ENNEAGRAM

The Enneagram (“ennea” is Greek for nine) is a map that indicates the core internal structure of our character. It reveals nine unique perspectives and ways humans filter information, nine distinct drivers for reactivity, as well as the automatic patterns and internal stories associated with the nine Enneagram types. No type is better or worse than another type, and we retain the same type throughout our lives. However, behaviors do change and shift as we become more self-aware. The Enneagram Map indicates specific ways we go on automatic. And, we can consciously use the inherent strengths of our type to stretch beyond its patterns and habits that limit our perception, our personal growth, and professional development.

The Enneagram brings to consciousness “why we do what we do.” While other personality systems describe and work with behaviors,  only the Enneagram goes beneath behavior to the driving motivation. It identifies each type’s basic first placement of attention and its resulting blind spot. This awareness opens deep possibilities for change as well as broadened perspectives.

Deepening self-awareness enhances our emotional intelligence and we develop a more intimate working relationship with ourselves as well as the ability to see others as they are to themselves rather than through our projections. We become more aware of our impact on others, how we get in our own way and learn balance in using our strengths. Judgments soften to curiosity and compulsions shift to compassion as we engage with those with whom we work and live.

Additionally, the Enneagram System honors that we have three brains or centers of intelligence: head or thinking center, heart or feeling center, and body the center of sense. Depending on our Enneagram type, one of these is our lead intelligence. Knowing that our lead center shapes our communication, decision-making, and problem-solving, we can inquire with our other two centers of intelligence for more full knowing.

Types 5, 6, & 7 rely first on mental faculties (the brain in our heads) and know through logic, reason, and analysis. These types are information-oriented. The heart center types are 2, 3,4 and they are relationship-oriented and know first through mood, tone, and feeling.  Types 8, 9, 1 lead with body intelligence or gut instinct.  They are fairness-oriented.

“Unless we know the basic mechanics behind the workings of the ego, we won’t recognize it, and it will trick us into identifying with it again and again. The act of recognizing the ego is one of the ways awakening happens. Arising consciousness makes this recognition possible.”

— Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth
 

The Enneagram offers a clear map of the patterns our consciousness has taken and the filter through which we view reality.  This system helps us get out of our own way!

 ⓒ  Sandra C Smith - Alchemy Works Enneagram Consulting