I am sure that all INFPs have similarities in their dreamworld to those of other INFPs, but I think it is important to state that the internal dreamworld is a place where unique individuality transcends the boundaries of the typing system so that very few rules apply universally to the collective of INFPs. That said, I will try to paint a picture describing the workings of the INFP dreamworld.
(Mention of cognitive functions is made profusely in this writing, and for those unfamiliar with the functions it is suggested to do at least a rudimentary overview so as to understand their context in the writing. The functions are referred to with abbreviation, and a key is given at the bottom of the page that gives the full names of each abbreviated function mentioned.)
The Galactic Dreamworld
I would liken the dreamworld of the INFP to a spinning galaxy, filled with stars and nebulae, where all that is contained therein revolves around Fi. Yet, like in a whirlpool that one observes in a moving river, there are multiple vortices that form within this galaxy, where the matter of the dreamworld spins around other functions like Ne and Si, but all within the dominant realm of the Fi. These vortices allow the INFP to collect the thought matter and revolve it around other functions to develop it and focus on it. The Ne vortices are active all over in any area of the galaxy, as all considered information, both external and internal, becomes spun into Ne activity. Contradistinctively, the majoritive collective of Si vortices live nearer to the galactic center of the INFP because it is the most cherished and densely internalized experiences at the center that an INFP will tend to use Si the most, to remember the experience better, and to enrich it internally through fantasy or other Fi amplification. This is what you might call Si-Fi. I will go into Ne and Si more later.
Those dreams and fancies that are most relished and valued by the INFP are kept nearest to the central point of this galaxy where the density of dream matter is highest, and where the speed of thought revolution is slowest, so that these cherished experiences and dreams can be dwelt upon and nurtured with more active focus and clarity. The thought matter that is less cherished, understood, or developed revolves around the outside of this galaxy, all within the scope of the INFP's dreamworld, but where the speed of thought revolution is highest (racing or confusing thoughts), and cohesion of matter is less sound.
This explains why in the real world of socializing, working, studying, etc, INFPs deal with racing thoughts and lack of focus, except when these real world experiences reach in and touch a central part of the INFPs inner galactic world. When this happens, the INFP becomes grounded and can focus better as the external experience becomes incorporated into the rotational center of the INFP's value system, and imagination, fascination, and connection spring into action. Also, this density of the INFP galactic center contraposed to the more sparse, nebulous, and sporadic galactic fringe points to why in new social situations INFPs usually exhibit little emotion and share few things about their inner experience, as they are willing to open up only the sparse outer arms of their inner world to new acquaintances. But as trust develops, the trusted individual is taken in closer and closer to the center, where they will discover, often with surprise, the complexity and originality that has been fostered and developed inside their world, and to the INFP, this individual will become merged and integrated closer and closer to their center.
Now, having explained in some systematic terms the functionality of the INFP dreamworld, I'd like to also open up into more vivid examples that demonstrate what has been said so far. As I explained, everything revolves around Fi, therefore, all that develops, and how much it develops, depends on how closely it (the input or internal thoughts) aligns to the deepest Fi priorities. Speaking generally, but also through personal experience, the INFPs deepest Fi priorities tend to involve harmony and acceptance, which creates their own unique synthesis for what the INFP most desires: love. Thus, anything that spurs these desires with intensity, may suddenly be pulled deep into the INFP galactic center.
Relationship Dreamworld
Let's look at how this applies in different areas of life, first looking at the social and relationship aspect. Using the example of a male INFP, here he observes a female that he has never met before, and as he observes her he notices things about her demeanor, attitude, words/voice, and/or physical attributes that represent to him the facets that he most values and desires to experience a harmonious union with. This is where Te is needed. Te is the 4th and inferior function of the INFP, and helps to logically determine the approach of objectives, and if this is underdeveloped in the INFP, infatuation takes over, and is often undetected as being such. As a result, this male INFP, through Fi overdrive, rapidly internalizes this girl he just met straight to the center of his world, where her characteristics and attributes may be augmented to unrealistic proproportions. Because of the internal excitement and the intimate hopes generated for this male INFP, Fi prioritizes this female and places her close to the center of his galactic dreamworld. Chances are that Ne will begin to concoct many different imaginary situations in his mind - situations that are based upon the themes he most desires. Here are some examples of the themes:
1. Acceptance/Validation - A fantasy of him impressing the girl in some way and receiving her adoring and fawning reaction.
2. Closeness/Understanding - The female takes the role of gentle empathizer who holds him in an embrace.
3. Intimacy/Oneness - A fantasy of both of them together on a remote and idyllic seashore, with not a soul around, smiling softly into each other's eyes.
