Here I go again, when reading a book or article and some passage or concept strikes my fancy and my mind wanders, and wonders, and I feel the need to get down some thoughts. And need is not too strong a word. I almost cannot stand it and find it very difficult to focus on the task at hand, reading to understand. I promise myself “only a quick post, I’ll just jot down some ideas and get back to my reading”. Sometimes it actually happens.
So here it goes, I’m reading an article called “Can you hear the flowers sing? Issues for gifted adults” http://www.sengifted.org/articles_adults/Lovecky_CanYouHearTheFlowersSing.shtml, on the SENG website. It talks about 5 characteristics or traits of gifted people. I can’t help but not start to think about how I fit, I have to get my thoughts down so again I put down the book and start to post. Essentially I’ve just put down some notes and I’ll fill in the rest later.
Later, Done – I’m going to take some literary license here and copy a brief description of the characteristics. It in no way describes the trait completely, see the article for full descriptions.
Here’s the traits in italics, and how I match up after each.
Divergency. A preference for unusual, original, and creative responses is characteristic of divergent thinkers. The positive side of the trait includes people who are often high achievers, innovative in a number of fields, task committed, self-starters, and highly independent.
I believe I do think out of the box, and I’ve been told that by a number of people in various aspects of my life. I cannot say however I am a high achiever, in fact I’d have to say the opposite. I have been an underachiever, note the past tense. This is something I want to work on.
Excitability. High energy level, emotional reactivity, and high nervous system arousal characterize the trait of excitability. Although excitability and hyperactivity may seem to be similar, they are fundamentally different in that gifted adults with the trait of excitability are able to focus their attention and concentration for long periods of time, to use their energy productively in a wide variety of interests, and to do many things well.
I do not have a high energy level, although if I am working on something I enjoy I can put a lot of energy into it. In some ways I’m excitable, I can focus or concentrate for some time but I don’t think I could say “for long periods”. It is likely quite situation specific. I do have a very wide range of interests and I am able to do many things, and well. I suspect that is also a relative comment as well.
Sensitivity. A depth of feeling that results in a sense of identification with others characterizes the trait of sensitivity. Gifted people form deep attachments and react to the feeling tone of situations; they think with their feelings.
I am very sensitive, I pick up on most things quite quickly. My understanding of women may be lacking somewhat in this area though, they are more challenging to understand. I have few deep attachments and to expand this area of my life would be beneficial.
Perceptivity. An ability to view several aspects of a situation simultaneously, to understand several layers of self within another, and to see quickly to the core of an issue are characteristic of the trait of perceptivity. These gifted adults are able to understand the meaning of personal symbols and to see beyond the superficiality of a situation to the person beneath.
This is something that at times can be a curse, just ask my family. Each wants me to see and take their side. I can see each side however that makes it generally more difficult to take a side.
Entelechy. From the Greek word for having a goal, entelechy bespeaks a particular type of motivation, inner strength, and vital force directing life and growth to become all the self is capable of being. Adults gifted in entelechy are highly attractive to others who feel drawn to openness, warmth, and closeness.
I aspire to grow more in this area, to become more fully grown and aware of myself and my potential. To become more realized is the correct term I think.