The dance between being and becoming is much like the relationship between lovers—intimate, mysterious, and always in flux. Being is the quiet presence that holds us, the essence of who we are, unchanged by the world’s noise. Becoming is the movement, the reaching, the transformation that arises from engaging with life. These two lovers, though seemingly opposites are inseparable. Without being, becoming is frantic, directionless, and a wild chase for something that is always just out of reach. And without becoming, being is static, a comfortable but stagnant pool. The beauty of existence unfolds in the interplay of these forces—the stillness of our essence giving shape to the ever-unfolding flow of our lives.
Being is the nature, Essence, and substance of all physical objects, or mental objects, and all experienceable manifestations. It is the body, the feelings, the thoughts, the actions, the sounds, the sights, and the meanings. Being is everything. A. H. Almaas, Diamond Heart Book Five: Inexhaustible Mystery
There’s a moment in everyone’s life—probably several—when we’re forced to pause and ask: What am I becoming? It’s not a casual “How are you doing?” question. It’s deeper, like standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the life you’ve constructed, and realizing that maybe, just maybe, all that scaffolding isn’t holding you up the way you thought.
What is this process of becoming? It feels like trying to catch water in your hands—every time you think you’ve got it, it slips through your fingers. Becoming is more like shedding skin than putting on new armor. It’s less about gaining and more about releasing. Yet, in a world obsessed with more success, productivity, and visibility, how do we even begin to understand the subtle art of less?
I’ve often pondered the ancient Sufi teaching about polishing the heart—an image that evokes something both harsh and tender. The heart, they say, is like a mirror, and over time, it gets tarnished by the dust of life. We don’t become more by adding layers but by clearing away the debris. Becoming isn’t about acquiring anything; it’s about reclaiming what was always there—the mirror, pristine and whole, waiting to reflect the truth.
How does the potentiality inherent to the soul become actuality? How does potential for experience become experience? How does potential for forms of knowledge become actual knowledge, manifest and perceptible forms? What is responsible for the inner infinite riches of the soul becoming manifest? The soul must possess a property or properties that allow her to translate her hidden treasures from the obscurity of potential to the light of actuality. A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home
A Question to Sit With
Here’s a question: When was the last time you thought about what you’re genuinely becoming rather than what you’re achieving?
In modern life, we’re bombarded with messages telling us we’re incomplete and need to be more intelligent, thinner, wealthier, and successful. There’s always a product or a program that promises to fix what’s broken. But what if nothing is broken? What if, like that mirror, the essence of who you are has never been damaged—just covered over by the grit and grime of everyday existence?
If this is the case, then becoming is less like building a skyscraper and more like peeling an onion. You’re not adding floors to your life; you’re stripping away layers. What are you becoming when you stop trying to become something?
A question expresses both the fertile openness of true nature and the love that characterizes the dynamic creative force of that nature. The question invites revelation because it’s love for knowledge engages Being’s love of revealing itself. A. H. Almaas, The Void: Inner Spaciousness and Ego Structure
The Mind’s Trick: Form Over Essence
We live in a world of forms, and forms are alluring. The career, the relationship, the house, and the status. We cling to these forms because they give us a sense of identity and security. But here’s the kicker—forms are temporary. They change, they crumble, they fade. And if we’ve built our entire identity on them, it’s a bit like building a sandcastle and expecting it to last through the tide.
No form can be outside the oneness of Being. To perceive or conceive of a form we have to see that it is an inseparable part of the oneness, for no form can be outside the oneness of being. A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home
Ancient spiritual teachings from Buddhism, Sufism, or the Diamond Approach® remind us that essence is what endures. Essence is the part of us that isn’t bound by the temporary conditions of life. But in a culture that worships productivity, it’s easy to mistake the form for the substance. We’ve been taught to measure ourselves by what we do rather than who we are.
Isn’t it curious how we often run from the very thing that could set us free? Why are we so afraid of what’s underneath all the layers of doing and achieving?
The Body Remembers
Here’s the thing about becoming—it’s not just a mental or emotional process; it’s physical. Becoming happens in the body as much as it happens in the mind. Your body remembers things your mind has long forgotten, and listening closely enough will guide you toward what’s true. Becoming asks you to embody your truth, not just intellectualize it.
