Over the next 9 weeks, I will focus on one type and explore how each type’s blind spots contribute to their own suffering. At its core, the enneagram type system describes archetypal patterns that direct our attention and make sense of the world. The enneagram provides an astonishingly accurate description of these ancient archetypal patterns and with it, a map of evolution and growth.
Once we identify our primary type, we have a window into our ‘false self’- the ego that has developed over time built to help us survive. And with that, comes a Shadow, that which isn’t conscious. We have repressed parts of ourselves because we view them as unacceptable.
In doing work through the lens of the enneagram, we are provided a pathway that is ancient, profound, wise, mystical, and so darn cool! As we journey in our own growth, among the many things we realize is that we contribute to our own suffering. We can no longer point the finger at others for not seeing us, appreciating us, hurting us etc. We have to bring out a magnifying glass to what motivates us, why we are doing what we’re doing, and challenge this set of beliefs. In this exploration we need to both challenge ourselves and bring compassion to ourselves.
Starting with the body centre, then the heart centre, and finally the head centre, I will describe some ways that particular type may be sabotaging you, contributing to your own suffering, and keeping you unconscious, a small version of your essential self.
As you read your type, you’ll notice that not all fit you- that’s a-ok. As you read them take note of your reaction- ‘ew that’s true’, ‘how could she say that about me?!’, ‘she doesn’t know what she’s talking about’, ‘busted’ etc. You might want to write down the list and identify the ones that resonate most even though they are super uncomfortable. This is a chance to shine some light into that shadow, to be honest, humble, sad, clear, kind, angry etc.
8
- Nobody can do it as well as me
- I can’t trust others to do it well
- If it’s not done to my standards, I’ll just do it
- There are people who are a victim of injustice and I need to fix it
- If someone does me wrong I’ll get back at them
- Only the strong survive. There is no place for weakness
- I’m invincible
- I expect me and everyone to say exactly what they think
- If you betray me there is no getting back into my inner circle
- If you said you were going to do it then I expect it to be done and well
Work with It
Which of the above statements is accurate for you?
Choose one that you want to work on.
When you see yourself doing that thing, ask yourself:
- How am I limiting myself?
- What am I protecting myself from?
- How have I just contributed to this in a negative way?
- How am I feeling as I recognize how I’m contributing to my own suffering?
- What is one small thing I could do differently that relaxes this?