZbcfBlIE#t=0m48s

If I can control my shifts in perception… it seems as though I could be in two types of personality at once… and control it. I don’t know what this implies (which is why I’m asking) but I presume that if I can control it, it will be very unique. Need to research this/ experiment with different thinking “styles” on myself. This could be interesting… in a VERY good way.

Personal growth... My general impression is that you need something to pull you emotionally from your shell. Something akin to MM's Tahitian Skeleton Pull of Death: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvX_7cS0GjI#t=2m37s

Selfishness... I question your drive and motivation, an act which I believe is neutral given the frequency with which I question myself, fyi. I don't think you've yet experienced that certain level of "I want to do this" coupled with that certain emotional backing that makes sawing off one's own leg to pursue "this" seem like a perfectly viable course of action, because "this" is that important a goal.

The irony of being selfless without a cause. What do you live for?

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCEWSSVjrTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsUS9-nNf_E

I can unlock this on occasion via music and film tied directly to emotional pain. Personally, this is what started it for me in my freshmen intro sociology class:

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU5MtVM_zFs&playnext=1&list=PLC6D871A2A8C3C8EF&feature=results_main

Of course this ties in with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-actualization , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_(Jung) , and my personal favorite theory in this realm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_disintegration .

And of course there are notable ties with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absurdism , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism , and sacrifice as a means of personal growth: http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=14102

 

[The Introvert]

I assume it's hard to put into words, so we'll triangulate with a different metric... How much weed did you smoke beforehand? << None. That's why the shift in perception was so unexpected

Also, how certain are you of said cocanoids (<-totally not a word)? Woops
And not too certain. I actually asked the person about it and they didn't give a straight answer. Could have been anything... but it was definitely something.

Anyway, I experience this when I become "hypomanic", in schizoaffective terms (a state I haven't been in since September ), which isn't to say you have the same condition, just that the change in cognitive processes is similar. I think you'd do a better job explaining it in terms of Jung's cognitive functions. If you're INTP you could be describing Fe; if you're INTJ you could be describing Se. If so, you're dealing with the inferior function: This seems probable. Kind of why I put it up here; I'm not very well versed in the functions and I wasn't even very sure if it would be of pertinence.

http://personalityjunkie.com/the-inferior-function/
http://personalityjunkie.com/05/dominant-inferior-function-dynamics-healthy-vs-unhealthy/

Unless you're an INTP who's just terrible at using Ne... (I refuse to give specifics on this because it's for you to discover/defend, Grasshopper).

In terms of endocrinology, this sounds very much like norepinepherine. I think your perception of it being unwanted is the result of your previous bad experience, Pavlovian conditioning, and a massive sample size of 2. << Sample size?

In terms of more conventional psychology, what you're describing could fit the description of mild delusions and dissociation. Not quite close to psychosis, really.

As for the "extraversion in my body", it's difficult to explain. I'm not sure if you're aware of this (can't remember if I told you or not) but for almost two years now, I've felt like I don't feel as much physically. I've gone to the doctor about it (as well as my headaches) and no explanation was given for the numbness. It gets to the point where I can barely feel anything on my skin (even pain ) and it's... a sad feeling for me. So, by physical extraversion, I mean that I'll have brief periods where I can feel again. Because it's not how I'm used to feeling, it feels strange. This is usually isolated, but it accompanied my "mental extraversion" last time. Unusual.


And now to poke the bear with a sharp stick

I would like to add that my main concern with this experience is that I feel like it's something I can control. I enjoyed the experience because although it felt strange and unwelcome at first, after I embraced it and tried to work with it, it really helped me achieve an altered state of mind, consciously controlled and adequately maintained.

With this in mind, although it's important to understand the difference between extraverted behaviour and the usage of under-developed functions, the main goal here is to control the effects of whatever it is in a positive manner (possibly inducing the altered state of consciousness when necessary?).

Selfishness... I question your drive and motivation, an act which I believe is neutral given the frequency with which I question myself, fyi. I don't think you've yet experienced that certain level of "I want to do this" coupled with that certain emotional backing that makes sawing off one's own leg to pursue "this" seem like a perfectly viable course of action, because "this" is that important a goal. Good point.

I'll look all of these videos and links over at a later date, and post seperately. There's alot here to reply to all in one post.

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

If so, you're dealing with the inferior function: This seems probable. Kind of why I put it up here; I'm not very well versed in the functions and I wasn't even very sure if it would be of pertinence.

Those links pretty much have it covered if this is the case; just make sure you make it past page 1 on each because the tab's in a weird-ish place.

http://personalityjunkie.com/the-inferior-function/

http://personalityjunkie.com/05/dominant-inferior-function-dynamics-healthy-vs-unhealthy/

<< Sample size? Only 2 experiences, amirite?

