Harry Potter and The Enneagram Seeing the enneagram through fictional characters is a really fun way to allow ourselves to look deeply at the enneagram types. It takes the pressure off of ourselves, and opens up a new way of seeing, especially when it is characters we know well. Since our enneagram and Fictional Characters series has been one of our most popular, we decided to dig deeper into Harry Potter and the enneagram, specifically. This series will cover many of the characters from Harry Potter and the various enneagram types they could be perceived to represent. Today, let’s look at types one and two. Enneagram Type One Professor Minerva McGonagall At first glance, Professor McGonagall appears rigid; a stern giver of rules and order at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s true, type ones feel an enormous responsibility to how things should be run, and that there is in fact a right way to do everything. They are also motivated to improve things in every area, making type ones like McGonagall terrific candidates for the teacher role. Professor McGonagall has the unique position to spot good in others and push them to embrace and realize it. She spots greatness in Harry, not only as a potentially superb Quidditch player, but also as someone who can take on challenges far above the average student in the magical world. The core desire of type one is to attain and keep integrity. They not only want to do good, and be good, but they also want others to realize this about them. This goal falls into perfectionism for types like McGonagall. They are very self critical, and expect the highest from themselves as well as others. “I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in.” Professor McGonagall Hermione Granger “There is a RIGHT way and a WRONG way to do everything.” Ones like Hermione Granger, can be great leaders. They are known to have a solid moral compass, and care deeply about doing what is right in all scenarios. As Hermione shows best, they are the ideal student as well. A type one wouldn’t dream of turning in an assignment late, or breaking a rule. However, if justice is at stake, a “Hermione” just might decide its worth the trade off. What does Hermione want from her friends? Ones value honesty above all. Hermione doesn’t like games, or not saying what you mean. She needs Harry and Ron to give it to her straight. Justice and integrity are a close second for what she values most. Doing what is right, earns points in her book! Speaking of books… we know Hermione is the Queen of reading! She expects her friends to meet her in this way too (though we know Hary and Ron fall short)! I mean who wouldn’t want to read “Hogwarts, A History!” Hermione expects to be treated with fairness. She seeks to be an “equal player” in everything. She accepts nothing that she doesn’t earn. Though ones like Hermione can be supremely independent, they long for the connection of true friendships, and are great at being in the present moment. The last thing Hermione needs from her friends, is the reminder to relax and have some fun! She can be too serious, and needs to loosen up. Remember: Ones share a line with type 7 (The entertaining enthusiast) This means they have access to the type that cares most about fun! Ones need to reach out for this point. It feeds them in a special way and makes them sigh with relief at putting down some of their responsibilities. Enneagram Types Two of Harry Potter Mrs. Weasley harry potter and the enneagram “How DARE you steal that car!” Molly Weasley Molly represents type 2 well with her warm gift of hospitality and care. Twos are known as “the helpers.” From the first time we meet Molly, she is helping Harry make it through platform nine and three quarters for the very first time. She serves her family and nurtures them with love and generosity. Molly makes the Burrow feel like the kind of place any kid would want to grow up in. It’s quirky and comfy, yet meals are had together, and everyone has what they need most. Everyone who visits is received with a hug and brought lovingly into her space. She also displays 2 characteristics as she interacts with the members of The Order of the Phoenix. She is still the tower of comfort and support, the warmth in the dark and confusing moments. Type 2 is also known for their compassion, adaptability, and empathy. Molly clearly reads the emotions of others and acts accordingly. Though sometimes she might help “too” much, which is common with twos. Her boldness comes from her connection to type 8. Twos and eights share a line, allowing Molly to lash at at moments of overwhelm or extreme emotion. The moment we hear her voice in the howler Ron receives about stealing the car, is a great example. Hagrid Our friendly, lovable Hagrid is also an enneagram type two. He displays the type twos core desire of wanting to be loved for who they are. Hagrid is often misplaced and misunderstood. He finds his own way to nurture through taking care of animals and the famous three. At his best, Hagrid is kind, caring, and sacrifices for others. He took the blame for a crime he didn’t commit, and was never truly rectified after this