Enneagram Information

The enneagram is an ancient nine sided diagram which was first introduced into the West by George I. Gurdjeiff, a mystic who was born in the area between Greece and the Caspian Sea in the late 1860s or early 1870s and flourished in Europe in the early 20th century. In recent times, it has become to be known as a diagram representing nine personality types. Hence the word, enneagram, derived from ennea, meaning "nine" and grammos, meaning diagram. In addition to describing the nine personality types, the enneagram is used as a tool to stimulate self-awareness, self-observation, self-remembering, and cultivation of spiritual knowledge. It is a transformational technology that can help us transform our vices into virtues. It is a system of spiritual practices which help us to overcome our shadow side.

Within the Enneagram there are 3 triads that group people according to how they typically experience life. Those people who are more emotional/feeling people are in the Feeling/Emotional Triad (2, 3, and 4). Those people are more focused on thinking and mental activities are in the Mental/Thinking/Head Triad (5, 6, 7). Those people are more active, daring and will based are in Sensing/Instinctive Triad.

Those of us who typically are more thoughtful and mind based (Mental Triad), can get caught up in a pattern of replaying the past, rather than being in the moment. It might be difficult for these people to experience emotions, especially difficult ones, in the moment. They may hold their feelings in, or finally be able to express themselves after the event has been over for some time.

Those of us who are in touch with our emotions (Feeling/Emotional/Heart Triad), may be more able to quickly express how they feel and then move on. For them, it might be more difficult to let go of the fear that they may have hurt someone, by expressing their true and honest feelings. They may also get caught up in worrying about everyone else, and then be angry later when it seems like nobody cares for their needs.

Those of us who are engaged and in the moment (Sensing/Instinctive/Gut Triad), often just want to get past difficult events. These people are focused on their physical body and their immediate environment. These people don't want to get caught up in office politics or play emotional mind games. They don't want to waste time with fear, doubt, worry, or holding grudges. They prefer control and action over talking or planning.

It may be difficult, at first, to understand where you fall within the Enneagram. Looking at the Triads, can help you to identify your particular group, and then you can explore the 3 types within that Triad.

Understanding your type will help you to explore the ways in which your interact with others. You probably understand that most people become comfortable living in one particular way. With the Enneagram, we say "in personality type". For instance, someone may who is type 8, may live his/her life through this type, which means that they can be a very powerful presence, but also not allow room for others to express themselves. They may live very instinctively, never experiencing themselves through their heart or mind. and live there almost exclusively. Real and honest growth through the Enneagram, is about learning to find balance with your heart, mind and intuition/instincts.

For example, people of type Eight are not willing to be followers or be told what to do. They want to take charge of their world. They are strong willed and will not tolerate indecision or weakness. For these people, growing and finding balance would mean developing ways to look in their hearts and express their feelings honestly. It could also mean allowing space for the thoughts and ideas of others, rather than dismissing them as unimportant.

A simple way to begin to understand the Enneagram is to begin to get in touch with your own with your heart, mind and intuition. If you typically rely on one of them, then try experiencing an hour, day or longer with a focus on one of the other two. Whatever you do, know that learning about yourself can be challenging, but also rewarding. The Enneagram can help you in beginning to look at yourself in a new and powerful way.

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