The Enneagram: An Introduction

This session offers an introduction to The Enneagram, its origins and how it can be a very helpful tool for growth and transformation. It also offers a brief introduction to all nine types.

This session explains each of the three centers of The Enneagram - The Gut, The Heart, and the Head triads. It may help you orient yourself to know which one you largely operate from.

This session gives a deeper dive into the nine. The nine is at the top of The Enneagram and is known often as the peacemaker. Nine's seek a quiet inner world and have an avoidant relationship to anger.

The Eight is the individualist of The Enneagram. They want to be independent. They love to take on a challenge and are a source of strength and determination. Although they have a tough exterior they often feel vulnerable.

The One is highly principled and ethical, setting a high bar for integrity. Part of the gut triad, they express anger readily especially towards the flawed world around them and themselves. They struggle with the disappointment of not measuring up to their exacting standards.

The most energetic of the Enneagram types, sevens are enthusiastic, fun, and cheerful. Everyone needs a seven in their lives! They are creative and full of ideas. Although they emote positivity, underneath this they are afraid. They will do anything to avoid their pain and can have a gluttonous quest for activity to do so.

Sixes are loyal and warmhearted. They make wonderful friends but can stick with a friendship even when it has become detrimental to them. They fear abandonment and they doubt their inner guidance leading to overthinking and worry. They often have an "inner committee" and create plans in their minds for any possible eventuality. Sixes will nearly always know where the fire exits are and have read the safety briefing on an aircraft!

Fives are discoverers and researchers with a hunger to know how the world works. They seek answers and want to test the truth of most assumptions. In health, they are wise and have a quiet, hospitable, gentle nature. Their quest for knowledge hides a deep insecurity regarding their ability to function effectively in the world. As children fives sensed danger within their family environment, especially of being overwhelmed.

The deep feelers of The Enneagram, fours have a high value for honesty and authenticity. They are creative and love connecting with others. They can navigate pain well and can offer this to others. Feeling unhealthy, they can consider themselves flawed focusing a lot on what is missing from life. They have huge hearts and can offer the world beauty in a myriad of ways.

As "the achievers" of The Enneagram, threes have a high value for success. They perform in order to receive validation and can struggle to know when to stop. They aim high and can have perfectionist tendencies. Without success threes can feel empty. They are good at detecting the feelings of others and can relate to all kinds of people. In health as they let go of drivenness, they have the space and time live a life big in love and generosity of heart towards themselves and others.

Two's love to help others. They are always on the lookout for how they can do this. They are looking to the needs of others above their own as a way to receive validation. They can get overly involved in the lives of others and feel resentment when the help they offer isn't acknowledged or wanted. When two learn to tend to their needs they offer help in the most loving ways and can get alongside others beautifully.

Thank you for joining me on this introduction to The Enneagram. If this has peaked your interest, do continue to read books, listen to podcasts and be curious about your life and the lives of those you love. The Enneagram is endless in what it offers as a pathway to change, growth, and insight. You're welcome to ask questions and reach out to me with any reflections.