The Enneagram & “Holding Space” You’ve probably heard of this term, “holding space” before. But what does it really mean, and how is it useful for our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others? Today, we are talking about the enneagram & “Holding Space.” Some enneagram types are better at this particular skill than others, but we all have the capacity to improve at it. Before we jump into it, I have to share this short clip from the series, “Queen Charlotte!” I was so moved at how perfectly it represents holding space for someone. In the clip, you will see Queen Charlotte overwhelmed and trying to hold back emotion. And in this moment she is given a second to catch her breath, compose herself, and feel supported by someone. I love this! If you haven’t seen Queen Charlotte, it is a great series! There are times in all of our lives when we could really use moments like this, a second to catch our breath with someone… for us to feel: good loved adored significant smart supported satiated valued and at peace Can you create space for someone today? Could you sit quietly and practice “being in the moment?” Listening more than you talk, allowing the environment to be safe, open, and loving? Let’s look at ways each enneagram type can use their unique skills to hold space in their own ways. Type 9 We are starting with type nine, because they are naturally very skilled at holding space. Some say, just sitting near a type nine helps them feel at ease, peaceful, and more relaxed. Imagine the good a type nine could do with this super power? Nines are easy going, low-pressure types that make others feel comfortable instantly. They hold space by not pushing their own agenda, listening well, and helping others see both sides, if asked. Their cool “vanilla” presence makes them ideal for someone in stress to calm down, de-escalate, and be heard. The other Withdrawn Types come in second for holding space skills: Types 4 & 5. Fours are always up for listening to some deep emotions, and they never put a time limit on expressing yourself. They can handle the hot and heavy, ups and downs, melancholy or dramatic. Enneagram fours want to hear it all, and support you as you express yourself. They are the ones to go to when you need to vent, but don’t really want a way forward. Fives on the other hand, will give you a solution. They are also good listeners, measured, and logical. They will let you just sit, if that’s what you need, but if you have a verbal problem, they will find a resourceful and logical solution. Fives are also very wise, and will give good advice in general. They most often hold space for others by making sure logical needs are met. Type 6 Enneagram sixes also have great skills for holding space for others. This type cares most about the whole, meaning, everyone’s needs and how this will affect everyone. They naturally create spaces where others feel welcome and served. They’ve thought of everything already. Sixes at their core, are loyal. They will sit with you through anything. Type 2 Twos serve others naturally, but they don’t always know in what way you need to be served. If you verbalize, however, they would rank number one in making sure you get that need met. They want nothing more than to please you. Type two is naturally compassionate, caring, and sensitive. The kind of space they hold is full of any possibility- whatever you need, they are there for you. Type 1 Type ones share the compliant stance with sixes and twos, which means along with these types ones are “go with” people. Ones are super dependable, and if you are in time of crisis, they will be your hero. This type is always ready to fight for what is right, honorable and good. They hold space for others by creating a space in the world that is wholesome and good. Type 7 Sevens love to look on the bright side. They an reframe a bad situation into rainbows and sunshine faster than you can blink. They are cheerful, charming, and love to story tell and joke. On the flip side, they are great thinkers, and can use this power to make space for others. When they know what is needed, they are quick to move mountains for their people. Type 8 Similar to sevens, eights stand up for their people. Taking an even more intense, and direct way, they protect those they love. Creating space for others, eights use their power, protection and strength. They can usually see what needs done, and are quick to do it. Eights can be good listeners, but they will also put a plan into action pretty quickly. This type doesn’t put much stock in feelings, but can be counted on to come through for you. Type 3 Threes need to be told, or shown through emotions that you are in need of something from them. This heart type can be greatly moved if you are willing to be vulnerable with them. Like eights, and sevens their aggressive counterparts, thress will want to take action and get a solution figured out. They make space for others with their charm and efficiency, and also their ability to understand emotion. Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed talking about holding space, and may we all make a better effort to hold space for those in our lives that need it! Blessings! You may also like: What Are Your Instincts? How do you make decisions based on your enneagram type? Grab This Overview Packet Now! Looking for even more? Grab this packet below, by clicking here!