event. As an unjustified outcast, he just wants to show love and care to others. He often doesn’t think of the consequences of his choices to take on more and more creatures to care for. Many of them end up being extremely dangerous, but he inly sees the good, and the care that he will give them as well as the love he gets in return from these animals. Hagrid is always willing to help. You’ve got slugs shooting out your mouth? Hagrid is there for you. You need someone to talk to about a friend problem? Hagrid will listen. Need an escort through the forbidden forest? He is at your side. What do Hagrid and Molly need from others? APPRECIATION!!! Type twos need to hear that what they have done for you mattered. They pour into the people around them, and they need to know that you recognize their effort and hard work. Twos also want you to listen to them once in a while. They are used to being on the receiving end of everyone else’s problems, but they have problems too! Be a good listener! Also, they hate criticism. Give it to them softly and surrounded by compliments! Thanks for reading the beginning post of Harry Potter and the Enneagram! I hope you enjoyed this! More types are on their way! Live Inspired! You might also like: Enneagram Type One and Fictional Characters Enneagram Type Two and Fictional Characters Learn more about all 9 types with the 9 types overview packet! It includes one page for each number on everything you need to know! Grab the packet now! Are you looking for more enneagram printables? We have pages on motivation, strengths, weaknesses, how to be your best self… and more! Check out more awesome digital downloads here: yes! Show me the enneagram sheets!
The Enneagram and Spiritual Practices Type One Learning the enneagram can feel like a spiritual practice. There is so much depth to it, that I am always uncovering new layers and areas of growth for myself. I want to spend some time with you over the next several weeks exploring the enneagram and spiritual practices. Today we’ll talk about what spiritual practices are, and specifically dig in to a few that are great for enneagram type one. As each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, we are each drawn to certain practices naturally. The place I want us to land on, is understanding ourselves in our number (which is always a big goal here at Let’s Inspire Today), and finding a spiritual practice that allows for the most growth for our particular type and person. What is a Spiritual Practice? A spiritual practice is something you do regularly that connects you to the divine. This definition leaves open many options and opportunities. It really can be that simple. What do you do on a regular basis that brings you into the presence of more? When do you feel an expansiveness, an awe, or special awareness that is both beyond you and part of you? The practices that come naturally to you, and simply flow out of you are not the ones you need to work on. It’s fantastic that you have found those, and you should keep doing them, but we are always looking to grow. The practices that will force growth are going to be the ones that we almost cringe about. Challenge is always going to allow for the largest opportunity for growth. This means we have to practice the things that are hardest for us. To give you an idea of some common spiritual practices here are some examples: centering prayer meditation yoga morning pages confession Now that we’ve defined spiritual practice and looked at a few examples, let’s shift to focusing on enneagram type one specifically. Enneagram Type One It’s important to remember when deciding on a spiritual practice, that it is practice. One’s tend to want to be good at things right away. The focus here, is that in practicing, you have already done what you set out to do. The goal is in the effort, not the result. Committing to your practice and sticking to it alone is enough. The enneagram and spiritual practices The Down River Practice for Ones “Down River Practices,” are practices that are easy and natural to you. It’s like simply floating down river. This takes little effort, you are naturally good at it, and enjoy it. I didn’t want to overlook these kinds of practices, because it is worth noting that these are good and an important part of who you are. Keep doing these down river practices. Ones, being present oriented and repressed in their thinking center, chiefly want something to do in the moment. This means they are naturally good at things that fall into the doing category. Many type ones find it easy to lead, teach others, serve or guide, and organize a group or cause. They interact with others well and find joy in making a difference in peoples lives. The Upriver Practice for Ones However, if you are in a place ready to grow, it’s time to move into upriver practices. These are going to be practices you don’t enjoy, that you are going to have to work hard at. It’s as if you are paddling upriver to get to where you want to go. Though challenging, these will be the most rewarding for you. For Ones, these will be the quieter more contemplative type of practices. These could include: