⎵②⎵④
The insight function contains the most accepting, open-ended, and fearless part of the ego. The block pair contained within is what one believes can never harm or threaten the sense of self that has been adopted. All options and different viewpoints are seen as equally interesting and applicable to any given circumstance within this function. The downside to this openness is that this function can be source of overwhelm and time consumption that the individual tends to be completely unaware of unless it is pointed out by others. There is also a tendency to undervalue choices within the block pair of this function. All choices are seen as malleable and the true importance of what it means to value one thing over another is lost in translation. This function is responsible for concession, compromise, listening skills, dampening of turmoil, and acceptance.
Broadening Block
2➔4
Automating Force: This block is what drives an individual to notice the preferences, ideas and viewpoints of others that are contained within the concept. The broadening block represents the interest in how others operate and function, as well as the multitude of explanations that describe the happenings of the world outside of our own control. The individual uses this block to broaden their understanding of the unknown and listen deeply to the wisdom that foreign concepts can provide. This concept within this block is what makes individuals look like a “pushover” because they can be convinced to consider all relative information.
Sharpening Block
4➔2
Restrained Force: This block is where all focus or consideration on the concept held within seems like a pointless endeavor that should be saved for a time when it is necessary to abruptly change. We often believe that this concept is something that others have a way stronger understanding of and would rather leave it to them to make any important decision. This block is called the sharpening block because it requires pointed and rigorous attention to notice the actual effect that the concept within is causing to the individual.
Trap
Vagueness
The ”trap” of the insight function is activated when the broadening block becomes disconnected from sharpening block. The individual becomes a doormat to all circumstances around them and refuses to take ownership of how ideas outside of their own interests affect them. All negative consequences become excused away and reframed into positive experiences. The truth is purposely hidden as the individual distracts themselves from their own lives through pointing towards others. This trap can look like mania or addiction and can take many different forms. Often when one digs deeper into the true cause of this trap, it points towards the third attitude causing intense overwhelm and pain – so it is never a bad idea to also consider the insecure aspect when self-reflecting on the insight function. This trap is responsible for how we fall asleep to ourselves and our own preferences and how these relate to objectively recognizing our overall purpose in life.
Gift
Clarity
The ”gift” of the insight function is activated when both blocks in the function work together to explore how one’s own purpose and influence are related to the outside world. Rather than ignoring what one believes is irrelevant or pointless, there is a consideration and understanding that all things affect all other things whether we ignore it or not. An acceptance of the interconnectedness of all of reality brings forth a clarity and careful consideration of events that would have previously been ignored. The individual understands how personal decisions can have a reverberating effect on all things in their immediate and extended surroundings. There is an awareness of impact and preferences that went unnoticed before which activates the exploratory part of the personality. This clarity also offers the individual a chance to become a more effective speaker about the concepts and ideas that they were previously ignorant of. The more we pay attention to how the outside world affects our internal perception, the easier it is to inspire others to recognize their own power.