Examining this shows two things about the INFP dreamworld that I will point out in particular. In this example we see how Fi first chooses the level of priority and centricity of the social content, and then Ne engages to create possibilities, themes, symbols, and so forth that correspond to the Fi priority. Secondly, and of particular interest is that we see how the INFP has a particularly peculiar trait of being able to feel inner intimacy with an individual before they have even spent much time with them because of how the INFP can detect traits in the other individual and amplify them internally through elaborate fantasy. This can be a blessing or a curse. It can be a blessing because this ability enables an INFP to grow great appreciation for another person, and be able to recognize the person's subtly projected yet core traits. However, when the INFP uses fantasy too much, and revolves in a great deal of self-centeredness, the important balancing effect of Te is blunted, and the revered traits of the other individual actually become revered mostly because of how that person makes the INFP feel, rather than a balanced desire to know the other person. In such a case, the INFP may believe he is unselfish because he desires to do things for that person and make them happy, but the motive for making the other happy is secretly because by doing so, that person will desire and appreciate the INFP more, which rewards the INFP with validation.
For the INFP to use the inner dreamworld responsibily in relational situations, he or she must be judicious to exert at least equal effort in directly communicating with and getting to know the other person as is spent dwelling upon them in their mind. By doing so, you increase Si activity, which gives more tangible and realistic information for the mind to use. This will help to tame Fi overactivity, allowing Te to be utilized more effectively so as to approach the situation more soundly. The less real-world experience you have with a person, the more Fi will become overactive and distort the perceptions of the person, whether toward the negative or the positive.
Imagination Dreamworld
Beyond the boundaries of the external world, the INFP's imagination is capable of producing elaborate and otherworldly ideas and images. Though the INFP, as well as any other person, only has the ingredients taken from the external world to use to shape internal imaginations, the fervent desire to transcend the conventional and the basic drives the INFP to take elements of the ordinary and connect them into original and unusual ideas. To see how this works, again we are transported to the image of the INFP's dreamworld galaxy, where Fi is leading forth the whims of imagination. The basic catalyst in the INFP imagination is the theme upon which all things are created and imagined. If the imagination is triggered by an object or situation in the external, Fi determines what its value and principal theme is, and then Ne generates ideas and connections. I will present an example to demonstrate the process:
An INFP is walking in a field and notices a tree blowing side to side chaotically, which then internally resounds with a representation of struggle and strife, but not being able to escape. Such an observed theme may be registered unconsciously. Then, as the theme reverberates internally, the INFP uses Ne to produce images and ideas that will bring that theme to life. The tree takes on human characteristics, with waving arms and an upper clump of leaves creating the head with gasping face. Then an imagined downpour of rain pelts the tree, and with softening ground the tree strains to lift its roots from the earth and pulls free and lopes for cover beneath a distant grove of wise old oaks. The tree hangs its branches with some degree of shame, but a discreet old oak lowers a limb to embrace the wimpering tree and says, "Young one, I know you're scared, and the world is a hostile place, but let me tell you something; I once was just like you. I was the very first tree to grow in this spot, and as I grew I felt the wind rip through my branches, and the sun scorch my leaves, but I stood my ground, and in time the seeds from my acorns were received by the earth and up came other trees, the trees you see with me now. We share the force of the wind, and we share the gifts from the skies, and the shade we offer has brought forth the abundance of life below. Return with faith, young tree, and set your roots knowing that good will come, and you will endure." With gratefulness, the tree returns to the patch of soil it left, and pushes its roots down even farther than before, and as the wind blows the tree waves its arms in throes of triumph.
This previous storyline is meant to illustrate the process the INFP imagination takes. Starting with the Fi generated theme of struggle and strife, Ne brings the theme to life by connecting the elements involved with other related elements and giving them meaning and continuance. The meanings and ideas that emerge from the Ne process reveal more fully the Fi sentiments. In this example, the INFP relates to struggle and strife and wants to escape, but is not content to wallow and give up, but desires superior counsel to discover how to seize the rewards of hope and persistance.
Behind the scenes Si is receiving the external information and comparing it with other stored information and memories for Ne to utilize the creation of connections with, and for Fi to choose which emotions are most relevant. Lastly, if the INFP is utilizing Te, he or she will examine this imaginatory production and learn from it by evaluating the information that was produced and recognizing what the content says about self, and will look to find a practical use for the understanding. Occasionally during an imagination session a coherence in ideas and images will activate Ni, and will result in a moment of, "Yes! I understand!" where instead of the Ne presenting expanding branches of ideas and possibilities for Te to chew upon to gain understanding, Ni takes the entire picture and distills it down to its core meaning. Even though for the INFP the Ni is a weaker function, because the imagination is so oft-used and so many themes and ideas are produced, Ni moments may actually be fairly frequent.