How do you make decisions based on your enneagram type? Have you ever thought about what goes into making a decision? It happens automatically. We make thousands of decisions everyday, without giving much thought to the process. Did you know that even how you make decisions is based on your enneagram type? Let’s dive in to the realm of decision making, and why we decide the way we do. Firstly, it’s important to know what the word “decide” really means. The word, decide, basically means, “to kill off.” Does this surprise you? Let’s go deeper. The first part of the word (or the prefix) “de,” simply means “off.” But the other part of the word, “cide,” is found in words like: homicide, suicide, and genocide, and means “to cut,” or “kill.” So together we come up with a succinct definition: “to kill off.” Does this definition ring true for you and your experience of deciding? Do you think about decisions as killing off all the other options, and moving forward in the direction you have chosen? Whether you think of it this way or not, this is actually what is happening when you decide something. When you say “yes” to one thing, it means you are saying “no” to something else. You are “cutting off” other opportunities in order to give your, “yes.” This is the cost of making a decision. Now how does the enneagram come into play with decision making? Our decisions are closely related with our key motivations and how we process information. Each enneagram type will subconsciously follow a pattern of decision making based on these two components. If you are looking to improve your decision making habits, this is a great place to start. By being aware of our patterns, we can then decide to change them. So how do you make decisions based on your enneagram type? Enneagram Type 1 When it comes to decision making for ones, they want to make the right choice. This is the key motivation behind almost every decision that a type one makes. They are usually pretty quick decision makers, and know instinctively what the right choice is, based on their own set of personal standards and systems they have set up for themselves. However, they can get into trouble with how they process information. Ones are primarily anchored to the present, and also have a repressed thinking intelligence center. This means that ones can get stuck in their head, over-thinking, or over-criticizing themselves and the decision. Enneagram Type 2 Twos are greatly motivated by how received they are by others. This impacts their decision making because they want to please the people around them, as well as receive their love and approval. They make most decisions based on the perceived needs of others, and rarely consider their own wants or desires. This self-neglect gets them into trouble. They might even end up resenting others for not reciprocating care. Enneagram Type 3 Threes are motivated by success, or even the appearance of success. This influences their decision making by what they allow, and do t allow. They are also extremely driven, and value efficiency, which adds another element into decisions. If the decision reflects well on them, helps them achieve their goals, and can be done effectively – it is a definite yes for threes. They get into trouble when decisions become more about pretense, than authenticity. Deception can look grey to threes, as long as they are getting the results they want, they may be unaware at what cost. Enneagram Type 4 Fours are motivated by deep longings to be significant. This colors their decisions through self-expression, as well as how they show up in the world. Fours would never want to appear fake or phony. Their decisions center around their truth and their own identities. However, fours get stuck in the decision making process of actually moving forward. Since fours are anchored to the past (being in the withdrawn stance) they have trouble moving into action. Fours are “doing repressed.” They are great about dreaming up fanciful ideas, and beautiful plans, but sometimes the follow through just isn’t there. Enneagram Type 5 Fives are motivated by a desire to be capable, as well as to gain knowledge. Their decision making process involves extensive research, as well as logically processing, and thinking through how well they can prepare. Fives are usually steady decision makers who don’t take risks. They are measured, and weigh out possible outcomes. Similarly to type fours, fives are in the withdrawn stance and sometimes struggle with taking a plan into action. They love the research part of decision making, and may spend all their time dedicated to learning more and more about the current topic. Fives are not quick decision makers, and need time to process feelings and facts around the decision. Enneagram Type 6 Sixes are motivated by security and safety. They are also concerned with what is best for the whole group. These motivations are at the core of how sixes make decisions. Will it be safe? Will everyone benefit from the decision? Sixes want to make sure their decisions will be supported, as well as connecting in a relational way. However, sixes get stuck in over-thinking and anxiety when it comes to making a decision. They doubt themselves, and their own instincts toward making the right decision. They will often seek guidance outside themselves before making a decision, asking a trusted friend, or looking up answers from other trusted sources. Enneagram Type 7 Sevens are motivated by satisfaction, and enjoyment. They are usually up for anything and always want to be included. When it comes to decision making, their first instinct is, “yes, let’s do it!” They might over-extend themselves, by agreeing to do everything. They are quick decision makers, and clever enough to sometimes make this work for them. However, sevens may experience burnout easily by taking on too much and doing too much. They need to carefully consider what they are saying yes to. Being in the aggressive stance, sevens are very action oriented, but also feelings repressed. It’s important to slow down, and consider the feelings