The Enneagram: A Tool for Insight and Growth
The Enneagram is an ancient system that combines psychological and spiritual wisdom to help us better understand ourselves and others. Originating from various spiritual traditions, including early Christian mysticism and Sufi teachings, it has evolved into a powerful tool for personal development. The Enneagram isn’t just a personality test; it’s a psycho-spiritual lens through which we can view our deepest motivations and patterns of behaviour. By recognising these patterns, we gain the self-awareness necessary to move toward a more fulfilling and intentional life.
It’s important to note:
Our Enneagram number does not define us.
Instead, it highlights the patterns we unconsciously adopt to prove our value in the world. It serves as a mirror, reflecting how we navigate life rather than dictating who we are.
The Enneagram is a Lens:
The Enneagram is less about what you do and more about how you see. It reveals the core motivations behind your actions and responses to the world. While you may not be able to change the way you naturally perceive things, you can always choose how to act in response to those perceptions.
How I Use the Enneagram in Coaching:
I utilise the Enneagram to help you better understand your patterns and to grow in self-awareness. I focus on five key areas:
Purpose: Understanding what drives you at your core.
Core Fears: Identifying the fears that shape your behaviour.
Core Triggers: Recognising the situations that provoke strong emotional reactions.
Blind Spots: Highlighting the pitfalls you might unconsciously avoid.
Growing Edge: Identifying steps you can take to grow and evolve.
Three Dominant Ways of Interacting with the World:
Heart Types: Motivated by emotional responses and attuned to relationships, these types focus on self-worth and personal connections. They often manage their feelings to fit in emotionally with others.
Head Types: Guided by intellect, head types prioritise security by gathering information, analysing situations, and planning ahead. They seek to control their environment through mental clarity and foresight.
Body Types: Grounded in gut instincts, body types are motivated by control, autonomy, and action. They rely on their immediate reactions and a strong sense of right and wrong to navigate the world.