The Rarest Enneagram Type After learning about the enneagram, you may have wondered what type is the most rare of all the types. Are there more or less of certain types in the world? Today we are going to talk about the rarest enneagram type, which happens to be enneagram type four. Of all the types, there are fewest enneagram type fours in the world. In a way, this is perfectly fitting as well as ironic since fours long to be unique and set apart from others. They would probably be delighted to know that they are in fact, the most different, and the rarest of the enneagram types. Why are there less fours? This question is harder to answer. Could it be that culture simply skews the numbers toward other types? Possibly. We have no way of really knowing why there are more of a certain number than another. What makes fours so unique? 1.Fours like to be unique outwardly as well as inwardly. They value aesthetically pleasing surroundings as well as style and the way they present themselves. This alone will set them apart from others in their own way. They also have a dynamic inner world; a sanctuary safe and strong. This inner world is a place they can explore their feelings, and retreat to whenever needed. 2. There is no emotion that a four finds uncomfortable. In fact, fours embrace all feelings, and can be found contently sitting in melancholy or delight. Unlike other numbers, Fours don’t feel the urge to “fix things.” They can simply be with you in a strong emotion. More than other types, you will also see all the emotions in a four. They can be a dramatic roller coaster with high highs, and low lows. 3. No one is deeper than a four. One thing a four can’t stand is small talk. They want to talk about the things that really matter in life, and they want to know that they matter. What is the meaning? How do you feel about this? What is the purpose of life? They want to deep dive into the heart of the matter, and leave all that surface stuff which feels “fake-y” behind. Religion, politics, existential crisis… fours are always ready for these conversations. Are you a type four? Do you know a type four? I hope this helped you understand the rarest type on the enneagram. We love those fours! You might also like these posts: Enneagram Type 4 and Fictional Characters Love Letters to Enneagram Types 3, 4, & 5! Grab the poster below by clicking This Button! More Enneagram Printables!
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 (types 3&4) Harry Potter and the Enneagram (types 3 &4) Fictional characters really help us get a handle on what an enneagram type might look like. Though typing fictional characters isn’t always accurate, its a fun way to see the enneagram types in a different light. This week, we are focusing on Harry Potter and the enneagram (types 3&4)! Let’s take a look at who in the Harry Potter Series represents these two types well, and what we can learn from them. Draco Malfoy: Enneagram Type 3 Unfortunately, we see many qualities of the darker side of type three come out in Draco Malfoy. It begins innocent enough with typical grade school competition, but Draco quickly moves into a space of making everything about being “the best,” no matter the cost. He is willing to step others, exclude others, and actually hurt others to achieve his goals. When famous Harry Potter turns down a friendship with Draco, it intensifies his already competitive spirit. He assumed Harry would automatically buddy up to him. Maybe, he even had visions of the future, of them being the leaders of the pack together. Some of that fame may have looked good on him. However instead, Draco is humiliated (something that enrages type 3) in front of everyone, and an arch enemy in born. Types threes are defined by their success or their failure, and feel an immense amount of pressure keeping these to opposites in balance. We know that much is expected of Draco from his family, especially his Father. He only feels accepted or loved through performing well, which is compounded over time, causing him to double down in hopes to live up to achieving what is expected of him. James Potter: Enneagram Type 3 Similarly to Draco Malfoy, James Potter was also a very charming and competitive character. He was very popular, and well liked by most, although he had a mischievous streak that often got out of hand. He led his group of friends to taunt and teas Severus Snape, merely because he could. Under the surface, we see motivations of wanting to show others that he was better, had power, and could do whatever he wanted. His character matures and begins to change after his relationship with Lily gets serious. She is the influencing force that brings out the good in him. Those same characteristics that led his friends in school, developed into leading others in war against evil. James’ confidence, enthusiasm, and focus are what made him an excellent leader during the fight against Voldemort. Type threes are often in leadership roles because others are naturally drawn to them. The tricky thing is not letting that go their heads. Threes have