As for the "extraversion in my body", it's difficult to explain. I'm not sure if you're aware of this (can't remember if I told you or not) but for almost two years now, I've felt like I don't feel as much physically. I've gone to the doctor about it (as well as my headaches) and no explanation was given for the numbness. It gets to the point where I can barely feel anything on my skin (even pain ) and it's... a sad feeling for me. So, by physical extraversion, I mean that I'll have brief periods where I can feel again. Because it's not how I'm used to feeling, it feels strange. This is usually isolated, but it accompanied my "mental extraversion" last time. Unusual.

This sounds like either inferior Se, or something neurological entirely unrelated to personality...

I would like to add that my main concern with this experience is that I feel like it's something I can control. I enjoyed the experience because although it felt strange and unwelcome at first, after I embraced it and tried to work with it, it really helped me achieve an altered state of mind, consciously controlled and adequately maintained.

With this in mind, although it's important to understand the difference between extraverted behaviour and the usage of under-developed functions, the main goal here is to control the effects of whatever it is in a positive manner (possibly inducing the altered state of consciousness when necessary?).

^See green.

I'll look all of these videos and links over at a later date, and post seperately. There's alot here to reply to all in one post.

It's basically an outline of what I've assimilated over time here. Nothing too spectacular.

I swear you're trying to induce a seizure with particular shade of blue...

 

[The Introvert]

I like the junkie website. Gives a LOT of information

Wish the Ne, Fi, Ti stuff was a little less confusing though (in terminology... Ne - Ni, Fe - Fi, Te - Ti... it all looks the same to me!)

 

[joal0503]

I hope someone has some sort of interest in this, or can explain what could have happened to me the other night. I will recount my actions and trains of thought as accurately as possible, and then explain what I think happened; obviously I want anybody's opinion on the matter.

First, a little bit of background on me. As one can probably assume, I am usually quite reserved, laid-back, shy; your typical introverted person (did the name give it away?) In addition to this, I am what I will call a "heavy-thinker". I like to take an idea and turn it over and over in my head in an attempt to perceive the idea in a different light. Keep this in mind as you read the story below.

It was late at night (around 2:30 ish, ~ 3:00 AM), I had my headphones on (Iakovos Kolanian, if anyone cares), and I was reading through one of the threads here on INTP (not sure which one, it's irrelevant). This is not abnormal for me, and I would generally consider myself a night-owl. As usual, I was mulling something over in my head, and now, in recollection, I realize that I was in my own universe (again, not abnormal for me). However, just as I was winding down and about to get some sleep, the strangest thing happened! The only way I can describe it is that it felt like a bubble popped in my head; sending repeated shivers throughout my entire body for about 30 seconds. During this time, I became increasingly nervous, much more focused, my vision seemed much more detailed, the music I was listening to became incredibly annoying (I had to take my headphones off), and I became hot (I took the jacket I was wearing off). Now, I know that this sounds like a got a rush of adrenaline or something, but I have had adrenaline rushes before (for multitudes of reasons; sports, fight/flight mechanism, etc.) and I can tell you that the experience I had was NOT an adrenaline rush.

I HAVE had the feeling before, however. The last time I felt this way was when I accidentally ingested certain cocanoids... and actually ended up becoming extremely wary of the feeling. Much to my surprise, however, the experience was "good"; I didn't have a panic attack, and I felt in control of my mind and body the entire time. Interestingly enough, the experience allowed me (I believe) to view what I was thinking about in a different way. I actually have notes that I wrote down right after the experience;

Spoiler

Change in perception simply a change from introversion to extraversion?
Is this why it is so strange and unwanted?
I am an extremely introverted person; this, however, does not mean that I am selfish; in fact, I would consider myself to be one of the most selfless people I know (sounds strange, but I believe it). For instance, I usually put my interests last (unless it is something extremely important to me) and I let other people be happy first. So, although I am introverted, I am not selfish; which gives me a unique aspect of my personality (one that differs from your typical INTJ).
My limited (but extremely intense) experiences with being extraverted have caused me to delve into states of psychosis! Sometimes, I get the feelings of extroversion in my body (as opposed to my mind) and I welcome the feeling… it feels strange… I like strange. However, a shift in perception of reality is not something that (until now) I had accepted. (I wonder what would have happened had I accepted the shift in reality that I had that night and the weeks to follow)… Regardless… I view my shift in perception as something that will increase my personal growth, not only intuitively, but also personality-wise. As an extraverted person, I am more akin to feelings, per se… which is good for relationships with people, and good for observing something. If I can control my shifts in perception… it seems as though I could be in two types of personality at once… and control it. I don’t know what this implies (which is why I’m asking) but I presume that if I can control it, it will be very unique. Need to research this/ experiment with different thinking “styles” on myself. This could be interesting… in a VERY good way.

tl;dr

I believe that I may have accidentally cracked open a can of good ol' extraversion! I also think that I may be able to control my "shifts of perception" in a way that will be incredibly beneficial for my well-being. I have yet to toy around with the experience again, due to lack of free time the past few days.