Take the vagus nerve, that long, wandering highway that connects your brain to your gut. It’s not just the highway; it’s the signaler, the translator. The nerve lets you feel calm, grounded, and alive in your skin. The vagus is always quietly orchestrating this dialogue between mind and body, like a subtle symphony of being. If we listened more closely to our bodies, perhaps we’d recognize that becoming isn’t about racing forward but sinking deeper into the present.
Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score
Quantum Becoming?
And then, there’s the question of time. Becoming feels linear, right? First, we’re one thing, and then we’re something else. But quantum physics—bless its mind-bending perspective—reminds us that time and space are far more fluid than we like to think. What if becoming is less like walking a path and more like unfolding from the inside out?
Like quantum particles that exist in a state of potential until observed, maybe we, too, hold within us infinite potential until we focus our attention, collapse the wave, and step into a particular version of ourselves. Every choice, every moment of awareness, collapses the field of infinite possibilities into the life we’re living. But that doesn’t mean we’re bound to that particular outcome forever. Every moment is another chance to become something else—maybe even to “unbecome” everything we thought we should be.
The difference between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. Carlo Rovelli, The Order of Time
The Gateway to Becoming
And here’s where curiosity comes in. If you’ve ever had that moment of “I wonder what would happen if I…”—you’ve tapped into the engine of becoming. Curiosity isn’t about finding answers; it’s about staying open to the unfolding. It’s that childlike wonder that says, “What if?” What if I stopped striving? What if I let go of that need to control everything? What if I allowed myself to become whatever life is pulling me toward?
Curiosity is always there, a certain attitude or movement that we’re capable of at any time. And curiosity opens the joy. Joy is curious. Joy is curiosity. As you love the truth, or as truth loves the activity you are engaged in, truth shines. A. H. Almaas, Diamond Heart Book Five
Becoming isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s about slowing down, stepping back, and stopping and stopping the endless cycle of self-improvement and productivity long enough to notice what’s happening underneath all that doing and stopping long enough to feel the pulse of life, the quiet hum of essence that’s been there all along.
And in that stillness, perhaps the most radical realization emerges: Becoming isn’t something we do; it’s something we allow. Life is the force of becoming, and we are its vessels. We’re not sculpting ourselves out of clay; we’re more like trees growing into our full shape, our branches stretching toward the light without forcing the process.
Allowing is not an active doing but is simply desisting from reifying concepts. We cease looking at the world through concepts and stop indulging this discriminating mentality. A. H. Almaas, Diamond Heart Book One: Elements of the Real in Man
So, the next time you’re tempted to ask, “What am I supposed to do?” consider shifting the question: “What am I becoming?” The answer may surprise you. Or, more likely, it will remain a mystery. And isn’t that the point?
What is real action? How does real action impact love and work?
In today’s world, where everyone is rushing to get things done, it’s easy to mistake busyness for real action. But have you ever paused to ask yourself, “Am I truly moving forward, or am I just stuck in the same spot?” This is where the idea of real action comes into focus—a concept that can change how we approach love and work.
A man must learn to act consciously, with intention. Most people live in a state of automatic action, without awareness. True action requires being present and aware of the reality of the moment. Gurdjieff
What Is Real Action?
Real action isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about moving through life with a sense of purpose and authenticity. Real action comes from the core of who you are, where your actions align with what truly matters to you. It’s like when you’re deeply engaged in a moment, fully present, and what you’re doing feels right.
Think about the difference between a leaf caught in the wind and a river flowing toward the sea. The leaf is in constant motion but is directionless, carried wherever the wind blows. The river, on the other hand, flows with intention, each ripple contributing to its journey. Real action is like the river—purposeful, grounded, and in harmony with your true self.