Conclusion
Of worthy mention in this writing would be the subject of night dreams. The phantasmogarical creations of the nighttime dreamworld often have compelling effect to the INFP. Dreams are not just odd images and stories that happen at night, but are sometimes intimate experiences that may dominate the emotions for some time. The process of the dreams and their recollection upon awakening follows the same process as the aforementioned processes. Fi is ultimately responsible for the themes, and the subject matter may be more or less dictated by Fi preferences, depending on how heightened the mental activity is. Because the brain has developed patterns for producing ideas and images during daytime conscious thought, it is apt to produce similar patterns at night. This is merely theory, but I believe it is observable. Whereas the vivid effect of a dream for some MBTI types may have more to do with what was acted out, seen, or accomplished in a particular dream, it is the "feeling" or "aura" experienced within the dream that particularly stirs the emotions and fascination of the INFP, and may linger with some intensity long after waking.
To offer an example, I have had many, many dreams where I have flown through the air, and as far as I can remember they were all enjoyable for the most part, but some impacted me more intensely than others - not necessarily because I did things that were more exciting in some, but rather because of the underlying, unspoken theme and the feelings exuded by the nature of the surroundings in some of the dreams may stir deep melancholy, freedom, childhood, etc. It is because of the manifestations of these mysterious emotions that certain dreams may pique the mind and/or heart of the INFP and drive them to seek interpretation or resolution. At night there is no way for the INFP to suppress their emotions, and during this time the emotions may spill forth intensely, and when the emotions have particularly strong resonance for the INFP, he or she may desire some way to recapture the feelings experienced in that dreamworld.
The INFP dreamworld is a busy place, filled with complexity, but resonating with a desire for simplicity. Fi is continually at work, trying to make sense of and find use for the tides of emotions and inner values by soliciting the other cognitive processes to explore the connections of the world outside and the stored memories and experiences inside. The catalyst need only be very simple to send into action the wild and relentless imagination of the INFP. Just a "feeling" that is experienced when looking at something, hearing music, or smelling the childhood nostalgia of pine sap, and the galaxy spins in another revolution of introspective caprice.
Fi = Introverted Feeling
Ne = Extraverted Intuition
Si = Introverted Sensing
Te = Extraverted Thinking
Ni = Introverted Intuition
(Mention of cognitive functions is made profusely in this writing, and for those unfamiliar with the functions it is suggested to do at least a rudimentary overview so as to understand their context in the writing. The functions are referred to with abbreviation, and a key is given at the bottom of the page that gives the full names of each abbreviated function mentioned.)
The Galactic Dreamworld
I would liken the dreamworld of the INFP to a spinning galaxy, filled with stars and nebulae, where all that is contained therein revolves around Fi. Yet, like in a whirlpool that one observes in a moving river, there are multiple vortices that form within this galaxy, where the matter of the dreamworld spins around other functions like Ne and Si, but all within the dominant realm of the Fi. These vortices allow the INFP to collect the thought matter and revolve it around other functions to develop it and focus on it. The Ne vortices are active all over in any area of the galaxy, as all considered information, both external and internal, becomes spun into Ne activity. Contradistinctively, the majoritive collective of Si vortices live nearer to the galactic center of the INFP because it is the most cherished and densely internalized experiences at the center that an INFP will tend to use Si the most, to remember the experience better, and to enrich it internally through fantasy or other Fi amplification. This is what you might call Si-Fi. I will go into Ne and Si more later.
Those dreams and fancies that are most relished and valued by the INFP are kept nearest to the central point of this galaxy where the density of dream matter is highest, and where the speed of thought revolution is slowest, so that these cherished experiences and dreams can be dwelt upon and nurtured with more active focus and clarity. The thought matter that is less cherished, understood, or developed revolves around the outside of this galaxy, all within the scope of the INFP's dreamworld, but where the speed of thought revolution is highest (racing or confusing thoughts), and cohesion of matter is less sound.
This explains why in the real world of socializing, working, studying, etc, INFPs deal with racing thoughts and lack of focus, except when these real world experiences reach in and touch a central part of the INFPs inner galactic world. When this happens, the INFP becomes grounded and can focus better as the external experience becomes incorporated into the rotational center of the INFP's value system, and imagination, fascination, and connection spring into action. Also, this density of the INFP galactic center contraposed to the more sparse, nebulous, and sporadic galactic fringe points to why in new social situations INFPs usually exhibit little emotion and share few things about their inner experience, as they are willing to open up only the sparse outer arms of their inner world to new acquaintances. But as trust develops, the trusted individual is taken in closer and closer to the center, where they will discover, often with surprise, the complexity and originality that has been fostered and developed inside their world, and to the INFP, this individual will become merged and integrated closer and closer to their center.
