Because the Enneagram doesn’t belong to one person or institute, you will find as you deep dive there are plenty of theories discussed. One such theory is the triad, or should I say triad(s), since there are quite a few theories grouping the numbers into different aspects. Today, I will cover just a couple of these, otherwise, the weeds get a little thick. I think the most important one is the Harmonic triad as it sheds light on our differing conflict styles. This triad can help type identify the people in your life (or at least narrow their type down) because pretty much everyone can point f ..read more

Today, we step into our Spiral of Discovery with the Subtypes. No conversation can take place about our Subtypes without first discussing our instincts. Instincts are biological drives that every living being possesses for survival. Even humans, with our complex minds, are wired with these primal instincts. They operate in the oldest part of our brain, ensuring our well-being without conscious thought or feeling. The Enneagram focuses on three core instincts: Self-Preservation: This instinct revolves around protecting our body and health. It prompts us to eat when hungry, dress warmly when ..read more

You aren’t just a number. That is the beauty of the Enneagram. It goes much deeper and we are just beginning our journey here in the Spiral of Discovery. Next stop - Wings. Last week we discussed the criss-crossing lines and what they mean (Arrows) and today, we dig into our Wings. Wings are those numbers flanking our type. Wings nuance our personalities even more. Many in the Enneagram world identify as a type and then a wing for example, I’m a Type Five, Wing Four. This let’s people know (at least the ones that understand the Enneagram) who they are dealing with, giving the person quite a b ..read more

Next stop on the Spiral of Discovery - Arrows. We are continuing to step into personality but in order to get to the center, our center - True Self, you need to understand all the layers of personality and this includes arrows. Truth be told, when I first saw the Enneagram, I thought it was some hocus pocus, New Age-y or witchcrafty type of symbol. I learned quickly that those lines actually mean something. In many Enneagram schools of thought, arrows are seen as either integration (growth) or disintegration (stress) arrows. When you follow the lines from Type One around the Enneagram to back ..read more

I started my Deep Dive workshop this past week. My goal: Educate, hold space, and grow as a facilitator. Their work as participants is just that - their work. I guide them with some weekly reflection topics and we come together to share our findings. I think it brings life to the Enneagram and helps me get out of my head and into my heart. There are 14 topics to cover in 6 weeks and while it is a six-week Deep Dive, there will be lifelong work to do. I am however very confident each and every one of my participants will walk away with a new toolbox. I start the Deep Dive with the Centers of I ..read more

I live with a Type Nine, well at least for now - until he goes off to his next chapter. The youngest of five, our Type Nine is a peacemaker. He absolutely avoids conflict, is able to see most everyone’s perspective and is receptive and accepting, a bridge builder, patient, and unpretentious. We jokingly call him Buddha Brock. At his best, he recognizes true peace and harmony, he is self-remembering and self-determining, and can recognize highest potential in others. The Nine’s average behaviors include going along with others’ agendas, being self-effacing and accommodating, habitual, stubborn ..read more

I know Type Eight pretty well - I’m married to one. “They” say the Eight is the most difficult personality type on the Enneagram. My Eight would agree but I wouldn’t. Difficult is a perspective and since the Eight is one of my Arrows I have a pretty decent understanding of that type. The Eight’s strengths include being assertive, self-determining, decisive, and visionary. When they are at their best they inspire and energize others, are courageous, big-hearted (their Two arrow), and transcend their need for control (their Five arrow). When they are behaving in an average way they become self ..read more

I spent the weekend with my Seven. The second oldest of our five children. She is a through and through a Type Seven. Absolutely enthusiastic and game for anything with a terrible sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). The Seven’s gifts include being playful and spontaneous, versatile, quick-minded, and entertaining. At their best, they are accomplished, truly joyful in the moment, they savor life and have a profound sense of gratitude. When they are behaving in an average capacity they keep moving to greener grass, keep options open, acquire things or experiences. Their lower behaviors include ..read more

Months ago, I had my first Deep Dive client. She is a Six. I was concerned because I didn’t think I fully understood the Six, but we managed to work together and learn something from one another. Since then, I’ve discovered some of my favorite people in my life are Sixes. Maybe it is because the Universe wanted me to see them in a different light. Maybe because they are one of my Wings. Either way, the Six is one of those Types I understand and love. Type Six’s strengths are being awake and aware, trustworthy, cooperative, and committed. At their best, they are courageous, self-reliant, trust ..read more

We start with Type Five’s strengths when we are on their Path to Wholeness. It is always best to start with the good news. Type Five’s are perceptive observers, curious, playful and whimsical, and able to concentrate. They love to learn and share their knowledge. At their best they can be visionary and pioneering with profound insights and breakthroughs. They can be in awe of life. When they are average they retreat into their mind, come across as too private, detached, and secretive. Their Shadow is Avarice. Some people can relate more to Greed. Either way, not so pretty. And frankly as a Fi ..read more