Real action arises naturally and spontaneously from the true nature of being. It is not something we force or contrive, but something that flows effortlessly when we are aligned with our essence. A. H. Almaas
The Impact of Real Action on Love and Work
When it comes to love and work, real action is the key to deeper connections and more meaningful engagement. Relationships are not just about doing things for the sake of it; they are about showing up as your authentic self, with all your vulnerabilities and strengths. It’s about letting your heart guide your actions rather than just going through the motions out of habit or fear.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. This action is not about exerting effort, but about aligning with the divine flow within you. Rumi
At work, real action transforms tasks into meaningful contributions. It’s about engaging with your work in a way that reflects your true purpose. When you act from a place of alignment, your work becomes more than just a series of tasks—it becomes a way of expressing who you are, bringing more satisfaction and fulfillment into your life.
In Traction: The Illusion of Progress
Now, let’s talk about being “in traction.” This is the state where you’re busy but not truly productive, like a car stuck in the mud with its wheels spinning. You’re in motion, but you’re not getting anywhere. “In traction” happens when we let “dynamic inertia” take over—a state where movement occurs, but it’s more about maintaining momentum than making real progress.
Dynamic inertia is a subtle force. It occurs when you’re constantly moving, doing, and reacting, but underneath it all, there’s no real change or growth. You’re caught in the momentum of your habits, driven by external pressures or internal fears rather than your true desires. This state of dynamic inertia can keep us stuck in patterns that feel like action but are just a way to avoid deeper engagement with life.
When you are able to transcend yourself, you will achieve true action. You will be like the wind that moves wherever it is called, fulfilling its purpose without resistance.” Meister Eckhart
The Anatomy of Real Action
To break free from dynamic inertia and “in traction,” we need to connect with what the Diamond Approach calls the “organ of action.” This isn’t a physical part of the body but rather an inner capacity that guides us toward actions aligned with our true nature. When you’re in touch with this inner guide, your actions flow naturally from a place of truth and purpose.
Imagine stepping out of a spinning wheel and onto solid ground. Suddenly, you’re no longer caught in the endless motion cycle without progress. Instead, you’re moving with intention, each step aligned with your true self. This is what real action feels like—clear, purposeful, and deeply connected to who you are.
Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself? Lao Tzu
Breaking Free from Dynamic Inertia
Escaping dynamic inertia isn’t easy, but it’s entirely possible. It starts with recognizing when you’re stuck in this state and asking yourself some tough questions: Am I moving because I’m driven by fear or habit? Or am I acting from a genuine connection to my true self?
Once you start seeing the patterns that keep you stuck, you can make different choices. This might involve stepping out of your comfort zone, facing fears, or letting go of habits that no longer serve you. But the reward is worth it—a life where your actions are not just motions but meaningful expressions of your deepest self.
In the silence of the heart, all action becomes possible. True action is born from this inner stillness and is untainted by the ego. Ramana Mahaarshi
The Dance of Real Action
Real action is not just about doing—it’s a way of being. It’s about fully showing up in your work, relationships, and life. When you live in this place, life becomes less about keeping up the momentum and more about moving in harmony with your true self.
When action arises from our true nature, it is inherently purposeful and aligned with the reality of the moment. It is action that is not only effective but also deeply meaningful, fulfilling the needs of both the situation and our inner being.” A. H. Almaas
Ultimately, the choice is yours: Stay in the comfort of dynamic inertia or step into the river of real action, where each move brings you closer to a life filled with connection, fulfillment, and purpose. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards—a life that feels genuinely lived—are worth every step.
The inner journey home is the manifest destiny of the soul, and the enlightenment drive is its dynamic force.
“Manifest destiny” is a term that refers to the belief held by many 19th-century Americans that it was their God-given right to expand the boundaries of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Manifest destiny is based on two key concepts: “manifest” and “destiny.”
“Manifest” means to make something clear or obvious, to reveal or to display. In the context of manifest destiny, it refers to the belief that it was clear and obvious that the United States was destined to expand its borders from coast to coast.
“Destiny” refers to the idea that a higher power predetermines events and that certain things are fated to happen. In the context of manifest destiny, it refers to the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory and influence across North America.
The concept of manifest destiny embodied the spirit of the American people in the 19th century, who saw themselves as chosen people with a divine mission to spread American civilization and values to the rest of the continent. It was seen as a way to bring democracy, Christianity, and prosperity to the land and to extend the reach of the United States across the continent.