So: Thoughts? Ideas? Anything? I'm interested to see what you guys think. And, of course, please ask me questions. I like answering questions. If you want something explained in more detail, please do not hesitate to make it known!

​

I would quite simply say, that yes...conceptually I think it makes sense that introverts can channel extraversion and extraverts can channel introversion...

via psychedelics.

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

I like the junkie website. Gives a LOT of information

Wish the Ne, Fi, Ti stuff was a little less confusing though (in terminology... Ne - Ni, Fe - Fi, Te - Ti... it all looks the same to me!)

Here's 2 threads from Auburn and Adymus that may help speed things up, though I wouldn't delve much further than the OPs because both individuals tend to disagree on details... a lot:

http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=11697

http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=6582

 

[The Introvert]

Here's 2 threads from Auburn and Adymus that may help speed things up, though I wouldn't delve much further than the OPs because both individuals tend to disagree on details... a lot:

http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=11697

http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=6582

After scouring through Adymus's seemingly endless OP, (I found it much more useful to read it BEFORE Auburn's) and matching up my cognitive functions with the findings from personality junkie (of which were also extensive but very informative) and Auburn's thread, I've concluded my strongest cognitive functions... which are somewhat contradictory.

I've identified very strongly with Te, Fi, and surprisingly, both Ne and Ni (what does this mean?)

This leaves several personality types open, with only _N_ _ being certain. Despite this, I am certain that my primary function is introverted, so I am left with IN_ _ as certain. Given the validity of my own personal assessments and your assessment of me (as well as some soul-searching and self-realizations), I'm down to two personality types that I feel could be a match for me. They are:

INTJ
INFP

(Although INFJ and INTP are not off the table. This disparity could be due to my near equal competency [for lack of a better word] of Ne and Ni.)

With all this said, it is important to note that you have not personally experienced all of my cognitive functions, due to our limited interactions with one another and my initial politeness/ political correctness with you for the majority of our interactions. I assure you that I am not usually as sedated as I may appear to you, and likewise, I am usually much more extraneous with my thoughts (I kept many of my ridiculous tangents/ wonders to myself so I wouldn't seem like a buffoon ).

I would also like to add that I am NOT a morning person... 5 A.M. my ass

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

After scouring through Adymus's seemingly endless OP, (I found it much more useful to read it BEFORE Auburn's) and matching up my cognitive functions with the findings from personality junkie (of which were also extensive but very informative) and Auburn's thread, I've concluded my strongest cognitive functions... which are somewhat contradictory.

I've identified very strongly with Te, Fi, and surprisingly, both Ne and Ni (what does this mean?)

Identifying strongly with Ne is likely a side effect of being exposed to a Ne-dom like myself. You... don't use Ne, otherwise you'd be pulling ideas from EVERYWHERE and we'd never get anything done (I've actually been withholding a ton of mine due to the sheer impossibility to pull them off in the near future). Your taste in music also speaks to a lack of Ne and Fe. Plus you don't actively identify with Se as per your mention (yet you apparently have a thing with physical sensation), meaning Se is likely your inferior, meaning Ni is likely your dominant with thinking as your auxiliary.

Ni, Te, Fi, Se. INTJ. Damn I'm good.

This leaves several personality types open, with only _N_ _ being certain. Despite this, I am certain that my primary function is introverted, so I am left with IN_ _ as certain. Given the validity of my own personal assessments and your assessment of me (as well as some soul-searching and self-realizations), I'm down to two personality types that I feel could be a match for me. They are:

INTJ
INFP (<- oh lawd). Fi, Ne, Ti, Se. Do you REALLY think Ti would be that low?

(Although INFJ and INTP are not off the table. This disparity could be due to my near equal competency [for lack of a better word] of Ne and Ni.)

With all this said, it is important to note that you have not personally experienced all of my cognitive functions, due to our limited interactions with one another and my initial politeness/ political correctness with you for the majority of our interactions. I assure you that I am not usually as sedated as I may appear to you, and likewise, I am usually much more extraneous with my thoughts (I kept many of my ridiculous tangents/ wonders to myself so I wouldn't seem like a buffoon ). But... i liek teh buffoonz . Again, nothing's (ever) off the table, just... leave me to oversee the bacon, and all will be well in the universe

I would also like to add that I am NOT a morning person... 5 A.M. my ass

So it sounds like you experienced inferior Se.

Also, I'm glad I pulled you into a forum filled with equivalent auxiliaries to your type. INTJforum might as well be home to Voldemort (I once sincerely believed I was an INTJ after my first MBTI results. Long story).