around decisions. Enneagram Type 8 Eights are motivated by not being controlled, and by justice. They are quick decision makers, and know instinctively what needs done, and they do it. This type has confidence in their decision making skills and has no trouble telling others what the decision is. It is easy for them to see clearly, without a lot of time needed for discussion, or planning. However, eights sometimes bulldoze over others in their quick powerful decisions. They are also in the aggressive stance, meaning they take in the world through instincts/ the body, and support their decisions with thinking; completely skipping over feelings. Some of their decision making also occurs as a result of them not wanting to be controlled. Enneagram Type 9 Nines are motivated by inner and outer peace. They might have the hardest time with the decision making process. Nines often “merge” with those around them, agreeing to what everyone else wants in order to keep the peace. They also have a hard time prioritizing actions. All tasks and decision can look of equal importance to a type nine. Nines are in the withdrawn stance, which looks like distraction for them. Instead of doing the important task, or making that important decision, a type nine might keep busy doing other things instead of those main tasks. This shows their tendency toward being “doing repressed,” and greatly affects their decision making. A reminder app, or special “to do” planner can be helpful for nines. Wasn’t that fun? I hope you enjoyed learning about how each enneagram type handles the decision making process. We are all so different! Isn’t it fascinating? Want to know more about each enneagram type? Check out the 9 types enneagram packet. This packet includes a page for each enneagram type, covering all the basics to understand that type! grab the packet! Bring the enneagram to your group! Start seeing better connections, more compassion for each other, and clear understanding. The enneagram improves relationships of all kinds. Check out the offerings below: enneagram for beginners course All 9 Types Quiz
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!
What is Your Hazard Hey there! It’s officially road trip season, and I know a lot of you are anxious to get out there. Maybe some of you are heading for high elevations. Have you ever driven in the mountains with high rock formations, and you see those signs, “Hazard ahead, look out for falling rocks?” This situation can be really dangerous, right? Today, we are talking about the hazards in your life that keep you from getting where you want to go and how the enneagram both defines these hazards, and gives us a road map to work around them. what is your hazard? It’s not the rocks themselves that are dangerous. A rock is just a rock. I like this analogy because it allows us to see the power of perspective. None of our personal hazards are dangerous all on their own, it’s the power and perspective we give them, and the situations we allow to form around them, that make them so dangerous. Using the enneagram, we can define our hazard through our core number. This will be the trap that you continually find yourself in. The pattern of your core number keeps bringing you back to this self destructive behavior and situation that doesn’t serve you well. The key to getting out of this trap is by connecting with your strength number and the high virtues you have access to through that number. Let’s look at some examples. Type one One’s hazard has to do with control. Their key motivation is to be good, also meaning they don’t want to be bad. This might seem over simple, but it is full of complication. They feel like if they can keep out anything labeled as “bad,” they won’t be corrupted by it, therefore keeping them preserved, and good. Are you seeing the blind spot here? This is an impossible feat. No one can be fully good and keep out all wrong. Type One’s Strength Number: Seven The road map for type one means connecting to the high side of seven. The virtue one’s need to strive for is sobriety. This is the acceptance of “what is.” Not wanting things to be better, more, or different. There is a peaceful balance here that gets one’s out of their cycle to improve and control. They realize they have control of very little in reality, and there is a gift in understanding that balance. Type Two: Two’s hazard is around acceptance and needing to be liked or loved. Doesn’t everyone want to be liked or loved? Well, yes, but none of us hold a candle to the deep need of the type two for this acceptance. They will go beyond boundaries and logic to please others, subconsciously wanting a reciprocal love and helpfulness to come their way. Their challenge is keeping boundaries, and authenticity. Their blind spot lies in overstepping and saying yes to everything and everyone. Type Two’s strength number: Four The road map for type two means connecting to the high side of type four. Fours might just be the most authentic type on the enneagram. Twos need to key into this as well as the awareness fours have around their own emotions and feelings. They can also connect to the fours ability to have good boundaries based on that genuineness. The best decisions can be made when a two knows how they feel and what is theirs to do. Type Three: Three’s hazard is around self-importance and their blind spot has to do with succeeding at all costs. They are efficient and block out feelings to get things done. Just like every number, a strength easily becomes a weakness when it is in excess. Three’s can trend toward workaholism, doing only what will allow them to win or reach their goal. Type Three’s Strength Number: Six The road map for type three means leaning into the best qualities of type six. These include: loyalty, steadfastness, faithfulness, and compassion. When type three can let go of their success mask, and pick up truth and loyalty, they will avoid many hazards on their way. Slowing down, is key for threes. Dare I say it: being unproductive is okay! Threes need to learn to sit with feelings, their