However, manifest destiny was also used to justify the annexation of new territories and the displacement and exploitation of indigenous peoples, leading to significant conflict and tension throughout the 19th century.
The manifest destiny of self-realization
In this post, we explore the connection between manifest destiny and the path of self-realization or enlightenment. The Diamond Approach is a spiritual path emphasizing self-discovery and integrating different aspects of the self. It provides a useful framework for exploring this connection.
At the core of the Diamond Approach is the idea that each person has a unique and essential nature obscured by conditioning, beliefs, and other psychological and social factors. Self-realization involves uncovering and integrating these different aspects of the self, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s true nature and a greater sense of wholeness and fulfillment.
One way of understanding this process is as a journey home, in which the individual returns to their essential nature or divine origin. In this sense, the path of self-realization can manifest the soul’s (individual consciousness) destiny to awaken to reality and return home (its unconditioned state).
This concept of manifest destiny is particularly relevant in nondual spirituality, which emphasizes all things’ underlying unity and interconnectedness. Nonduality suggests that the separation between self and other, subject and object, is illusory and that the true nature of reality is undivided and indivisible.
In this context, the path of self-realization can be seen as a journey of integration and unification, in which the individual overcomes the illusions of separation and moves towards a deeper understanding of their true nature as part of the whole.
Manifest destiny can also be seen as a call to action, inviting individuals to take an active role in their self-discovery and in the larger unfolding of reality. This involves a sense of purpose and direction and a willingness to explore and engage with the challenges and opportunities that arise along the way.
It is important to approach the concept of manifest destiny with humility and caution, recognizing that the path of self-realization is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that each individual’s journey will be unique and multifaceted.
The concept of manifest destiny can be a useful framework for understanding the path of self-realization and enlightenment, particularly in nondual spirituality and the Diamond Approach. The journey of self-discovery and realization is a deeply personal and complex process that requires patience, persistence, and compassion.
The Enlightenment Drive
A. H. Almaas, the founder of the Diamond Approach to Self-realization, suggests a fourth drive in human beings that he calls the “enlightenment drive.” This drive is the dynamic force behind the soul’s journey home, aligning with its manifest destiny.
According to Almaas, the enlightenment drive is the innate human desire to know the truth, to understand the nature of reality, and to experience the highest levels of consciousness. This drive is distinct from Freud’s three drives of survival, sexual, and social, and is considered a more profound and universal drive that underlies all human action and motivation.
In manifest destiny, the enlightenment drive can be seen as the force that propels the soul on its journey home. It is the impulse that draws the individual towards realizing their true nature and integrating all aspects of the self.
The path of self-realization involves a deep exploration of the different dimensions of the self, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. This process is fueled by the enlightenment drive, which motivates the individual to move beyond the ego’s illusions and towards a more expansive and profound understanding of reality.
In this sense, manifest destiny is the recognition that the soul’s destiny is to awaken to its true nature, return home, and realize the inherent unity of all things.
Take note that the journey of self-realization is not a linear or straightforward process. It involves facing and integrating many aspects of the self and navigating the challenges of the journey and everyday life.
It is important to approach the concept of the soul’s manifest destiny with a critical eye and to recognize that the journey of self-realization is a complex and multifaceted process that requires deep inner work and a willingness to face profound periods of not-knowing.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of your personality? Look no further than the Enneagram, a model of personality types that has captivated self-discovery enthusiasts for the past 30 years.
I am excited to share my unique perspective on this fascinating system with you. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of the Enneagram’s nine distinct personality types, and discover how understanding them can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
But first, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind: what exactly is the Enneagram? The Enneagram symbol, a nine-pointed diagram, represents nine different personality types and their specific characteristics, motivations, and potential growth areas. The Enneagram is built on the principle that our personalities are driven by our core fears and desires, and that each person can be placed into one of these nine types based on their unique blend of these fears and desires.
So, are you ready to discover which Enneagram type you are and unlock the secrets of your personality? Join me on this journey of self-discovery as we explore the Enneagram together!