journaling, centering prayer, and meditation. A big challenge for type one during these practices will be quieting the inner critic. This is the time to really work against the negativity of the inner critic by intentionally adding in positivity. Through journaling daily, type one can focus on what is going well. This will really counteract the power of the inner critic’s constant judgement. Type one needs to own all the good that they have done. By writing this down daily, the negative voice will begin to get quieter. This practice will also result in a less stressed type one, who feels good about the day ahead. Noting the many things in life that are going right, lifts the spirit and reinforces positivity. Centering prayer, and meditation are also great choices for enneagram type one. These may be even more challenging because they require stillness and an emptying of thoughts. Quieting the mind can is definitely an upriver practice for a type one. The best way to begin, is with a small, achievable goal. Choosing a time that works and an amount of time that isn’t too overwhelming, maybe only five minutes a day to start, working towards a goal of twenty minutes. As always, remember that growth takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Showing up for your practice is the most important step, and that alone is enough to build on. I applaud you on your efforts and encourage you to keep doing your best! Thanks for reading! Are you an enneagram type one? What practices work for you? What practices do you find challenging? You might also like: Behind the scenes of enneagram type one Enneagram Type One and Fictional Characters Grab an overview of enneagram type one in the shop get the overview here
What are You Chasing? Do you ever feel like you’re going in circles? Overwhelmed by the cycles of life, and you never quite get to where you set out to go? It may be time to ask yourself, what are you chasing? Why is it that you feel this disconnect from wholeness? Today’s post will cover types 1, 2 and 3 on the enneagram and their specific chase. We are all chasing something in an effort to feel seen, heard, loved and understood. The way we chase after these things however, looks very different for each enneagram number. We are motivated differently, and our subconscious sends us on the chase to fulfill a deep need within us. When this need goes unnoticed, the chase remains as simply a distraction from life’s true meaning and purpose. In attempt to get our needs met, we can create some pretty destructive paths. Identification The first step to understanding your chase is to identify it. What is it you are after? Why are you on this path? Is this the best way to get what you want and be who you want to be? These questions will help you pause and reflect upon what is really going on in your life. Many of us are stuck on “autopilot,” living each day like the one before… but what if there is more. And by more, I mean less… Let’s take a look at each enneagram type, their chase, and movement into growth toward their virtue. By understanding the chase, we can refocus, simplify, and move forward in transforming and beautiful ways. Type one Enneagram type one is chasing improvement and perfection. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? We need people concerned with making things better and striving for the best. However, the chase of the one becomes dangerous when they elevate this desire of improvements over all else. They become obsessed and harsh, pointing out every detail out of place. Judging themselves, others, and their surroundings for short comings, consumes them. And the chase is on! Here’s where the enneagram shines as my favorite tool… We can give the struggling type one practical handles to grab hold of that will literally change their life from chase cycle to a path of contentment and ease. Tools to derail your chase Journaling Ones need a place to channel their negative energy and critiques. Instead of tearing themselves and others down for the things that they see, one way to stop the chase in its tracks is to write these thoughts down. Get them out of your head and down on to paper where they can be put to rest for a while. Beyond letting the critiques be known in a safe place, a type one really needs to acknowledge the good that is happening in their everyday lives. Journaling about what is going right is an extremely powerful move for ones. Name the ten things going well, and let go of the one thing that went wrong. Movement Literally moving their bodies is a great way for ones to get out some of their energy and fill their bodies with positivity. Exercising can also help quiet that inner critic as the brain is flooded with endorphins. Letting Go Making a mental note and personal goal to let go, for type one is a major growth move. There are many little things everyday that are hard to let go of. Letting go of the control in a few small areas will allow for more feelings of peace and harmony, and a new found freedom for ones. Type Two Enneagram type two is chasing affirmation and approval from others. We all want to be liked by others and love hearing that we have done