own, as well as others, allowing them to have both self compassion and compassion for others. Type Four: The hazard for type four, is focusing too much on what is missing. Fours are idealistic, and want things to be a certain way. They instantly notice what they don’t have, what they are not, and get stuck in a cycle of comparing and feelings. All the while, fours truly miss out. Life is happening around them, but they can’t seem to get out of their inner world, that tells them they aren’t enough, they need to be more special, more like… Type Four’s Strength Number: One The road map for type four is through the high side of type one. The structure, follow-thru, and dependability of type one lends stability to the type four. Through type one, fours can find clarity, and also a path to get thing done. They move away from comparison syndrome, and into a place of realism and serenity. Type Five: The hazard for type five centers around independence, capability, and personal boundaries. These characteristics on their own seem quite positive, but like we’ve said, attributes can easily become unbalanced. This is why we experience hazards in our lives. Fives in particular, become overly guarded and closed off. They want to figure everything out for themselves without allowing for help. This hazard keeps fives from interaction, as well as relying solely on themselves for everything. Type Five’s Strength Number: Eight The road map for five’s is through the powerhouse of type eight. This positive move from five to eight allows fives to be direct about how they feel, and ask for what they need. It also activates the doing center for fives, who often stay for long periods of time in the planning, thinking, reminiscing stage. Eights are known for action, as well as their boldness. This brings fives back into balance, and actually helps them connect better with others as they are communicating needs, and desires. Type Six: The hazard for sixes has to do with anxiety and over-thinking. Sixes are motivated by security, and tend to spiral into worst-case scenario thinking, or over-thinking in general. A major blind spot for sixes is doubting themselves. This hazard affects every area of their lives and decision making. “But what if…” is constantly just under the surface for sixes. They are always wondering, and planning for everything. Type Six’ Strength Number: Nine The road map for type six is through the peacemaker- type nine. Going to the high side of nine feels like a soothing remedy to sixes anxious mind. To let go of the worry, and embrace the easy going attitude of type nines is so healing. The “what ifs,” are gone, there is a calm acceptance that everything will be okay. The peacefulness of nine allows sixes to get out of their heads and into their bodies, to feel the reality that 80% of the the things they worry about NEVER happen! Type Seven: Seven’s hazard is around avoiding feelings, and fear of missing out. The kings of stuffing feelings might just be the type seven. It’s not fun to feel those feelings sometimes, so why not just pretend they aren’t there and distract yourself with something exciting? Yes, sevens fall prey to this unhealthy distraction tactic and many others that allow them to not feel the pain of deep feelings. Another blind spot is around FOMO (fear of missing out). If there is fun to be had, a seven wants to be there no matter how reckless or ill-timed the event may be. Type Seven’s Strength Number: Five The road map for seven’s is through the high side of type five. This move grounds type seven, and helps them establish healthy boundaries. They stop saying “yes,” to everything, and start considering time to with drawl alone as something to look forward to. The five’s independence, and self-reliance gives seven’s balance, and courage to face some of those hard feelings in their own way. Type Eight: The hazard for eights, centers around control, as well as anger. This strong body type does not want to be controlled by anyone, and holds anger right at the surface. Eights speak their minds openly without worrying about whose feelings they might hurt. These blind spots mean they are often in conflicts with others, challenging constantly on every side. Their sharp edges are deceptive however, protecting a deeper vulnerable side that just want to love you. Type Eight’s Strength Number: Two The road map for eights is through the high side of type two: the helper. The positive qualities of twos give the eights needed connection to feelings, compassion, and humility. When Eights access type two, they present softer, considering others opinions, and not challenging as frequently. This awareness helps balance type eight, allowing for the possibility of seeing that vulnerable side. Type Nine: The hazard for nine is centered around merging, and avoiding conflict. Nines rarely speak their mind, they agree with those they are with, to avoid conflict, when they really might feel differently. This creates a passive aggressive attitude, making problems hard to solve. They desire peace within, and peace outwardly, and will do anything to achieve this. Managing all of this feels impossible to the nine, and they might give up. Type Nine’s Strength Number: Three The road map for nines is through the confident type three. When nines lean into the decisive type three, they can speak their mind, say what they mean, and feel comfortable doing it. The three energy also helps nines achieve their goals, and get things done. Type three allows nines to realize that some conflict is good and healthy and it won’t kill them. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed talking about our hazards. Remember to lean into your strength number to get out of some of those spirals, you really can do it! You always have access to your strength number! Live inspired and keep growing! You might also like: Five Spiritual Practices Everyone Should Try 5 Words Each Enneagram Type Needs To Hear Looking for printables for each enneagram type? Check out the overview printable packet below! Click Here to grab the packet!