As we dive deeper into the Enneagram, we come across the concept of wings. Wings are the two types adjacent to an individual’s main type, and they can play a significant role in shaping how a person expresses their core traits. For example, a person with a dominant type of Four (The Individualist) with a wing of Five (The Investigator) may express themselves differently than someone with a dominant type of Four with a wing of Three (The Achiever). Understanding your wings can give you a more nuanced understanding of yourself and others.
Another important concept in the Enneagram is that of integration and disintegration. This refers to the mental and emotional states of each type. When a person is in a state of integration (more relaxed and secure), they are able to access their strengths and make use of them in a healthy and productive way. In contrast, when a person is in a state of disintegration (more stress and defensiveness), they tend to fall back on their coping mechanisms and may struggle to access their strengths. Understanding these states can help you identify patterns in your behavior and work towards achieving greater balance and well-being.
Finally, the Enneagram also addresses the concept of instinctual subtypes. This refers to the different ways in which each type can express their personality based on their dominant instincts – self-preservation, social, and sexual. For example, a person with a dominant type of Seven (The Enthusiast) with a self-preservation instinctual subtype may prioritize their physical and material well-being, while someone with a social instinctual subtype may focus more on their relationships and connections with others. Understanding your instinctual subtype can give you further insight into your motivations and behavior.
As we can see the Enneagram is a rich and complex system, with many layers to explore and discover. So buckle up as we dive deeper into this journey of self-discovery and personal growth!
A Framework for Self-understanding
One of the major advantages of the Enneagram is its ability to provide a framework for understanding how different personality types interact with one another and how each type reacts to more or less stress in their lives. This can be particularly helpful in improving communication and building stronger relationships with others.
Many people, when first introduced to the Enneagram, are amazed at the insights it provides into their personality, behavior, and history. The Enneagram can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal development.
It’s also important to remember that the Enneagram is just one model of personality types and that individuals may exhibit traits from multiple types. Each of us have all the Enneagram types in our psyche, it’s a matter of which one is more dominant in contributing to our sense of self and our habits of attention and behavior.
It’s also worth noting that the Enneagram is not a one-size-fits-all solution to understanding oneself and should be used as one tool among many in the pursuit of personal and professional growth. It’s not meant to be used for labeling or putting people into boxes, but to help people understand themselves and their relationships with others better.
So, whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, or simply learn more about human nature, the Enneagram is definitely worth exploring. You’ll be amazed at the insights and understanding you’ll gain!
A Map of the Human Psyche
At its core, the Enneagram is a map of the human psyche that describes how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them. It is made up of nine distinct personality types, each of which is represented by a number and with its own set of characteristics, motivations, and tendencies. The Enneagram provides a holistic understanding of the human psyche, taking into account not only an individual’s personality traits but also their unconscious drives and inner conflicts. By understanding their enneagram type, individuals can gain insight into their patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior, and learn how to grow and develop in healthy ways.
By exploring the different “enneatypes”, you can gain insight into yourself and better understand your beliefs and impulses. This deeper understanding of yourself can lead to a more fulfilling life, both personally and spiritually. With this knowledge, you can take your journey of self-discovery to the next level.
The Enneagram excels at unlocking understanding of the “false self”, the sense of self based on history, which is key to unlocking personal and spiritual growth. By exploring the nine distinct personality types, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves as well as a deeper understanding of others. This can help us form healthier relationships and cultivate better communication. With this knowledge, we can create a better world for ourselves and for those around us, and that’s an incredibly powerful tool to have at our disposal.
Understanding Enneagram Types
Do you ever find yourself wondering what personality type you are? The Enneagram can help us identify our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, allowing us to become more self-aware and open to personal growth. This sophisticated system of personality typing provides an in-depth look into one’s sense of self and their behavior, and it’s not only a psychological tool but potentially a spiritual one as well.
Overview of Enneagram Types
The enneagram of personality types is an easily understood, yet sophisticated system of personality typing. It is a psychological and, potentially, spiritual tool that can help people improve their personal lives and support their spiritual growth by exploring their ego-self’s, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and potential. It provides an in-depth look into one’s sense of self and their behavior.
I can attest to the power of this system in both personal and professional settings. In the workplace, understanding the Enneagram can lead to improved communication and collaboration within teams. By understanding the personality types of our coworkers, we can learn to communicate more effectively and find ways to work together more harmoniously.