well. For the type two however, they can turn this into a manipulative pull. Subconsciously, twos chase this approval from others and prioritize it above all else. They give, give, give in hopes to gain likability in the eyes of others. Their chase feeds their ego which looks like pride. Two’s become martyr-like, sacrificing in ways beyond healthy boundaries that are both destructive and unwarranted. Tools to Derail Your Chase Pause for thinking It is the two’s instinct to act on whatever feeling is going on at the present moment. They leave thinking behind, and do until they are exhausted. A helpful tool for twos in these moments, is to pause and ask powerful questions to bring up thinking. Can someone else do this task? Do I need to take ownership of this situation? What am I saying no to, if I say yes to this? These simple questions can help the type two really focus on what is important. Prioritizing and setting boundaries helps you live your best life, and move in the ways you were meant to without taking ownership of things that aren’t meant for you to carry. Journal When type twos journal, they tend to focus on other people. Instead, let this journaling time be about you, reflect on how you are feeling. Write down the questions from above for even deeper reflection on what you are taking on. Think about the why in your life. Why am I doing what I am doing? You will be surprised at what comes up and the impact it will have on your life. This journaling exercise helps derail your chase by giving you back the power. It is easy to fall into dependence on others from their opinions to feeling obligated to serve them. You don’t need their approval. You are enough just as you are. Words of affirmation Furthermore, be your own encouragement. Find words that inspire you and choose a place to make them visible daily. Maybe you can write a powerful mantra on your mirror, or put a sticky note near your doorway. Through the ebbs and flows of life, you need to know that you are enough, that you already have everything you need within you. People are going to let you down, and without their love and approval, you still have what it takes inside you to be whole and lovely. Shower yourself with positive self-talk. This means tell yourself the words you need to hear. Steer clear of negativity and work at building yourself up. Say the things you would say to your dearest friend, and you’ll be right on target. Type Three Type three is chasing success and achievement. In one way or another we all want success, but for type three this is their end game. They will avoid failure at all cost, meaning if they have to cut corners a bit to come out on top, they will. In their chase, threes become chameleons in order to get what they want and to look how they feel they need to appear. When type three is caught up in the chase, they have a hard time seeing reality and understanding even who they really are. Their road to wholeness can be a tricky one. Tools to derail your chase Confession To begin the journey to wholeness, threes need to start by finding out where in their lives they are being inauthentic. This can be done through talking with a trusted friend. Being open about real struggles, and confessing where they haven’t been honest. Though challenging at first, this practice of confession will become extremely freeing for the type three. They live their lives in a guarded way, afraid of rejection and failure. By taking this step in honesty and vulnerability, their chase will be thrown off course. Journal Yes, this is a recurring beneficial practice! Each type needs journaling with a slightly different focus. For type three, let your journaling time be the place where you are the most honest. Community When threes move into their healthier space, there is a shift from spotlight on them, to caring more about the group as a whole. This can be done intentionally. Shifting the focus from personal success, to what does the group need? Not only can you lead the group with excellence as a three, but you can take advantage of what the community has to offer. Allow your community to support you, let them lead sometimes, and realize the gifts that come through dependence rather than being the lone wolf. Life will continue to ebb and flow. We will constantly be at odds with the chase. But this doesn’t mean we surrender to it. Even simply being aware that we have a chase, makes us more likely not to fall into it’s patterns. Be kind to yourself as you grow. Just try to make one positive step today that is better than yesterday. Move in the direction you wish to become. I hope that some of these tools will prove helpful for you within your own type and that you will be on your way derailing your chase and living in wholeness. Blessings! Thanks for reading! Grab this printable pdf below, a quick glance at the 9 types passions and virtues. Our passions are the chase left unattended. The virtue is our path toward growth and personal development. I want this printable! Want an overview of all 9 enneagram types? get it HERE! You might also like: Enneagram Type 1 and Fictional Characters Is Your Enneagram Passion Controlling You?
