In order to understand the subtype one has to first understand the different instincts. The term instincts refers to our animal intelligence, the survival strategies we adopt to sustain life and perpetuate nature. These strategies are very deep rooted within us but play out in ways that are as real for us as they are for any other animal. These are responses that operate at an unconscious, largely reactive, level. Such reactions are so fast that we are not aware of them in the moment. There are three dominant instinctual drives described below.
SELF PRESERVATION INSTINCT
Self-Preservation is the instinctual drive to look for security, well-being and fulfilment “in the inner world”; that of body sensations, taste, touch, smell, hearing and thoughts.The focus then becomes one of immediate security; the survival and well-being of the body. Food, shelter and warmth become primary in the attention. There is a perceived threat to the body such that feels like it cannot be relied on without attention.
One’s immediate environment becomes the focus of attention; “I will survive if I have what the body needs close at hand”. Some refer to this as the “back pack” version of security for people like to carry with them everything they perceive they will need to maintain this sense of well-being. The related motivational drive is formed by the unconscious prioritisation of the safety and well-being of the physical body. Tends to think that “God” is part of their inner experience.
THE ONE-TO-ONE INSTINCT or SEXUAL INSTINCT
One to One is the instinctual drive to look for security, well-being and fulfilment “out there”; in the dynamic of intimate relationship with “other”. This normally refers to a person, but equally it can be any object which that the mind security through relating with. It is sometimes referred to as the sexual instinct for in survival terms reproduction promises survival at a deeply primal level.
The focus then becomes the quality of one’s intimate relationships; that does not mean exclusivity with one individual but a focus on the quality of relating itself. They seek connection, intimacy and depth. One to Ones like full attention when relating; it is offers the reassuring feelin that we are safe together and; “we have each other’s back”. The related motivational drive is the security related to strong interpersonal bonds. Tends to think that “God” is out there, and can be related to.
THE SOCIAL INSTINCT
Social is the instinctual drive to seek security, well being and fulfilment “in the universal”; in that which we all share. This can refer in scale from consciousness itself through to one’s immediate community. In basic terms it is the sense that; “we will survive if we work together”. The Social Instinct is reflected in the “herd mentality” within us, and can be noticed in our heightened awareness when we, or others, do something different from everybody else. Being “in” or “out” of the group is important to the Social Instinct.
The focus then becomes the health and strength of the social group – however small- one is connected with. Issues of belonging, recognition and having the capacity to influence predominate. It is the “One for all and all for one” type of security. It can distort into a fear that I need to be important or make my mark in society to be fulfilled and survive,or it can manifest in a need to be valued and of service to others. Tends to think that “God” is universal, something we can all tap into equally.