But the benefits of the Enneagram don’t stop there. This sophisticated system of personality typing is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By exploring the different “enneatypes”, we can gain insight into ourselves and better understand our beliefs and impulses. Understanding our personality is key to unlocking personal and spiritual growth, as it exposes what we refer to as the “false self,” the sense of self based on our history. The enneagram excels at unlocking this deeper understanding of ourselves which can lead to a more fulfilling life, both personally and spiritually.
How the Enneagram Can Help You Understand Yourself and Others
By exploring the nine distinct personality types, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves as well as a deeper understanding of others. This can help us form healthier relationships and cultivate better communication. With this knowledge, we can create a better world for ourselves and for those around us, and that’s an incredibly powerful tool to have at our disposal. It’s a great first step on our journey of personal discovery and spiritual growth. With this knowledge, we can create a better world for ourselves and for those around us.
Overall, the enneagram is a powerful tool that can also be beneficial in professional settings, by helping team members understand their own personalities as well as the personalities of their coworkers. This understanding can lead to improved communication and collaboration, as team members learn how to work with and understand one another’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Furthermore, it can also help managers and leaders in understanding the different personalities within their team, and how they can best lead and manage them.
Additionally, the enneagram can be used as a tool for personal development, by identifying the areas where one may have difficulty and need improvement. This self-awareness can help individuals make changes in their life, and to become more self-aware, more self-accepting, and more open to personal growth. So, are you ready to discover your true self?
The Nine Enneagram Types According to Don Riso and Helen Palmer
Helen Palmer and Don Riso authored two of the first and most popular books on the enneagram of personality types. Both were early pioneers in the field of the enneagram, both promoting it and teaching it to thousands of people worldwide. They each have their own unique approach to understanding the nine personality types.
Palmer’s approach to the enneagram is based on the idea that each of the nine types has a specific set of characteristics and tendencies that are associated with their core motivations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how these motivations influence an individual’s behavior and relationships, and how they are used as a path toward more self-knowledge.
Riso’s approach focuses more on the unconscious dynamics that underlie each of the nine types. He believes that a specific fear motivates each type, and that understanding these underlying drives are key to understanding why individuals behave the way they do. Riso also emphasizes the importance of integrating the different parts of the psyche in order to achieve personal growth.
While there are some similarities between the two approaches, there are also some significant differences. For example, Palmer places a greater emphasis on the positive aspects of each type, while Riso focuses more on the negative aspects. Palmer’s approach is considered to be more accessible and user-friendly, while Riso’s approach is seen as more complex and theoretical.
Despite these differences, both Palmer and Riso’s approaches to the enneagram have helped to popularize the system and make it more accessible to a wider audience. Their books and teachings have provided valuable insights into the enneagram and have helped countless people understand themselves and others better.
Enneagram Type 1 – A strong sense of integrity built upon right and wrong that drives a desire for improvement and excellence.
According to Riso, individuals with an enneagram type one personality are motivated by a fear of being flawed or imperfect, and they are perfectionists who are highly principled and conscientious. They are often hardworking, responsible, and reliable, and they strive to do things “the right way.” However, they can also be critical of themselves and others, and they may struggle with feelings of guilt and a tendency to be overly critical.
Palmer’s description of enneagram type one is similar, but with a slightly distinct emphasis. She describes individuals with this type as having a strong sense of right and wrong, and a desire to live their values. They are responsible, orderly, and ethical, and they strive for improvement and excellence in all areas of their life. However, they can also be self-critical and prone to feeling guilty or anxious when they feel that they have not lived up to their own high standards.
Overall, both Riso and Palmer’s descriptions of enneagram type 1 highlight the importance of integrity and a desire for improvement, but they offer slightly different perspectives on the specific motivations and challenges of these nine personality types.
Enneagram 1 might say
“I am responsible and committed to doing what is right.”
“I am always striving to be the best version of myself.”
“I am driven to improve the world and make it a better place.”
“I am a perfectionist and set high standards for myself.”
“I am a hard worker and dedicated to achieving my goals.”
