What is the Enneagram?

 The Enneagram  is  a system of personality study and inner growth based on nine types of human motivation (Ennea is the Greek word for nine). We have access to all nine patterns, but we tend to have a central pattern which we return to again and again, particularly when we're under stress. Seeing how differently others experience the world,  we grow in compassion, both for ourselves and for others. As we bring our core beliefs into conscious awareness, we can grow in flexibility in relation to our patterns..... enabling us to experience life with greater freedom. 

Our personality is made up of layers which are unique to each of us, but we all recognise the same type structure.  The  "princess and the pea" provides a map to help us identify and acknowledge how our core belief drives our focus of attention and behaviour. As we start to acknowledge how this plays out in each of us, we appreciate the strength of the protection that our type structure offers us, but also the ways in which it limits what we pay attention to in life. 

We can start to gain skills in noticing and working with our defence system when it shows up. We can gain wisdom from other types and give ourselves more options in life by learning how to lean into all three centres of intelligence.

On Planet 1 there is  a belief that in order to gain the right to be in the world you need to be good and correct. Attention goes to what could be improved  - idealism means that there is always something else that could be done; "even better if....."  This brings the gift of working to high standards and a great sense of responsibility, but can sometimes lead to a rigidity because of a belief that there is "one right way" to do things.

On Planet 2 there is a belief that in order to be valued and loved in the world, you need to establish connection with  others, so that they will appreciate and look after you. Attention goes to anticipating others' needs in order to give them what they lack and thereby earn their gratitude.  This brings the gift of great warmth and caring for others, but can sometimes be offended if their efforts don't result in thanks.

On Planet 3 there is a belief that in order to gain recognition from others you need to be successful, efficient and effective.  Attention goes to how to achieve results and build relationships that will lead to a successful profile. This bring a great ability to get things done and motivate others, but can lead to perpetually chasing the next external target and loss of connection to internal experience.

On Planet 4 there is a belief that the world has abandoned them because they have a fundamental flaw.  Attention goes to making themselves original and different in order to regain connection with key people who they believe can make them complete. This brings a gift for creating beauty and an ability to discern and be with others' deep emotions. A tendency to compare themselves to others can reinforce the sense of abandonment and not being understood.

On Planet 5 there is a belief that there is not enough energy to get through life, so there is a need to conserve resources and minimise the impact of others on their depleted world. This bring a great ability to observe, and to collect and synthesise data. In their efforts not to be invaded they can isolate themselves from their own emotions and from others.On Planet 6 there is a belief that the world is unpredictable and may not be friendly, so attention goes to teasing out who and what can be trusted. This brings great intuition for what is going on under the surface, and an ability to be prepared for all eventualities. But doubt and suspiciousness can mean that they may push away the support that could sustain them.

On Planet 7 there is a belief that the world is full of pain and limitation, and that in order not to be overwhelmed attention needs to go to keeping things up, outward focused and optimistic, through seeking out new opportunities and projects.  This brings  a spirit of great fun, variety and lightness, but can also mean a difficulty in focusing and staying with situations when they become difficult or sad.

On Planet 8 there is a belief that the world is a tough place where it's necessary to show strength in order not to be  overwhelmed. Attention goes to where the power is and how to ensure control of their ability to act freely.  This brings great directness, good faith, strength and protectiveness, but can lead to others experiencing them as being too much or intimidating.

On Planet 9 there is a belief conflict is catastrophic and that peace must be maintained at any price. Attention goes to sources of disharmony and how to make things and people happy and calm. This brings a great ability to mediate and create a comfortable environment, but others may experience them as indecisive or unwilling to speak their truth.