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What is an enneagram and how can it help us better understand each other?
Background History:
Enneagrams were originally created in the 1900s by the philosopher George Gurdjieff and are categorized into nine different personality types. These types include:
The Perfectionist or Reformer
The Giver or Supporter
The Performer or Achiever
The Romantic or Individualist
The Observer or Thinker
The Loyal Skeptic or Trooper
The Epicure or Generalist
The Protector or Leader
The Mediator or Peacemaker
Each number represents certain traits one may possess and they can overlap as well.
The image of the lines resembles a star and they connect to various characteristics we may or may not have depending on our unique persona.
The numbers mean nothing other than to represent different characteristics and were chosen to be neutral for a reason by not specifying feminine or masculine types. This keeps the model gender-neutral. In general, the enneagram gives us patterns in how we see the world and manage our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
“Enneagram wings” are also important to take into account. They are the two numbers on either side of your dominant type that reflect the two other “minor” traits you possess.
Finally, there are the “three triads” that group the enneagram numbers together. They include:
1. Heart types: this group includes numbers 2, 3, and 4 and are known to experience more feelings of shame and feel their emotions with their heart. Oftentimes they have problems with self-love.
2. Head types: types 5, 6, and 7 are the thinkers who deal with the perception of fear and often have problems with anxiety and pain.
3. Body or gut types: Types 8, 9, and 1 are action-oriented and are known to either fully express their emotions or repress so deeply that they burst out in anger.
Numbers Explained:
Type One: The Reformer
A reformer is described as a person who makes changes to something in order to improve it with an emphasis on ethical and moral approaches. Type one is known to be rational and has the desire to always be in the right and strive to be the best.
Type Two: The Helper
The name kind of gives who these people are, but number twos are extremely helpful and are huge givers. They are also very kind and want to be accepted and loved by others through their actions.
Type Three: The Achiever
The achiever is also one that is self-telling by name.
They like to be different from others and like to receive affirmations for doing well, often trying to one-up others or impress people around them. They are also usually pretty confident in their abilities and stand strong.
Type Four: The Individualist
Number 4s often thoughtfully reflect on their own lives and are very sensitive. They are self-aware and emotionally in tune while being able to express their feeling openly and honestly. They know when to step back and focus on what they need to maintain their lifestyle choices.
Type Five: The Investigator
If you are a type five the phrase “knowledge is power” may come to mind. You like to find new ways to interpret data and are able to gain new skills easily. Some of you may be secretive because of the independence you thrive on and are able to make clear decisions with a right and a wrong and no “in-the-middle.”
Type Six: The Loyalist
Six is a loyal and secure person that you want around if something doesn't go your way. They are good at problem-solving and are cautious when making decisions. Support is very important to this number because it gives them a sense of security and commitment to the relationship.
Type Seven: The Enthusiast
The enthusiast is enthusiastic about life, to say the least. Super busy and spontaneous and they tend to be very extroverted. Freedom is very important to these numbers and they do not like to be held down by anything or anyone. They want to avoid complicated situations that could bring anger and pain to their lives.
Type Eight: The Challenger
The challenger is known to stand up for what they believe in no matter how bad it may hurt the other party. They are normally very dominant and they feel as if they hold all of the power when they step into a room. Self-confidence comes naturally and they are very protective of what they possess. The downfall to the amount of self-confidence they have is when they lose control of the situation, their life is a mess, and falls to the ground extremely fast.
Type Nine: The Peacemaker
Lastly, if you are a nine, you are the best… just kidding. I only say that because I am nine. Nines are agreeable and optimistic about
the future. They prefer to have very little conflict and just want others to be happy. They give too much to others and not enough to themselves and focus on what they can do to help others rather than putting their needs before their peers.
Questions:
How does the Enneagram help us better understand each other?
Your Enneagram type will help youth see what motivates you the most, the fears that may be too controlling over your life, and why you may feel certain ways about different situations. This test can help you with how you respond to certain life encounters whether they are good or bad and how you can better regulate the stress you may be feeling.
Is the Enneagram just for spiritual/religious people?
NO! I will tell you right now I do not associate with any particular religion and I love this model. It really has nothing to do with religion except for the fact that it was created around Christianity and is popular among Evangelical Christians.
Psychologists say the system is helpful for self-reflection or personal growth and I have found it super helpful over the years to check back in with the test and see where I stand.
To take a free enneagram test click here!
Hope you enjoyed this post! If you have any questions, comments, or just have an idea for a post feel free to email or send a chat! Thank you for visiting :)
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