Enneagram Type 2 – motivated by a desire to be of service and to create harmony in relationships.
Riso says that individuals with an enneagram type 2 personality are motivated by a fear of being unlovable or unwanted, and they are generous, caring, and empathetic. They are often helpful and supportive, and they strive to be needed and valued by others. However, they can also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to be codependent or overly helpful.
Palmer describes individuals of this type as being caring, generous, and empathetic, and as having a strong desire to be of service to others. They are often supportive and nurturing, and they strive to create harmony in their relationships. However, they can also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to be codependent or overly helpful.
Both Riso and Palmer highlight the importance of a desire to help and be of service to others.
Enneagram 2 might say:
“I am caring and supportive of those around me.”
“I am always looking for ways to help and serve others.”
“I am a giver and place others’ needs above my own.”
“I am a compassionate and empathetic person.”
“I am a nurturing and loving individual.”
Enneagram Type 3 – motivated by a desire for success and achievement.
Riso notes that enneagram type 3’s personality are motivated by a fear of being unworthy or incompetent, and they are driven, ambitious, and focused on achieving success. They are often hardworking and efficient, and they strive to be competent and accomplished in all areas of their life. However, they can also be prone to feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to be overly concerned with image and status.
Palmer’s emphasis describes individuals of this type as being driven, ambitious, focused on achieving success, and having a strong desire to be competent and accomplished. They are often efficient and hardworking, and they strive to be respected and admired by others. However, they can also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to be overly concerned with image and status.
Enneagram 3 might say:
“I am ambitious and driven to succeed.”
“I am a high performer and strive for excellence.”
“I am a go-getter and always looking for ways to improve.”
“I am image-conscious and want to present myself in the best light.”
“I am a competent and capable individual.”
Enneagram Type 4 – emotionally sensitive, creative, and introspective.
Type 4, according to Riso, is motivated by a deep inner fear of being without identity or worth, and a desire to be unique and to stand out from others. As a result, they are highly self-aware and introspective and may struggle with feelings of sadness or melancholy when they feel they are not living up to their own potential.
Palmer emphasizes the interpersonal dynamics of Enneagram Type 4, viewing them as emotionally expressive, creative, and sensitive individuals who are motivated by a desire to connect with others on a deep, emotional level. We often see them as artistic and sensitive but may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a tendency to become overly self-absorbed.
Riso focuses more on the individual psychological motivations of this type, while Palmer emphasizes the interpersonal dynamics and relationships of Enneagram Type 4.
Enneagram 4 might say:
“I am unique and authentic, and I express myself in my own way.”
“I am sensitive and deeply emotional.”
“I am creative and expressive.”
“I am introspective and always seeking to understand my own emotions.”
“I am deeply connected to my feelings and the emotions of others.”
Enneagram Type 5 – is an individual who is highly analytical, independent, and self-sufficient.
Riso speaks of Enneagram Type 5 as being motivated by a deep inner fear of being overwhelmed or incompetent, and a desire to understand and know as much as possible in order to feel secure and capable. As a result, they are highly analytical, independent, and detached, and may struggle with feelings of isolation or a lack of connection to others.
Palmer views type 5 as independent, analytical, and resourceful individuals who are motivated by a desire to understand the world around them and to feel competent and self-sufficient. We often see them as knowledgeable and reliable but may struggle with a tendency to become overly detached or isolated from others.
Enneagram 5 might say:
“I am a thinker and always seeking to learn and understand more.”
“I am independent and value my autonomy.”
“I am private and keep my counsel.”
“I am reflective and enjoy time alone to process and analyze information.”
“I am knowledgeable and well-informed.”
Enneagram Type 6 – is responsible, loyal, and security-oriented.
According to Riso, a deep inner fear of being without support or guidance, and a desire to feel secure and to have a strong sense of connection to others motivates enneagram type sixes. As a result, they are highly responsible and reliable, and anxious and may struggle with feelings of insecurity or a lack of confidence in their own decisions.
Palmer focuses more on the interpersonal dynamics of type six, viewing them as responsible and loyal, and supportive individuals motivated by a desire to be a part of a team or community.