Enneagram Love Letters Happy February Friends! It’s the month we love to love! I also love February because my second son was born ten days before Valentines Day. Celebrating his birthday is always a highlight for our family. This year we are Celebrating with his favorite superhero, Spider-Man! I don’t love the over-commercialized side of Valentines Day, but what I do love is the focal point of expressing our love for each other. This idea I can get on board with! Saying I love you to someone is important, and the way you say it, can mean the world. I thought I would begin this month with a dedication to each type and why I love that type. I hope you enjoy reading this series, “Love Letters to the 9 Types.” My goal is that each type will “feel the love,” and realize that they deserve it! Please share these letters with someone you love. And last of all, read your type and embrace the words meant just for you! Enjoy this week’s love letters to type one and type two: Enneagram Love Letters Want your own copy of this love letter? Grab it with the button below: Love Letter to Type One And now sending love to type two… Enneagram Love Letters Want a copy of the love letter for type two? grab it below: Love Letter to type two Share the love! I hope you enjoyed those love letters and that you will spend some time this month intentionally giving love to those around you in a way they can receive it best. Blessings! Live inspired. You might also like: Loving your community through the enneagram 5 words each enneagram type needs to hear most
Enneagram Type One, and Fictional Characters Recognizing enneagram types may be hard to do in our everyday lives, but in the exaggerated world of fiction, the types begin to stand out. Enneagram type one is usually easy to spot in fictional characters through their overly perfectionistic behaviors, desire to improve their surroundings, and pull towards justice and righteousness. Today, we are going to dive into the enneagram type one and fictional characters. Can you think of a few type ones out in the fictional world? Let’s start with a classic, and one of my personal favorite type ones: Mary Poppins. Come on… She is “Practically perfect in every way!” Enneagram Type One, and fictional Characters The whole point of Mary Poppins is improvement, a key element for type one. She changes the lives of the Banks family with her structure and way of being in the world. She is always “put together,” proper, and orderly. Though she may allow some whimsy, and flourish imagination, she has a love of rules and what “should be done.” Thinking more about enneagram type one and fictional characters, who else stands out? Hermione Granger Harry Potter’s, Hermione Granger in the first book is labeled a “know it all,” and “rule follower.” She always seems to know not just the right answer to every question, but the right and moral thing to do in every situation. She is very concerned with justice, and even finds herself breaking some of the precious rules for the sake of just cause. (Saving Buckbeak from an unjust and untimely death, helping a wrongly accused convict escape being captured, performing spells in order to serve the greater good). Hermione also “mother’s” Harry and Ron, not in a gushy nurturing way, but in a ONE way. She reminds them of homework assignments, school rules, and comments endlessly on more things they could do correctly. She truly wants the best for them, and this is the type one way to show it, “I want to help you be the best you can be… by reminding you how you can improve yourself.” Let’s consider one more type on our journey of enneagram type one and fictional characters. Claire Fraser Enneagram Type One and Fictional Characters Claire Fraser is an English army nurse who finds herself 200 years back in time in the middle of hard times. When she is captured by a Scottish man who rescues her from assault, she is brought back to his clan. One of the men is suffering from a dislocated shoulder. She can’t stand to let the other men put the man’s shoulder back, the wrong way. She interferes even though she’s in danger, and has never met any of them before. Because Claire is a type one, she fights for what is right, even if it is only fixing someone’s arm. We see this constantly, especially with the dynamic of her extensive medical knowledge from the future. She brings order to disorder, morals where there were none, and an overall improvement to every situation she encounters. She is a present thinker (putting her in type one’s dependent stance). When she is caring for you, she is with you, compassionate and not distracted. Her black and white thinking and decision making allow her to have huge impact in her situation. Seeing fictional characters through the eyes of the enneagram helps us understand the type a little better. Though real people may be more complex than characters we read about, or see on film, it helps us to identify and form language around what a certain type might look like. And let’s face it, sometimes its just easier to talk about fictional characters than ourselves. Maybe you relate with Hermione, or Mary Poppins, and you can understand why they made the choices they made because you are a type one, motivated by justice, truth, and making a difference. Can you think of an enneagram type one who is a fictional character? Let’s talk about it! Find more about type one The Enneagram and Fictional Characters grab this type 1 printable Now available… A Packet Overview of all the types! This packet below, includes the format seen above, but for all 9 types! I want all 9 types Check out the enneagram for beginners video course! This is great to do with groups! Enneagram for beginners video course I want the video course!
