I am the person who is not only intrigued by personality tests but also loves to take them. Now before you get the wrong idea this is not something I do often. I have found from the several tests I’ve taken that there are many parts that describe me very well. In the last several years, I discovered the Enneagram and haven’t looked back since. I love digging into the question of “who am I”?

Several years ago my son and daughter-in-law began reading The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Since they were living with me at the time, discussions sprung up over the content they were learning. This was my introduction into the Enneagram and the more we talked the more intrigued I became. Of course, if they knew what number they were then I wanted the same for myself. 

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram is a newer phenomenon for many of us, but history shows it has been around since 1915 when philosopher, George Gurdjieff, used it in his human development program. In the 1960s, Oscar Ichazo placed nine personality types on the Enneagram. While the Enneagram is used in the secular as well as the spiritual world, it is not affiliated with any particular denomination. At this point, you’re either shaking your head in an awareness of what I am talking about or you might wonder if I have lost my mind. Hopefully, you will follow along as I begin with a short definition of what the Enneagram is.

The Enneagram offers a way to manage personality through the practice of self-awareness. It supports us in becoming more effective in our lives, and it offers a path of opening our hearts and developing personal presence. www.enneagramatwork.com

The Enneagram Institute provides a comprehensive understanding of the Enneagram personality types as well as a test you can take to determine your own number. There are nine personality types and the belief is that we are all born with a dominant personality type. Our dominant type determines how we adapt to our environment. It is important to note that we do not fluctuate from type to another; one type isn’t better or worse than another, and if you dig deeper into your own Enneagram number you will find that not everything in your description applies to you at all times.

The Nine Personality Types

Ones – The Reformer or the Perfectionist – “Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake.”

Twos – The Helper – The Caring, Interpersonal Type – “Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing.”

Threes – The Achiever – Success-Oriented – “Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement.”

Fours – The Individualist – Sensitive, Introspective Type – “Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious.”

Fives – The Investigator – Intense, Cerebral Type – “Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills.”

Sixes – The Loyalist – Committed, Security-Driven Type – “The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy.”

Sevens – The Enthusiast – Busy, Fun-Loving Type – “Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined.”

Eights – The Challenger – Powerful, Dominating Type – “Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering.”

Nines – The Peacemaker – Easy-going, Self-effacing Type – “Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace.” 

Why the Enneagram and Why now?

The Enneagram is a tool that can teach you more about yourself -your identity. It is not meant to put who you are into a box, but instead, provide a way to grow in self-awareness. My own self-awareness journey is one that God has led me on ever since I retired from teaching. Understanding the Enneagram has helped me to gain a deeper knowledge of who I am and who God says I am. Knowing your personality type as well as those of your loved ones assists in growing those relationships. The difference it has made in my relationships with my sons and daughters-in-law is a blessing I thank God for every day.

The Enneagram is relevant, people are curious, and when we dive deeper into self-awareness we allow ourselves to see ourselves and the world differently. Beth McCord, Your Enneagram Coach, also shares,

The gift of the Enneagram is that through self-discovery, one can create and sustain meaningful and lasting relationships with others, God and themselves.

I love knowing that the Enneagram is not just a personality assessment but also a chance to deepen in our relationships with God and others.

I am praying for each of you in your own journeys to understanding who you are. The world shouts volumes of information at us daily. It is easy to get lost in the noise. The Enneagram is one way to bring greater clarity to the noise. I hope you will join me here for the next nine or ten weeks as we hear from some amazing writers as they describe what they know about themselves through the lens of their Enneagram numbers. It’s a series that you don’t want to miss.

EnneaWhat?? There's a lot of buzz going on about the Enneagram these days. Do you know what it is? Come join me for a series showcasing each number of the Enneagram written by some amazing writers.#EnneaWhat #newpost #TellHisStory Share on X

Blessings,

Resources

Books

The Road Back to You – by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile

The Path Between Us – by Suzanne Stabile

The Sacred Enneagram – by Christopher L. Heuertz

Self to Lose – Self to Find: A Biblical Approach to the 9 Enneagram Types – by Marilyn Vancil

Author Beth McCord – Click HERE to a link to her Amazon author page. She has just published a separate book for each Enneagram number and book on using the Enneagram in your marriage.

Podcasts

That Sounds Fun – Annie F. Downs – She had an Enneagram series on her podcast last summer. Click HERE to begin. #Enneasummer2019

The Enneagram Journey – Suzanne Stabile

Typology – Ian Cron

Sleeping at Last – Songs for each Enneagram number – Ryan O’Neal

**Affiliate links are being used. Thank you for supporting my blog.

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