Bite-Sized Enneagram

If you’ve read a couple of my blog entries, you may have noticed I mention this crazy thing called the Enneagram. If you are unfamiliar with this awesomeness, I’d love to tell you all about it. I could talk for hours about the Enneagram and all the insights I’ve gained from it. Since that would take waaaaayyyyy too long for a blog post, here’s a quick overview and some trusted resources that may help you on your journey. After reading about the Enneagram, if you would like to discuss it with me personally, I would be happy to help you discover more about yourself.

*A quick disclaimer: This is not an in-depth description of the Enneagram, but more of an “elevator pitch.” There are many more aspects and layers.*

Amie’s Quick Intro to the Enneagram

Enneagram (pronounced any-uh-gram), is a personality typing tool that not only tells you about your personality characteristics, but it takes it a step further and tells you your “why.” The Enneagram asserts there are nine personality types and although we may have characteristics of or relate to each personality type, we have one that is our dominant way of interacting with the world.

What are the nine types?

Type 1: The Reformer

Type 2: The Helper

Type 3: The Achiever

Type 4: The Individualist

Type 5: The Investigator

Type 6: The Loyalist

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Type 8: The Challenger

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Why find out my Enneagram type?

One of my favorite examples is comparing each personality type to a pair colored sunglasses. Ones could have red glasses, Twos have blue, Threes have green, etc.

Let’s say you have always worn orange sunglasses and have constantly wondered why your spouse/roommate/sibling/parent/coworker never seems to see things as you do. And then one day they offer you their green sunglasses, and it all makes sense.

You have a chance to learn about their perspective and respect their differences. By understanding your own personality type (and the other eight types), we are able to view ourselves with more compassion and those we interact with.

Learning about your Enneagram type also provides an opportunity for personal growth. This is probably the biggest take away from learning your type. You have an opportunity to hear what are your strengths and your weaknesses. Many enneagram teachers have encouragement for each number to do their “work.” No matter where we are at in life, we can always be learning and growing and striving to be our best selves.

Who would the Enneagram be helpful for?

Whether you have coworkers, play a team sport or live with a roommate, the Enneagram can be extremely helpful. Basically, being a flawed human being living in a world with other human beings is what makes this tool so useful. It can help you answer the question: “why did they do/say/think that????”

When would I ever use this information?

ALL. THE. TIME.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much this has impacted my marriage. My husband and I discovered the reason we sometimes butted heads on certain topics, what we can do to communicate better with each other, and what to embrace about each other’s differences. He’s much more disciplined to my procrastinator tendencies; he has the patience for delayed gratification and I’m more of a “more now” person. Neither of us is better or worse than the other, but now we understand why there are road bumps at times.

How do you find out your type?

There are a few methods to discovering your type. There are tests you can take online, some free and some not. Those tests ask questions to help direct you to a number. There are some enneagram teachers who use an interview method to help you discover your number. Or you could read one of the many awesome resources to discern what number sounds the most like you.

Where can I find resources that can introduce me to the Enneagram?

I’m not claiming to be an expert. This post is more to point you in the direction of some true master teachers and help you on your journey. If you would like to explore the Enneagram on your own, I recommend visiting Beth McCord’s website https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ and taking her free test. This test may give you some guidance as to what number to study more and discern if you can relate to it.

Great Introductory Resources to the Enneagram

Books:

The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile

The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile

The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr

The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher Heuertz

Podcasts:

Typology https://www.typologypodcast.com/

The Road Back to You https://www.theroadbacktoyou.com/podcast

The Enneagram Journey https://www.theenneagramjourney.org/

Websites:

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/  (great explanations of each type, very thorough)

https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ (free test and good descriptions of each type)

Would you like someone to walk with you as you learn about the Enneagram and discover your number? I would love to be your guide! Email me at amie.houseofdreamsblog@gmail.com and we can set up a video chat or meeting, whatever works best.