The Enneagram System
The Enneagram is both a symbol and a system that describes Nine basic personality types, or 9 basic types of human nature.
The personality consists of the main filters we use to express ourselves, to defend ourselves, to relate to others and to understand the world.
Our personality structure are the set of habitual thoughts we have, our emotional reactions, our fantasies about the future and the way we relate to our past. Our personality is largely responsible for the state of affairs you find yourself today. Understanding how your specific personality type functions can and will give you a chance to develop awareness of your internal and external actions. The Enneagram system is an extremely powerful and effective tool to help you stop functioning on automatic pilot.
The reason why we have a certain personality type are a combination of factors, most of them completely out of our control and developed at a very early age in order to protect oneself and to ‘survive’ in this world. Some of the strategies that we develop becomes our firm belief that without them we would not survive, that without them our world would crumble and we would simply not get what we want. The truth is that it is precisely because of them, because of those earlier developed strategies, that we are only surviving instead of truly and fully living and being all that we sense we can be. Living out our personality structures is one of the main factors that stops us from having the Freedom and sense of contentment that we all long for.
When first introduced to the Enneagram system, some people reply that finding their type feels like putting them into a box. Don Riso provides the best answer, "The Enneagram system does not put you into a box, it shows you the box you are in so you can get out."
Another common reply, is that they can see themselves in all the nine descriptions. It is important to understand that we all have all Nine Types in us. Many of us are able to behave, react, feel and see ourselves in the descriptions of all nine types, although we all have a Dominant Type, a home-base we return to. That home base holds our most recurrent characteristics.
How can the Enneagram help you?
- The understanding of this system will give you insights into your habitual behaviours. Show you what your tendencies are and most importantly Why they are so. You will understand what and why you behave the way you do.
- The personality is basically a reactive mechanism. It is never present. Remember, it is a filter that does not completely allow your eyes to see what IS. Once you see your patterns and tendencies you will have a chance to observe them in action – Observation with non-judgmental awareness is a powerful tool for letting go to happen.
- The Enneagram system gives you specific tools to deal with problem areas and most importantly it can show you step-by-step what type of habitual behaviour gets you to the place where you no longer want to go.
Read the following descriptions with an open mind, looking for something that describes how you are most of the time, of course you can be sometimes this and sometimes that, simply look the type that best describes your general behaviour. How you are have been most of your life.
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 creative, optimistic, and supportive, 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, simplifying problems and minimizing 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.
We recommend that you complete the short version of RHETI test – downloadable here courtesy of the Enneagram Institute – This top 3 scores of this test will give you a good indication of your basic type.
To correctly identify your type and go further into a journey of Self-Understanding through the Enneagram system we recommend to have personal guidance by a qualified Enneagram practitioner.
The Yossum private retreats are the perfect setting for an in-depth guided journey into the system. Ma Prem Kali can be contacted for private one-to-one sessions if you live in the Marbella area and she also facilitates the program through long-distance phone or skype consultations. Click here for more information.
Read the essay "In the world but not of it", it is a very clear article on the power of using the Enneagram for inner work.
