THE ENNEAGRAM
THE ENNEAGRAM
Discover the transformative wisdom of the Enneagram
There are many great maps of personality: the Myers-Briggs, DISC, Strength Finders, MMPI – too many to list. These maps describe how we look on the outside, our landscaping or our terrain. They help us see our particular traits, our actions and reactions, our coping methods and our style of speaking. All of this is helpful for understanding ourselves and others. What makes the Enneagram different is that it also gives us a Map for what is going on inside (our internal landscape or terrain). It helps us understand WHY we do the things we do and what is driving us. It shows us the lens through which we see the world and gives us a look through others’ lenses. It is a powerful Map that shows us what it feels like to be in our own skin and it offers a way to understand others in theirs.
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Imagine how much more compassion we would have for ourselves and others if we could really see WHY we do what we do. That is what the Enneagram does.
It is a Map of compassion.
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Imagine how much more compassion we would have for ourselves and others if we could really see WHY we do what we do. That is what the Enneagram does.
It is a Map of compassion.
Any good Map has a “you are here” point. The Enneagram is just such a Map. This is the first step in our journey to our true self. The Enneagram teaches us to become aware of who and where we are, to notice ourselves, see our habitual behaviors, recognize the things we do over and over again. The Enneagram shows us the things we do that keep us stuck in one place. As we become more present to the moment and aware of the way we do the same things over and over something wonderful happens. We begin to see other options, more choices, different paths; our Map unfolds showing a new direction with endless possibilities and a path to lead us to what we have been searching for all along…our true self. The Enneagram leads us home...home to our own heart which is held in the heart of God.
ENNEAGRAM TYPES
ENNEAGRAM TYPES
The Nine Types in brief:
Type One
The Reformer
The principled, idealistic type. Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.
Type Two
The Helper
The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.
Type Three
The Achiever
The adaptable, success-oriented type. Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.
Type Four
The Individualist
The introspective, romantic type. Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
Type Five
The Investigator
The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way
Type Six
The Loyalist
The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
Type Seven
The Enthusiast
The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
Type Eight
The Challenger
The powerful, aggressive type. Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self-mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.
Type Nine
The Peacemaker
The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually grounded, supportive, and often creative, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent and emotionally distant, simplifying problems and ignoring anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.