The Johari Window -- and Ring
Johari Window
I’m thinking all the time, perhaps trying to make up for the first 20 years of my life when I didn’t think much. I didn’t have the tools or knowledge to process everything I was experiencing. I’m sure I didn’t want to examine many of the more painful experiences.
Years ago I came across a technique in communication theory called The JOHARI WINDOW. It was created by JOseph Luft and HARrIngton Ingham and used in self-help groups and corporate settings as a heuristic exercise.
““To know yourself, you must sacrifice the illusion that you already do.””
The Johari Window — with my ideas for corresponding symbols
At the time I was just starting to look internally, figuring out who I was, how I wanted to show up, how I wanted to move through the world. I wanted to develop internal and external self-awareness: how I see myself in contrast to how others perceive me. I filed all of this away but continued to think about the visual, the symbolism of a window with 4 panes, each representing a different aspect of ourselves.
There are 3 things extremely hard: steel, a diamond and
to know
one’s self
— Ben Franklin
Fast forward to present day when I’m slightly more well-versed in who I am. I decided to revisit The JOHARI WINDOW and see if I could translate it into a piece of jewelry, but I didn’t want the obvious 4-pane window pendant. I wanted something different. You never know how the creative process will unfold and I know better than to force myself to design anything; it will never turn out well. I decided on a wide band ring with cutouts between each “pane” engraved with the 4 aspects of The Self. I also designed it to be as thin as the engravings would allow so you wouldn’t “feel” it on your finger.
The ring came out perfect. I always seem to want The Mask visible. Hmmmm…