a hard time being honest with themselves at times, especially in the intelligence center of feelings. As long as they’re performing well, threes can ignore important things that are going on inside, or with their relationships. Moaning Myrtle: Enneagram Type 4 Moaning Myrtle is the ghost that hangs around in the girl’s bathroom… the very place she died. It’s like she is reliving her death over and over, and soaking in all the melancholy, deep feelings that tie her to that place. In true type four fashion, she’s totally fine re-living the past (withdrawn stance) and sort of wallowing in all the wrongs that have been done to her. When she gets the chance, she talks to some of the students about the tragedy of her death. And even says statements like: “I was just sitting in the U-bend, thinking about death…” Moaning Myrtle Not only is Moaning Myrtle in touch with her feelings, but she is temperamental, individualist, romantic, and a little bit quirky. She enjoys the fact that she is a mysterious being, and surrounding her death is a huge secret. She will never be seen as she truly is, because she’s now a ghost. A type four longs to be seen, known, and understood. They spend most of their lives feeling out of place, different, and like they don’t belong. Furthermore, fours have a longing for what is missing, and become easily envious of others. This is played out so well in the character of Moaning Myrtle. She literally can’t have anything that the rest of the characters have. Myrtle missed out on much of her life, and now she is stuck watching everyone do things she can’t do. This abandoned feeling is an emotion fours relate to well. I hope you enjoyed reading about these Harry Potter characters and what their enneagram types explain about them! Who are your favorite characters? What type do you think they are? You might also like: Enneagram Type 3 and Fictional Characters Enneagram Type 4 and Fictional Characters Enneagram Type 4 and Spiritual Practices Want to know more about the all the enneagram types? Grab the overview packet below! It includes all the basics for each type! Yes! I want this packet! I want the quiz bundle! Check out even more enneagram instant downloads by clicking the button below: Yay! Enneagram downloads!
Enneagram Type 4 and Spiritual Practices Spiritual practices enrich our lives in many ways. A practice can add rhythm and structure to your day. A daily discipline grounds you mentally, and continually gives you benefits from that initial place of centering. When you combine the enneagram with a daily spiritual practice, the growth and benefits sky-rocket! Today, we are focusing on enneagram type 4 and spiritual practices that will best fit this type. It is my experience that type fours are quite familiar and comfortable with spiritual practices. More than other types, enneagram type four enjoys exploring a variety of spiritual practices. “Going deep,” is sort of type four’s specialty, so they naturally thrive in the area of spirituality. Nothing is too strange, taboo, or far fetched, for these hearty feelers. I love and appreciate the openness of fours. Their attitude makes it possible for growth, and deep diving on many levels. In fact they are so good at searching through their own feelings and exploring their own soul, that the spiritual practice I am going to recommend is quite the opposite. The Spiritual Practice for Enneagram Type Four If you’ve been following the series, you know that we all have practices that come easy to us. We call these down-river practices. They are natural and comfortable, but don’t necessarily make us grow tremendously. Practices that are uncomfortable and challenging, we call up-river practices. We want to focus on these up-river practices because they force us to grow the most. Each type has a certain practice that will help them develop into a higher, healthier version of themselves. Check out previous posts in the series here: Enneagram Type One and Spiritual Practices Enneagram Type Two and Spiritual Practices Feasting as a Spiritual Practice The practice I am recommending for type four, is feasting. How is feasting a spiritual practice? Feasting is about celebrating. Usually the focus is on a certain individual, cause, or for a certain purpose. Feasting develops three things: 1. Hospitality 2. Generosity 3.Community Why is Feasting a good spiritual practice for fours? Fours have access to hospitality, generosity, and community building, but it is often hidden. They spend a lot of time dwelling on their own feelings, as well as past occurrences. Fours are naturally inward focused, as well as past focused. So then, the practice of feasting brings type four to the present, as well as pulls them out of their inner world. It allows them to bless others in a new and creative way, using their skills of relating, and deepening relationships through connection. Furthermore, type four has a beautiful ability to sit with. Meaning, no matter what someone is going through, a type four can listen and not be scared off by big feelings. This comes in handy