Now, having explained in some systematic terms the functionality of the INFP dreamworld, I'd like to also open up into more vivid examples that demonstrate what has been said so far. As I explained, everything revolves around Fi, therefore, all that develops, and how much it develops, depends on how closely it (the input or internal thoughts) aligns to the deepest Fi priorities. Speaking generally, but also through personal experience, the INFPs deepest Fi priorities tend to involve harmony and acceptance, which creates their own unique synthesis for what the INFP most desires: love. Thus, anything that spurs these desires with intensity, may suddenly be pulled deep into the INFP galactic center.
Relationship Dreamworld
Let's look at how this applies in different areas of life, first looking at the social and relationship aspect. Using the example of a male INFP, here he observes a female that he has never met before, and as he observes her he notices things about her demeanor, attitude, words/voice, and/or physical attributes that represent to him the facets that he most values and desires to experience a harmonious union with. This is where Te is needed. Te is the 4th and inferior function of the INFP, and helps to logically determine the approach of objectives, and if this is underdeveloped in the INFP, infatuation takes over, and is often undetected as being such. As a result, this male INFP, through Fi overdrive, rapidly internalizes this girl he just met straight to the center of his world, where her characteristics and attributes may be augmented to unrealistic proproportions. Because of the internal excitement and the intimate hopes generated for this male INFP, Fi prioritizes this female and places her close to the center of his galactic dreamworld. Chances are that Ne will begin to concoct many different imaginary situations in his mind - situations that are based upon the themes he most desires. Here are some examples of the themes:
1. Acceptance/Validation - A fantasy of him impressing the girl in some way and receiving her adoring and fawning reaction.
2. Closeness/Understanding - The female takes the role of gentle empathizer who holds him in an embrace.
3. Intimacy/Oneness - A fantasy of both of them together on a remote and idyllic seashore, with not a soul around, smiling softly into each other's eyes.
Examining this shows two things about the INFP dreamworld that I will point out in particular. In this example we see how Fi first chooses the level of priority and centricity of the social content, and then Ne engages to create possibilities, themes, symbols, and so forth that correspond to the Fi priority. Secondly, and of particular interest is that we see how the INFP has a particularly peculiar trait of being able to feel inner intimacy with an individual before they have even spent much time with them because of how the INFP can detect traits in the other individual and amplify them internally through elaborate fantasy. This can be a blessing or a curse. It can be a blessing because this ability enables an INFP to grow great appreciation for another person, and be able to recognize the person's subtly projected yet core traits. However, when the INFP uses fantasy too much, and revolves in a great deal of self-centeredness, the important balancing effect of Te is blunted, and the revered traits of the other individual actually become revered mostly because of how that person makes the INFP feel, rather than a balanced desire to know the other person. In such a case, the INFP may believe he is unselfish because he desires to do things for that person and make them happy, but the motive for making the other happy is secretly because by doing so, that person will desire and appreciate the INFP more, which rewards the INFP with validation.
For the INFP to use the inner dreamworld responsibily in relational situations, he or she must be judicious to exert at least equal effort in directly communicating with and getting to know the other person as is spent dwelling upon them in their mind. By doing so, you increase Si activity, which gives more tangible and realistic information for the mind to use. This will help to tame Fi overactivity, allowing Te to be utilized more effectively so as to approach the situation more soundly. The less real-world experience you have with a person, the more Fi will become overactive and distort the perceptions of the person, whether toward the negative or the positive.
