Meditation And Temperament: Who's Most Likely To Find Their Zen?

Meditation has been a staple for centuries in the Eastern world and has gained traction in the West in recent years. While meditation is not bound to any particular religion or faith, it is often associated with spiritual traditions. It is a practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques.

There are four primary temperaments, dating back to ancient Greek philosophers: sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic. Each temperament has a distinct set of traits that influence an individual's behaviour and reactions.

So, which temperament is the most likely to meditate? The answer may lie in the traits associated with each temperament and how they align with the motivations and benefits of meditation. For instance, sanguine individuals are typically extroverted and sociable, while choleric individuals are dominant and assertive. Phlegmatic people are laid-back and empathetic, and melancholic individuals are reserved, thoughtful, and sensitive.

Considering these traits, it seems that individuals with the phlegmatic and melancholic temperaments might be more inclined to meditate. Phlegmatic individuals' empathy and laid-back nature could make them receptive to the emotional and stress-relieving benefits of meditation. Meanwhile, melancholic individuals' reserved and thoughtful nature might find solace in the self-reflection and emotional regulation that meditation offers.

However, it's important to remember that everyone's motivations for meditation are unique, and any temperament could be drawn to the practice for various reasons.

Introverted personality types

Introversion is a personality type where individuals feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what is happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, as opposed to large groups or crowds. Introverts recharge by turning to their own minds, as opposed to extroverts, who seek out other people for their energy needs.

Introverts generally prefer to take time alone to contemplate or reflect upon ideas before taking decisive action. They are also more comfortable after a decision has been made. They tend to be sensitive to their environments and can be easily overstimulated by sounds, smells, colours, and interactions. They derive energy from time spent alone and may experience time spent around other people as emotionally or psychologically draining. Introverts often need time alone to regather their energy and restore their calm.

Introverts can be further divided into four subtypes:

• Social introverts: These are the "classic" introverts who prefer small groups and quiet settings over crowds.
• Thinking introverts: People in this group are daydreamers and tend to spend a lot of time in their thoughts. They often have creative imaginations.
• Anxious introverts: They seek alone time not just because they like it but also because they often feel awkward or shy around people.
• Restrained/inhibited introverts: These introverts think before they act and are unlikely to make decisions on a whim. They generally take longer to take action.

When it comes to meditation, Diplomat personality types (characterised by Intuitive and Feeling traits) are the most likely to be interested, with 66.25% of them stating that they have tried meditation. This is likely due to their openness to new ideas and their interest in spiritual things and human potential. Analysts (characterised by the Intuitive trait) are the second most likely group to try meditation, with 60.85% agreeing that they have explored it.

In contrast, Confident Individualists (Introverted and Assertive types) had the lowest percentage of trying meditation (55.46%). This may be because they value practicality and view meditation as a "fuzzy" activity that lacks a clear purpose. However, it's important to note that the willingness to try meditation doesn't necessarily reflect a commitment to a regular practice.

Intuitive and Feeling personality types

People with Intuitive and Feeling personality types are more likely to try meditation than those with other traits. This combination of traits is associated with openness to new ideas and an interest in spirituality and human potential. These qualities may attract them to less conventional methods of dealing with stress.

People with Intuitive and Feeling traits are known as "Diplomats" in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) system. They are often described as "living in their heads", and meditation invites them to notice and explore their thoughts.

While Intuitive and Feeling types are more likely to try meditation, it's important to note that at least half of the respondents in each group in a survey stated that they had tried meditation. This suggests that meditation is not limited to a specific personality or temperament type and can be beneficial for people from all walks of life.

• To prevent burnout: Spending too much time in one's head, thinking about the past, future, or theoretical scenarios can be exhausting. Mindfulness practices can help individuals with these personality types to stay grounded in the present moment and recharge their minds.
• To reduce anxiety: The constant mental motion associated with these personality types can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety and disconnection. Mindfulness can help slow down racing thoughts and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
• To enhance awareness: Mindfulness can help individuals with Intuitive and Feeling traits to notice and appreciate the world around them. By paying attention to their senses, they can gain insight and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
• To facilitate change: Meditation can serve as a bridge to help individuals move towards a desired state, such as sleep or a calmer emotional state. Rather than forcing a change, mindfulness allows for a gentle and gradual transition.

Choleric personality types

The choleric temperament is one of the four temperaments in the ancient Greek theory of humourism, which posits that human behaviour and health are influenced by an excess or lack of bodily fluids or "humours". The word "choleric" comes from the Greek "kholerikos", referring to a bilious liquid.

People with a choleric temperament are often described as extroverted, assertive, and goal-oriented. They are driven by a need to achieve results and are energetic, strong-willed, and quick-thinking. They are natural leaders who are not easily influenced by others' opinions and tend to seek positions of authority.

