The Evolution of Intuition in INFJ-A Individuals: A Journey of Self-Awareness

Have you ever met an INFJ-A who was not fully aware of his or her intuitive abilities? Just like any young INFJ, I certainly was not aware of my own intuitive powers when I was younger. This article delves into the journey of self-awareness that INFJ-A individuals often experience as they grow older, exploring the inherent reliance on intuition from early childhood and the various ways this function can manifest in adulthood.

Early Childhood: The Uncoverted Ni

Every INFJ I have met, including myself, began as almost fully intuitive. We were naturally observant, not in the sense of being overly "smart," but rather in observing and then experimenting with the world around us. We were curious about theories and concepts, always testing them in our own unique ways, usually finding that a little time and observation could help us figure things out on our own. Additionally, young INFJs are easily influenced by others; they pick up vibes and learn through observation. This constant observation often led to a profound impact from the people and the environment around us.

Neurological irony aside, it's crucial to highlight that Ni (Intuition) was strong in young INFJs, and to some degree, it serves as a bridge with Fe (Feeling), which bypasses general systems and focuses on human concerns. As child INFJs, this function was our primary mode of understanding and engaging with the world.

Adulthood: The Shifting Strength of Ni

However, as we mature, the reliance on Ni can vary greatly. Some individuals might develop a distrust in their innate intuitive abilities, viewing them as a weakness or something that needs to be overcome. Others might become overly focused on Fe, allowing their intuition to be guided by the perceptions of others. Conversely, a few may lean too heavily on Ti (Thinking), using their internal ideas and wishes as the basis for decision-making. Still, others might find themselves in a state of Se (Sensing) dominance, becoming either numb or deeply disorganized when it comes to their intuitive skills, relying solely on circumstances and impulses.

What is interesting to observe is that, regardless of how we use our Ni function as adults, it was almost always our primary function in childhood. The evolution of our reliance on this function as we age is influenced by a variety of factors, including personal experiences and preferences.

Awareness: The Third Vertical Leap

No young INFJ is fully aware of their intuitive abilities, yet they are still heavily dependent on them. It is our home base from which we view and handle life. With age, the role of Ni can shift, and some INFJs may reach a point where they can identify and acknowledge their reliance on this function. They may understand that they are utilizing their intuition and even enjoy using it in their area of expertise. However, the meta-level awareness that their intuition is a distinct function within them is often rare.

Interestingly, it is usually individuals who have studied psychology and personality types who are aware of the distinction between different cognitive functions. They understand that the intuitive abilities of an INFJ-A are not necessarily possessed by everyone and can be a source of wonderment, even though others have undoubtedly noticed the unique way in which INFJ-A individuals perceive and understand the world.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Self-Awareness

The journey of self-awareness for INFJ-A individuals is not a linear one, and it involves the evolution of their reliance on their highly intuitive nature. While young INFJs may not be fully aware of their abilities, they are still deeply reliant on them. As they mature, the ways in which they utilize their intuition can vary, but understanding that it is a distinct function and acknowledging its role in their daily lives is a crucial step in their personal growth.