Imagination Dreamworld
Beyond the boundaries of the external world, the INFP's imagination is capable of producing elaborate and otherworldly ideas and images. Though the INFP, as well as any other person, only has the ingredients taken from the external world to use to shape internal imaginations, the fervent desire to transcend the conventional and the basic drives the INFP to take elements of the ordinary and connect them into original and unusual ideas. To see how this works, again we are transported to the image of the INFP's dreamworld galaxy, where Fi is leading forth the whims of imagination. The basic catalyst in the INFP imagination is the theme upon which all things are created and imagined. If the imagination is triggered by an object or situation in the external, Fi determines what its value and principal theme is, and then Ne generates ideas and connections. I will present an example to demonstrate the process:
An INFP is walking in a field and notices a tree blowing side to side chaotically, which then internally resounds with a representation of struggle and strife, but not being able to escape. Such an observed theme may be registered unconsciously. Then, as the theme reverberates internally, the INFP uses Ne to produce images and ideas that will bring that theme to life. The tree takes on human characteristics, with waving arms and an upper clump of leaves creating the head with gasping face. Then an imagined downpour of rain pelts the tree, and with softening ground the tree strains to lift its roots from the earth and pulls free and lopes for cover beneath a distant grove of wise old oaks. The tree hangs its branches with some degree of shame, but a discreet old oak lowers a limb to embrace the wimpering tree and says, "Young one, I know you're scared, and the world is a hostile place, but let me tell you something; I once was just like you. I was the very first tree to grow in this spot, and as I grew I felt the wind rip through my branches, and the sun scorch my leaves, but I stood my ground, and in time the seeds from my acorns were received by the earth and up came other trees, the trees you see with me now. We share the force of the wind, and we share the gifts from the skies, and the shade we offer has brought forth the abundance of life below. Return with faith, young tree, and set your roots knowing that good will come, and you will endure." With gratefulness, the tree returns to the patch of soil it left, and pushes its roots down even farther than before, and as the wind blows the tree waves its arms in throes of triumph.
This previous storyline is meant to illustrate the process the INFP imagination takes. Starting with the Fi generated theme of struggle and strife, Ne brings the theme to life by connecting the elements involved with other related elements and giving them meaning and continuance. The meanings and ideas that emerge from the Ne process reveal more fully the Fi sentiments. In this example, the INFP relates to struggle and strife and wants to escape, but is not content to wallow and give up, but desires superior counsel to discover how to seize the rewards of hope and persistance.
Behind the scenes Si is receiving the external information and comparing it with other stored information and memories for Ne to utilize the creation of connections with, and for Fi to choose which emotions are most relevant. Lastly, if the INFP is utilizing Te, he or she will examine this imaginatory production and learn from it by evaluating the information that was produced and recognizing what the content says about self, and will look to find a practical use for the understanding. Occasionally during an imagination session a coherence in ideas and images will activate Ni, and will result in a moment of, "Yes! I understand!" where instead of the Ne presenting expanding branches of ideas and possibilities for Te to chew upon to gain understanding, Ni takes the entire picture and distills it down to its core meaning. Even though for the INFP the Ni is a weaker function, because the imagination is so oft-used and so many themes and ideas are produced, Ni moments may actually be fairly frequent.
Conclusion
Of worthy mention in this writing would be the subject of night dreams. The phantasmogarical creations of the nighttime dreamworld often have compelling effect to the INFP. Dreams are not just odd images and stories that happen at night, but are sometimes intimate experiences that may dominate the emotions for some time. The process of the dreams and their recollection upon awakening follows the same process as the aforementioned processes. Fi is ultimately responsible for the themes, and the subject matter may be more or less dictated by Fi preferences, depending on how heightened the mental activity is. Because the brain has developed patterns for producing ideas and images during daytime conscious thought, it is apt to produce similar patterns at night. This is merely theory, but I believe it is observable. Whereas the vivid effect of a dream for some MBTI types may have more to do with what was acted out, seen, or accomplished in a particular dream, it is the "feeling" or "aura" experienced within the dream that particularly stirs the emotions and fascination of the INFP, and may linger with some intensity long after waking.
To offer an example, I have had many, many dreams where I have flown through the air, and as far as I can remember they were all enjoyable for the most part, but some impacted me more intensely than others - not necessarily because I did things that were more exciting in some, but rather because of the underlying, unspoken theme and the feelings exuded by the nature of the surroundings in some of the dreams may stir deep melancholy, freedom, childhood, etc. It is because of the manifestations of these mysterious emotions that certain dreams may pique the mind and/or heart of the INFP and drive them to seek interpretation or resolution. At night there is no way for the INFP to suppress their emotions, and during this time the emotions may spill forth intensely, and when the emotions have particularly strong resonance for the INFP, he or she may desire some way to recapture the feelings experienced in that dreamworld.
The INFP dreamworld is a busy place, filled with complexity, but resonating with a desire for simplicity. Fi is continually at work, trying to make sense of and find use for the tides of emotions and inner values by soliciting the other cognitive processes to explore the connections of the world outside and the stored memories and experiences inside. The catalyst need only be very simple to send into action the wild and relentless imagination of the INFP. Just a "feeling" that is experienced when looking at something, hearing music, or smelling the childhood nostalgia of pine sap, and the galaxy spins in another revolution of introspective caprice.
Fi = Introverted Feeling
Ne = Extraverted Intuition
Si = Introverted Sensing
Te = Extraverted Thinking
Ni = Introverted Intuition