at a gathering, and becomes a blessing when the four allows it to be. How to Practice Feasting… Plan it. The first step of feasting, is deciding who or what you are celebrating. This isn’t just a pot luck, feasting is all about meaning, honor, and being present. Who do you want to honor? What meaning to you want to bring to this gathering? How can you make sure you and your guests stay present to yourselves and those around you? Decide What Matters To You. What colors will evoke the meaning you are trying to initiate? Will there be music playing to add to the mood? Add special lighting, or light candles. What food will you make, and how will you present it? How will you serve the drinks to make people feel welcome, and feel honored? Conversation. To really celebrate, words need to be spoken, and honor needs to be given where honor is due. How will you incorporate this into your feasting time? Depending on your purpose, you can also add conversation cards, or a game to help people stay on track or in the moment. The key is in the connection, and the combination of hospitality, generosity, and community being developed. Practice. Add feasting to your weekly or monthly calendar. To make it stick, you need repetition. This will become something you really look forward to. You will begin to look for people and things to celebrate! Thanks for reading! I hope you found these ideas about feasting helpful! You might also like: How to Create a Space For Your Spiritual Practice Enneagram Type 4 and Fictional Characters Want to learn more about the enneagram and all 9 types? Check out the packet below including an overview of each type! Grab the 9 Types Overview Packet using the button below: 9 Types Overview Packet!
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: Types 4,5, & 6? Last week, we started this series on what we are chasing after. These distractions and subconscious patterns can really take us down paths we never meant to go on. This week, “What are you chasing: types 4,5, and 6?” will focus on these three types, their chase, and tools to help each type derail this seemingly endless chase. Read last week’s post here (types 1, 2, & 3) For each enneagram number, the chase looks very different. When we are unaware, our chase can not only control us, but continue long after it should have run its course. However, if we are willing to go deeper beyond the surface level, we can discover: why we are chasing what we are chasing we can find the healthier path to get what we really want out of life 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? What are your core motivations? Are you being honest with yourself? What parts of yourself have you been ignoring? Have you been putting feelings aside, skipping over taking time to think through things? Or maybe you get stuck in thinking and feelings, and never quite get around to doing. These important questions can really help you pinpoint what is going on with you. Pay attention to what comes up when you ponder these thoughts and ideas. what are you chasing? Type Four Let’s jump in and take a look at enneagram type four. The chase of the four centers around authenticity, belonging, and being unique. At first glance, these strivings seem harmless, even dare I say, beautiful? When there are healthy boundaries around these longings they can be lovely, but notice the words striving, and longing… Type four’s chase turns dangerous when they are striving after authenticity, belonging, and being unique. This becomes a distraction and they miss the beauty they could be embracing that is happening all around them. They feel they are missing out in a big way. While they are stuck in their feelings of missing out… here comes the irony, they actually miss out on life. Tools to derail the chase for Fours Go for a walk. This can be a great re-set for fours. Changing their environment, particularly if they can find a beautiful place to hike or take in nature. The outdoors have a deep healing capability and can reach fours in a way that is very unique. This also takes the focus off of comparing with others and what they might be missing out on. The real challenge for fours is to stay out of their own minds while out on the walk. If this is a struggle, bring along inspiring music. Make a playlist of songs that lift your mood and help you focus on positivity. Connecting and celebrating with others To get out of their chase, fours can reach out to others to connect. Fours are particularly good at seeing others and accepting whatever is real in the moment. This can be used in a positive way to derail their chase and also help a friend. Finding someone who is in worse shape than you, and connecting with them or even celebrating them will work like a tonic to your soul. Join in, and their will be no room for comparison or feelings of not belonging. Spend time with these people that love you for your authentic self, this will fill you up like nothing else. Type Five Type five is chasing knowledge and capability. The more they can know and the more they can do independently, the