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
The Enneagram and Motivations Why you do what you do makes you who you are. This is the key to knowing and understanding your type. Two different types may have the exact same behavior, but they are working from completely different motivations. This is fascinating to me, and the real core of the enneagram. So let’s go through the enneagram and motivations today! I’m going to do just a quick summary of each type on the blog, but I am also releasing today some beautiful printables that I think you will love! To get the entire summary, you can now print each type in the fun printables below. They are colorful and formatted simply on one sheet, while including all the points about each type’s motivates and a peek into their character. If you want all nine types in a packet format, they are available in the shop along with a ton more information on each enneagram type… Click Right Here! If you want a specific number, click the buttons for each type to find it in the shop! Or you can always browse the shop to find all of the enneagram products and printables that I have created just for you! Check out the shop! What Motivates Type 1? One’s are innately motivated by righteousness. What I mean by this is, they have in their mind a definite right way that things should be done in any given situation. They strive to do things this way, and avoid doing things, what they consider the wrong way. They judge themselves harshly in how well they are keeping up with this black and white way of life. One’s are keenly judgmental, and hold these standards so high that they are constantly disappointing themselves. This effort to do and essentially be good is the type one’s main driving force. Grab the printable about type one below: Type One Motivation Sheet What Motivates Type 2? The top motivations for two always come back to their relational side. They are in the heart triad, after all, meaning they feel first. However, their feelings are focused outwardly on others instead of what is going on with themselves. Much of their motivation comes from a deep place of wanting to be loved and accepted by others. Of course, we all want love and acceptance, but for the type two, this desire motivates them into action in a very specific way. They seek to provide needs and help others in hopes that this will in turn earn them love and the acceptance they so desire. Below is a complete sample (using type 2) of what the motivation sheets look like and include. Aren’t they fun? The blue boxes on the side, give a quick glance at the key motivations, while the right hand side is written out in descriptive detail about how our motivations make us and what that looks like in each type. I hope you enjoy these printables! Type 2 motivation sheet The Enneagram and Motivations Type 2 What Motivates Type 3? Type three is motivated by success. This will look different for each three depending on what their definition of success happens to be. Many three’s idea of success has been shaped by the influential people they grew up around. This would be parents, teachers, coaches, etc. who gave them an idea of what the “winning ticket” looked like. Threes naturally want to please others, this ties in to their motivation to succeed. If a parent stressed the idea of getting good grades as the picture of success, a type three would do everything in their power to get good grades. They have a strong will about them, that allows them to go after their desires in an almost cut-throat fashion. Find out even more about type three below… Type 3 Motivations Sheet What motivates Type 4? Fours are motivated by authenticity and beauty. This type does not put up with fake of any kind and cannot stand surface levels. Fours are deeply motivated by being their truest, raw versions of themselves, finding beauty in everything, including in pain and darkness, and desiring the same authenticity from others. They know that they are different and they wouldn’t want it any other way. Fours pride themselves in being their own unique expression of who they are, and will even go out of their way to make sure that they aren’t like everyone else. They don’t want to stand out in a “look at me- showy” sort of way, they just want to be themselves and be loved for who they are. More about fours… Type 4 Motivation Sheet What motivates type 5? Fives are motivated by independence and personal capability. If they want to know something, they are extremely fulfilled in figuring it out themselves. This gives them confidence and inner pride. Fives are also motivated to learn and research their interests. They will spend hours lost in discovering what they want to know most. This motivation of independence is carried throughout everything they do. Their inner world is so rich and multi-level that they can sometimes forget to let others in. Think of