Understanding the Nine Enneagram Types

The Enneagram is a fascinating lens through which to learn about yourself. It focuses on your underlying motivations (anger, fear, shame) rather than your actions. This focus can give it a bit more of a "negative" framing which at first can feel daunting, but the more you explore, the more you find how powerful it can be. 

In the Enneagram, there are 9 basic types and then it gets more complicated with wings, integration / disintegration points, instincts, and tri-types. But you don't need to understand those in the beginning. Figuring it all out is a process of discovery overtime and how the growth unfolds. 

Enneagram Institute: How the Enneagram System Works

Enneagram Institute: Type Descriptions

The Narrative Enneagram: Tour the 9 Types

I'm a Type 9w1, with a self-preservation instinct, often called the Peacemaker. Type 9s can be described as follows (from the Enneagram Institute):

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring Agreeable, and Complacent
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. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

Basic Fear: Of loss and separation
Basic Desire: To have inner stability "peace of mind"
Enneagram Nine with a One-Wing: "The Dreamer"
Key Motivations: Want to create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them.

Websites/Facebook Groups

Progressive Enneagram
The Progressive Enneagram facebook group is the gateway for all progressive enneagram tests and other progressive enneagram endeavors. This is a group site to help those who are new or relatively new to the enneagram to learn the basics and take a few steps (maybe the first few) along the road of self-discovery. 

Enneagram Place
Facebook group hosted by Ian Morgan Crone. A place of safe conversation to talk about the Enneagram to help you become your best and truest self. 

The Enneagram Institute
The Enneagram Institute®, formed in 1997 by the late Don Richard Riso and by Russ Hudson, was formed to further research and development of the Enneagram, one of the most powerful and insightful  tools for understanding ourselves and others.   At its core, the Enneagram helps us to see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge. 

The Narrative Enneagram
The Narrative Enneagram is an educational nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives and creating a more compassionate world. Our mission is to refine and advance Narrative Tradition programs to transform human consciousness through our unique and unparalleled curriculum, which integrates psychological, spiritual and somatic practice.

Podcasts

Podcasts can be especially helpful when trying to determine your type. I've gotten valuable insights by listening to people talk about how their type manifests in their lives. Different types often have a different "energy" that comes through in interviews. 

Personality Hacker 
Personality Hacker teaches you the coding language of your mind and how to use it to create great relationships - a fulfilling career and happiness. Covers various personality type models, including the Enneagram.

Typology
Welcome to Typology, a podcast that explores the mystery of the human personality and how we can use the Enneagram typing system as a tool to become our most authentic selves. Hosted by author, speaker, and counselor, Ian Morgan Cron, Typology features interviews with recognized Enneagram teachers, bestselling authors, psychologists, theologians, artists, business leaders, neuroscientists, and others who are using the Enneagram as a path for personal transformation.

The Enneagram Journey
Using the wisdom of the Enneagram, and ongoing discussion and conversation, we will grow compassion for ourselves and others, as well as a better understanding for why we do what we do!