Behind the Scenes of Enneagram Type 1 If you’d like to listen to the blog post click here. You’ll know an enneagram type one as the type that does things right. And they often let you know the right way to do things too. Today I want to take a closer look at this “perfectionist.” Let’s go behind the scenes of Enneagram type 1 and see what they are really all about. Though type ones are in the anger/gut triad, you might not see this anger directly. They tend to see anger as a “bad” emotion, and don’t want others to relate that with them. More likely, ones will push their anger down, or fail to acknowledge that they are angry at all. This stems from their need to be “good” at all times, and even for you to perceive them as good. Though this type is usually self-confident, they really appreciate you speaking into them with acknowledgement of how good they are and all of the great things they do. Behind the Scenes of Enneagram Type 1 And to be honest, it’s not hard to find a true compliment when considering type one. They fill their lives with making the world a better place. Ones are always looking for ways to improve, not just themselves, but whatever community or place they are in. You can bet on ones putting their soul into causes, and standing up for what is right, and pushing for things to change. This should make it easy for the rest of us to take notice. However, ones don’t want to fish for the acknowledgement they crave and rightly, deserve. When they go on doing, improving, and perfecting without notice, however… this is where that tucked away anger can creep up. “I am doing ALL of this… can’t you do it too?” Can’t you see how much I am doing well? The type one’s critical side can be awfully cut throat. They have high standards not only for themselves, but for others as well. They expect you to at least meet them half way. When this doesn’t happen, their judgmental side will come out often fueled by resentment. “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen”Anne Lamott How do one’s keep track of all those life goals and high standards to change the world? A good “to-do” list! Type one’s love nothing more than to cross off something they’ve completed well from their never-ending “to do list.” They are chronic planners, and list makers, keeping everything where it should be in space and time, and reality. Enneagram Type 1 Behind the Scenes Since this type is “thinking repressed,” they are often living in action and feelings. They Feel and do, and do and feel. Their lists help them feel like they are in control and doing it well. Then in turn, their feelings cause them to add more to their to do lists, and the cycle continues, of doing and feeling. Thinking is used to over-think, or simply ignored to stay in the cycle of control and comfort. Of all the types, type one is the most concerned with ethics and morality. They value honesty and truth above everything. You can depend on this type for, pretty much anything. They are responsible, always follow through, and have heaps and heaps of integrity. They don’t like to “break the rules,” however they do have a fun side hidden behind the scenes. Ones secretly long to let go. They would love a day of fun where they weren’t in charge for a change. They share a line with the fun-loving type sevens who are known for their spontaneity, and charisma. This means that with a little healthy nudging, ones can come into relaxation and silliness. In fact, they need to at times, and their is no better medicine then laughter to loosen them up. If you are a type one, or you love a type one, it’s important to bring some levity to the scene. Remember the power of laughter, and playing. Doing something just for fun, is not type one’s “norm,” but when a loved one can encourage this, it brings out that healthy seven side of type one. Also, remember not to criticize type one (if it can be helped). This type is already SO hard on themselves. They don’t need any more judgement going on. If necessary proceed with caution, honesty, and integrity. I hope you have more insight into behind the scenes of enneagram type one! Without our type ones there would be far less goodness in the world, and change would move much more slowly. We are so thankful for enneagram type ones! I hope you are inspired and encouraged!