an iceberg, you see only it’s tip above the water, when in reality it’s bulk is hiding underneath the surface. Fives rarely share all the information, and especially if it is personal. More about fives… Type 5 Motivation Sheet What Motivates Type 6? Sixes are motivated by finding and keeping security. Security is this overarching theme that in seeking for it, causes sixes to also live with anxiety. This anxiety can get twisted into type six’s motivation where the anxiety moves them to do things in the hopes of then having security. Sixes often choose the “safe” thing, or the thing that they have the most support for. Since they often don’t trust themselves, sixes look to others for approval, help with decision making, and ultimately for support or a sense of security. More about sixes… Type 6 Motivation Sheet What Motivates Type 7? Type Seven is motivated by satisfaction. They live this out in many different ways that can look like chasing “fun,” but it more than that. Being future oriented, sevens are always looking for the next thing that will make them happy or fulfill them. They want the experience of feeling satisfied in every aspect, delicious foods, travelling to new places, trying and seeing things they have never seen before. Seven’s love going to events and it truly is all about the experience no matter where they go. If they are at a restaurant, they want the food and the environment to be positive and exciting. More about Sevens… Type 7 Motivation Sheet What Motivates Type 8? Eights are motivated by being in control. They hate others trying to control them or telling them what to do. This isn’t just because they are stubborn or difficult, eights have a true sense of how to manage things well. They have such a strong confidence and a way about them, that they really rarely need someone to tell them what to do. They’ve already thought of it and figured out the most efficient way to move forward. Eights are also highly motivated by justice and protecting those who have no one on their side. They see an underdog like a personal mission, and have no problem saying or doing what is needed to stand up for others. When this type is at their best, they are natural leaders who move mountains, stop bullies, and make real change. More about eights… Type 8 Motivation Sheet What motivates type 9? Nines are motivated by their keen desire to have peace at all times. They see a flawed world full of waves and turmoil, and all they want is calm waters. This desire motivates everything they do… and everything they don’t do. Nines constantly try to “keep the peace.” This can mean mediating between to opposing sides in order to keep a larger argument from breaking out. They also have this keeping the peace methodology internally. Nines want both peace on the outside and a calm inner world into which they can retreat. They are willing to bend and do what is needed to allow for this sort of peace to happen. More about nines… Type 9 Motivation Sheet
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?
Love. What is it? What is love? Some would say love is caring deeply about someone. Others might say, putting the needs, desires and wants of others above your own is really what love means. What if love is attention? Then we have to ask, what is attention? The American Heritage Dictionary defines it this way: The act of close or careful observing or listening. The ability or power to keep the mind on something; the ability to concentrate. Notice or observation. Sounds a lot like the way we think of love doesn’t it? What if we took this idea and applied it to the enneagram types and their specific needs? Many of the types are gifted naturally at these skills of careful observing, listening, concentrating on what or who is in front of them. If this isn’t in your natural skill set, these are actually things you can get better at. Since everyone desires attention and careful observation in different ways, I have written a love letter to each enneagram type expressing what they specifically would like to hear. What better way to let someone know how much you care than by giving them a love letter? Right now you can grab the bundle! This includes love letters to ALL 9 types! And at the special price of only $25 Click the image above or the button below to get your love letter bundle: Love Letter Bundle to the 9 types Remember to give those around you the care and attention they deserve… it really does show the love they crave. Find out what message they need to hear from you. Spend time this week expressing your love in all the ways you can! Positivity really can change the world! It truly has a ripple affect! Thanks for reading, and keep on living life inspired. You might also like: Loving you community through the enneagram Enneagram 101 5 words each type needs to hear most
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!