more confident and safe the type five feels. A thirst for knowledge and skills seems like something to be admired, so what is the danger? Just like all other numbers, this becomes the type five’s obsession and closes them off from growth. The chase of knowledge can turn into walls for the type five, keeping others out and also keeping the five from taking action. Their chase keeps them distracted by what seems good, but inevitably keeps them away from what they really need: connection. Learning, planning, and acquiring knowledge are all good things, but they can keep the type five from doing what needs done, and being with others. Tools to derail the chase for Fives Be Uncomfortable. Not what you expected… right? Fives are really good at staying inside their comfort zones, and building up walls of protection. The problem is, you can’t grow inside those walls. Do something at least once a week that is uncomfortable for you. This will break up those patterns that keep you from growing. It doesn’t have to be something huge and scary. Choose something small every week (you can even research ideas first)! For example: Talk to someone you wouldn’t normally talk to. Go somewhere you don’t want to go with a friend (at the last minute)! Stay at an outing an half an hour after you feel like leaving. These are small ideas, but you will feel yourself making the effort and that is where the change begins to happen. Your awareness that these are hard things for you, will begin a new pattern of growth and change inside you. Leap before you have all the answers I know. Another shocker! This is quite the opposite of a type five’s instincts. Usually I say, trust your instincts, follow the voice inside you, but part of the struggle here is too much researching and too little action. Fives want to know that they are completely capable before beginning, but this just isn’t realistic. Be okay with knowing a little, and jumping in anyway. It’s okay to leap before you have all the answers. You are allowed to make mistakes, you will still be highly respected and highly valued. In fact, getting going on what you’ve meant to get going on, will have a surprising effect on you. You will find that once you’re out there doing, you’re good at it. And it will feel good inside! Even the things you didn’t research… no one else will know but you. Type Six The type six is chasing safety and security. They ask all the questions, and seek after the things that make them feel most safe. Sixes are searching for situations where they can be prepared and have the most control. This chase can easily turn sour with over-vigilance and anxiety. It is impossible to control anything, and no one can be prepared for everything. This simple reality keeps the type six digging themselves in a deep hole. They want nothing more than a predictable life, but life is always unpredictable. This stresses them out, so they double down and try harder to be more prepared. And the chase goes on and on… Tools to derail the chase to type six Journaling The journal focus for type six needs to be: what things have I done that have went well for me? Sixes often forget that they have experience making good decisions and that things have gone well for them in the past. With every new doubt and dilemma, they feel anxiety rise up, full of what ifs. Journaling positive outcomes will help reinforce the fact that sixes make good decisions. Since they tend to doubt themselves, this is a perfect “derailing practice” for them. With consistency, this journaling focus will help type six develop confidence, and come to realize that they can trust their decisions and their instincts. Do it scared. Type six can walk circles around a decision with fear leading the chase. What if this happens, what if that happens, what would I do if… and on and on anxiety and doubt will go. What if you just did it scared? This is what true courage is after all, and the virtue of the type six. This means that it’s possible. That you can do things that you don’t think you can do. And when you do things that are hard and scary, they make you stronger and courageous! Before you do it scared… It might help to talk things all the way through. We know that the type six verbally processes and processes in real time, the moment happening right now. Choose someone who is willing to listen to do this. Talk out all your worst case scenarios and take them all the way to the end. Usually, you will find that even in your talking it through version of the scenario, things turned out okay. And even if the worst happened, you have someone there willing to support you. Notes to remember for all types As you are becoming more self-aware and making efforts to grow, be kind to yourself. It’s hard to make changes, and it’s best if you don’t do it alone. Let someone know that you are on the journey, maybe they can join you and you can lighten each others load. Remember that it is a journey. It takes time to notice your chase, practice to pause and pivot towards healthy choices, and to turn these into habits. It really is a life long effort, and one that is worth pursuing for yourself and all the people you love. Thank you for reading! It is my hope that these words have brought you some inspiration. Blessings, peace, and joy to you on your journey! You might also like: Enneagram type 6 and fictional characters Enneagram Type 5 and fictional characters Behind the scenes of enneagram type 4 Grab this type 4 printable here grab this type 5 overview here Grab this overview of type 6 here
