I am currently reading/studying several books on the Enneagram… a personality system that describes nine distinct and different patterns. Patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. It is uncanny how accurate they are. The first book that I started with is The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide, by David Daniels, M.D. and Virginia Price, Ph.D. I have also read sections of other Enneagram books, some call the nine personality types by different names but the types are the same and the designated numbers correspond across the board.
As I was looking through several books in Borders…alas, they did not have the one book I wanted… I was struck with the sensation that these people knew me just too darn well! Right down to the details of what could possibly be the catalyst in childhood for the development of my personality type. Some of the books seemed to put a more positive spin on some of the types, making them more palatable, but that could just be my perception.
I am a seven. Some books call that the epicure, others the adventurer or enthusiast. I happen to like the enthusiast term better… but the bottom line is the same.
The nine types are as follows:
Type 1 Perfectionist
Type 2 Giver
Type 3 Performer
Type 4 Romantic
Type 5 Observer
Type 6 Loyal Skeptic
Type 7 Epicure
Type 8 Protector
Type 9 Mediator
I will discuss these in more detail soon but I found this cute tongue in cheek summation of the characteristics of each type.
Now that you are familiar with the nine possibilities of personality, let’s imagine that a group of all nine types are going on a journey together.
Along the way they encounter a river they must cross. Each of these types is unaware of their true nature and unconsciously confronts the river in their own compulsive way.
Crossing the River in Styles
ONES approach the river from the one and only perfect place to cross.
TWOS start to cross the river then double back to help others cross. As they continue to do this, they never get to cross the river themselves.
THREES wait at the edge until they are the center of attention. Then they wear their best and do attractive strokes.
FOURS use a variety of fancy styles and even do a water ballet.
FIVES never get into the river. They hide behind trees and take notes on what everybody else does.
SIXES stride into the water and do the traditional over-arm stroke.
SEVENS splash and dive and generally have a party, and it doesn’t matter if they never cross the river.
EIGHTS march into the water and swim upstream – against the current.
NINES amble into the water and float downstream with the current.
These humorous insights into the Enneagram types captures our nature when we are locked into the “box of personality.” ** (about.com)
Filed under: Enneagrams, Personal Growth
