Enneagram - The Stories of Each Type
I hope you’ve been enjoying learning about the Enneagram! I mentioned in a previous newsletter - Enneagram Center of Intelligence that each type functions predominantly from either the Body, Heart, or Head Center of Intelligence and through child development and life circumstances we block parts of who we are and develop a preference for only one center. We grew comfortable navigating life with one center and believe it is the only way to approach life.
Also during childhood, we began to tell ourselves a different story about who we are and what we need to do in order to be successful, be happy, or just to survive.
These stories have served us well at different times in life, but it is important to take time to reflect and see if they are still serving us or if they’re holding us back. Let me share a brief overview of the stories each Enneagram type may tell themself:
~ Type One, sometimes referred to as The Perfectionist, may have developed the story that they must always strive for perfection and that their worth is based on their ability to be good, right, and just. They believe that they must always do the right thing, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness.
~ Type Two, also called The Helper, may have developed the story that they are needed and valuable because of their ability to help others. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be caring, supportive, and generous to those around them.
~ Type Three, is known as The Achiever. They may have developed the story that they must always be successful and achieve great things in order to be happy and feel worthwhile. They believe that their worth is based on their accomplishments and their ability to impress others.
~ Type Four’s nickname is The Individualist, they may have developed the story that they are special and unique, and that their worth is based on their ability to express their individuality and emotions. They believe that they must always be true to themselves, even if it means feeling different or alone.
~ Type Five, sometimes referred to as The Investigator, may have developed the story that they must always be knowledgeable and competent in order to feel secure and valuable. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be independent and self-sufficient, and that they must conserve their energy and resources.
~ Type Six, otherwise known by their moniker The Loyalist, may have developed the story that they must always be loyal and committed to their relationships and groups in order to feel safe and secure. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be responsible, dependable, and trustworthy.
~ Type Seven’s are often called The Enthusiast, and may have developed the story that they must always be optimistic and avoid pain and discomfort in order to be happy and fulfilled. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be spontaneous, adventurous, and fun-loving.
~ Type Eights are known as The Challenger. They may have developed the story that they must always be strong and powerful in order to protect themselves and others. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be assertive, confident, and in control.
~ Type Nine’s nickname is The Peacemakers, they may have developed the story that they must always be peaceful and avoid conflict in order to feel comfortable and accepted. They believe that their worth is based on their ability to be supportive, harmonious, and accommodating to others.
It's important to note that these stories are not necessarily accurate or healthy, and that each type can benefit from challenging and reframing their beliefs. The Enneagram is a tool for self-awareness and growth, and can help individuals identify and transform their limiting patterns of thought and behavior.
Understanding the limitations of these stories can be a powerful first step in rewriting one's beliefs, as it can help individuals become more aware of the ways in which their beliefs may be holding them back or limiting their potential for growth and fulfillment. Here are some ways in which understanding the limitations of these stories can help someone rewrite their beliefs:
Recognizing the underlying fears and motivations: Each Enneagram type’s story is driven by a core fear or motivation, which can sometimes be unconscious or difficult to identify. By understanding the limitations of their story, individuals can begin to recognize the underlying fears and motivations that may be driving their beliefs and behaviors, and work to develop a more conscious and intentional approach to meeting their needs and desires.
Challenging limiting beliefs and assumptions: Each Enneagram type's story is based on certain assumptions and beliefs that may be limiting or inaccurate. By questioning these assumptions and beliefs, individuals can begin to identify and challenge their own limiting beliefs, and develop a more flexible and open-minded approach to life.
Cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion: By understanding the limitations of their story, individuals can become more self-aware and compassionate towards themselves, recognizing that their beliefs and behaviors are not fixed or immutable, but rather the result of complex and often unconscious factors. This can help them approach their own growth and development with greater kindness and understanding, and work towards more authentic and fulfilling ways of being.
Overall, understanding the limitations of these stories can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation, helping individuals to rewrite their beliefs and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Let me know which of those stories do you seem to relate to the most? Also, let me know if you would like to work on releasing any parts of your story that are holding you back, we can talk about it on a free 30 minute Connecting Call.
With you and for you!