Enneagram type 4 and Fictional Characters The thing about enneagram type fours that is most noticeable is their intensity. Whether up or down, type fours aren’t afraid to embrace the emotion they are in. Let’s take a look at the enneagram type 4 and fictional characters. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) Enneagram type 4 and fictional characters Talk about intensity… Anne Shirley is the Queen of ups and downs. She is famous for her dramatic responses. Remember how she must have puffed sleeves? She focuses on this as a life or death need. She also uses phrases like, “I’m in the pit of despair!” and names every tree and special place in Green Gables, in awe of the beauty in her surroundings. Type four is also known for their tendency to compare themselves to others and count themselves short. Anne is always wishing she had any color of hair, but the red locks she has. “If only…” then I would be happy. “How would it feel to have beautiful raven locks?” Fours go deep fast. Almost instantly, Anne decides that she and Diana will be bosom buddies, best friends forever. Type four hates the mundane and shallow, they long for depth of meaning and express this openly, as Anne does constantly. Marilla is often scolding Anne for neglecting her chores, instead finding her singing a sonnet or reciting a poem. Playing pretend is one of Anne’s favorite things to do. This lets her escape the boring reality of her situation. Often times, she finds herself in her imagination, a safe and beautiful place to be when the world outside has rejected and scorned her. Luna Lovegood Enneagram Type 4 and Fictional Characters What’s not to love? Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter Series, shows us the mystical side of fours. She loves to believe in the strange and magical. Even for the magical world, she edges on the bizarre and non-typical. She is open to others opinions, and values everyone as equal. This is a beautiful and disarming feature of four. They are open-hearted and accepting, making others feel loved and brought in easily. Luna often seems like she is living in her imagination, daydreaming and almost floating along. She also understands the darker side of life and is not afraid of it. Only people who have seen death in their lives can see the Thestrals (the skeleton-horses that pull the carriages to Hogwarts). Both Harry and Luna can see them. Everyone else thinks the carriages simply pull themselves. Luna really takes this in stride, allowing the deep emotion to linger and even sharing it with Harry. Marianne Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility) Enneagram type 4 and fictional characters You have probably heard a type four referred to as, “The Romantic Individualist.” This title fits Marianne Dashwood through and through. She would never settle for someone down to earth, and boring! (or would she)? Type fours, like Marianne, are also known for their idealistic nature. They have high hopes and dreams for a perfect world, or partner, or lifestyle. Fours love to daydream and get lost in these notions of finding their perfect… whatever it may be. As we see with Marianne, what looks like an exciting romantic partner, may not be what actually compliments type 4. She finds a harmonious partner in the unexpected, ordinary Colonel Brandon. When she overlooks him in the beginning, it is mostly because he is not her romantic ideal. She hasn’t imagined herself with someone so “boring.” But we see that he adds the balance to her dramatics that she so desperately needs. We also see Marianne’s “four-ness” affect her sister Eleanor’s life. Marianne just can’t understand how Eleanor can be so emotionless about the man she loves. In her eyes, Eleanor needs to speak up about her feelings for Edward, or risk losing him. Marianne also shows the hot and cold of the type four well. When things are going well for her, she is singing and dancing and the most joyous woman who ever lived. When she is faced with disappointment, her pit of despair is so deep she can barely crawl out of it. Thanks for taking a look at this intuitive, sensitive, and passionate enneagram type 4 through these fictional characters with me! I hope you enjoyed it! To learn more about type four check out the links below: Behind the scenes of enneagram type 4 Is your enneagram passion controlling your life? Want to download this enneagram type 4 overview? I want the download! enneagram type 4 and fictional characters Want even more enneagram downloads? Follow the link below to see all of my creations for all things enneagram! enneagram downloads please!