Positive Attributes

• Highly Motivated: Cholerics are ambitious, driven, and goal-oriented. They are always working towards a goal and are not satisfied until they achieve it.
• Astute: They are quick thinkers and effective decision-makers. They have high energy levels and require less sleep than most people.
• Independent: Cholerics are self-sufficient and not easily swayed by others' opinions. They are comfortable being alone and value their autonomy.
• Assertive: They are clear and firm in their communication and boundaries. While some may perceive this as rudeness, cholerics are generally direct and tactical in their responses.
• Creative: With their quick thinking and abundant ideas, cholerics are creative and insightful. They can come up with innovative solutions and are natural problem-solvers.

Negative Attributes

• Impatience: Cholerics may struggle with patience, especially when others don't match their intensity or when they don't see immediate results.
• Self-Centered: Their strong sense of independence can make them seem disinterested in others unless it benefits them, which may strain relationships.
• Inattentiveness: Cholerics are easily bored and can be distractible as they are always thinking about the next task or goal.
• Bossiness: Cholerics know what they want and can be blunt in their communication. They sometimes struggle to develop a collaborative approach, which may make others feel less valued.
• Difficulty Forming Social Connections: Cholerics tend to prioritize success and task completion over social connections and intimacy.
• Lack of Empathy and Compassion: Due to their strong focus on their goals and internal dialogue, cholerics may struggle to connect with others on a deeper level and respond with warmth or compassion.

While modern medicine has not found a biological link to the ancient theory of humourism, the choleric temperament remains an interesting framework for understanding certain personality traits and behaviours.

Sanguine personality types

People with a sanguine personality type are lively, optimistic, buoyant, and carefree. They are extroverts who are fun-loving and social. They are also activity-prone, entertaining, persuasive, easily amused, and cheerful. Sanguine people are very creative and can become great artists. They are also fantastic entertainers and will do well in careers in the entertainment industry. They are very autonomous and unconventional, trusting their impulses and taking risks. They are extremely competitive and like to win. They are also very adaptable and versatile, with the potential for the widest range of behaviours and emotions.

Sanguine people are very poor at tolerating boredom and will seek variety and entertainment. They love luxury and are big spenders. They are prone to pleasure-seeking behaviours and are likely to struggle with addictions, overeating, and weight problems. They are susceptible to chemical imbalances, addictions, and mood disorders. They are also susceptible to smoking, alcohol, drugs, gambling, and risky behaviours.

Sanguine people are very people-oriented and build relationships quickly. They are energised by being with or near someone else and do not need a reason to be around other people. They smile and talk easily and often. They fear rejection, not making a favourable impression, and being viewed as unsuccessful. They are "now, in the moment" people and can get bored easily because of their orientation to social involvement, activity, and general dislike for solitude. Their attention span is based on whether or not they are interested in the person or event, and they can change their focus or interest in an instant.

Sanguine people are influenced by a chemical called dopamine, which makes them intensely curious and creative. They have a wide range of interests and are hungry for knowledge. They are also very optimistic and make it their job to seek joy and find a way to be happy. They are sensation-seekers who derive pleasure from highly arousing experiences.

Melancholic personality types

Individuals with a melancholic personality type are often creative, introspective, and analytical. They are deep thinkers who are sensitive and prone to overthinking and self-doubt. Melancholics tend to be detail-oriented and perfectionists, with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. They are also highly sensitive to the emotions of others, making them excellent listeners and empathetic friends.

The melancholic personality is one of the four temperaments in proto-psychological theory, which suggests that there are four fundamental personality types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. This theory traces its roots back to ancient Greek medicine, where it was believed that human health was governed by four bodily fluids or 'humors'. According to this theory, an excess of black bile in the body leads to melancholia, characterised by sadness and a lack of energy.

While melancholics are often reliable, patient, and thoughtful, they may also struggle with feelings of sadness and depression. They can be self-critical, pessimistic, and prone to anxiety. Their emotional state can shift rapidly, and they may struggle to express their emotions, often withdrawing from social situations.

In terms of interactions, melancholic individuals tend to be introverted, preferring small gatherings or intimate settings for socialising. They may find it challenging to express their thoughts and feelings openly, so creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages honest communication is crucial for fostering strong connections. Embracing their unique perspectives and creativity can help transform their perceived weaknesses into sources of strength.

To develop their strengths, melancholic individuals should focus on self-awareness and resilience. Understanding their innate tendencies and translating them into positive traits can help them thrive. Personality tests or therapy can aid in this process, providing valuable insights for personal growth and nurturing meaningful relationships.

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