Enneagram 6 might say:
“I am reliable and responsible, and can be relied on to follow through.”
“I am a loyal and supportive friend.”
“I am a hard worker and committed to doing my best.”
“I am responsible and take my commitments seriously.”
“I am a team player and work well with others.”
Enneagram Type 7 – is spontaneous, energetic, and adventurous.
Palmer emphasizes the interpersonal dynamics of enneagram type 7, viewing them as energetic, spontaneous, and optimistic individuals motivated by a desire to experience new and exciting things. We often see them as fun-loving and adventurous but may struggle with a tendency to become scattered or over-committed.
While Riso sees type 7 as motivated by a deep inner fear of being deprived or stuck in a painful situation, and a desire to find enjoyment and avoid pain. As a result, they are highly optimistic, spontaneous, and restless and may struggle with feelings of futility or a lack of meaning in their lives.
Enneagram 7 might say:
“I am adventurous and love trying new things.”
“I am optimistic and always look on the bright side.”
“I am spontaneous and enjoy living in the moment.”
“I am energetic and full of ideas.”
“I am a positive and joyful person.”
Enneagram Type 8 – an individual who is self-confident, assertive, and decisive.
For Riso, a deep inner fear of being controlled or manipulated by others, and a desire to be in control and to protect themselves and others motivates enneagram type 8. As a result, they tend to be strong-willed, assertive, and confrontational and may struggle with feelings of vulnerability or a lack of intimacy in their relationships.
Palmer offers type 8 as self-confident, assertive, and decisive individuals who are motivated by a desire to be in control and to protect themselves and others. They are often seen as powerful leaders but may struggle with a tendency to become overly aggressive or domineering.
Enneagram 8 might say:
“I am a leader and take charge when necessary.”
“I am independent and self-reliant.”
“I am assertive and speak my mind.”
“I am confident and self-assured.”
Enneagram Type 9 – is easygoing, receptive, and peace-loving. However, they differ in their understanding of the motivations and behaviors of this type.
Riso describes nines as motivated by a deep inner fear of loss or separation, and a desire to maintain inner peace and harmony. As a result, they tend to be easygoing, receptive, and resistant to change and may struggle with feelings of disconnection or a lack of personal identity.
Palmer says nines are easygoing, receptive, and peace-loving individuals who are motivated by a desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. We often see them as calming influences but may struggle with a tendency to become overly accommodating or passive.
Enneagram 9 might say:
“I am easygoing and try to avoid conflict.”
“I am a peacemaker and strive to create harmony.”
“I am patient and understanding.”
“I am accepting and open-minded.”
“I am a mediator and try to bring people together.”
The Spiritual Enneagram
Sandra Maitri is a well-known author and teacher in enneagram studies, and she has developed a unique approach to understanding the nine personality types. Her books The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram and The Enneagram of Passions and Virtues are well-known among enneagram enthusiasts and provide valuable insights into the enneagram and its spiritual dimension.
Maitri emphasizes the enneagram is a map of the human psyche that describes how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them. Her approach is a unique perspective that combines the psychological and spiritual aspects of the nine types. She sees the ego and personality as defensive in nature as Frued postulated. They are coping (survival) strategies developed through trial and error as a means to control our environment and life. Maitri draws attention to the defensive strategies of each type and how they impact our behavior and relationships. Enneagram enthusiasts see Maitri’s approach as a deeper dive into the psyche and providing us with an understanding of the unconscious motivations of each type. This helps individuals to discover their unique path toward self-discovery and self-actualization.
As you can see, all three of these approaches to the enneagram describe the nine personality types in terms of their underlying motivations and tendencies. However, there are some differences in the way that they describe these types, with Riso focusing on the fears that drive each type, Palmer focusing on the core desires, and Maitri focusing on the defensive strategies that each type uses to cope with the challenges and stresses of life.
Here is a chart comparing Don Riso’s, Helen Palmer’s, and Sandra Maitri’s approaches to the nine enneagram personality types:
Enneagram Pioneers Ichazo and Naranjo
Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo are both renowned figures in the field of enneagram studies, each with their own unique perspective on the nine personality types. Ichazo, the founder of the Arica School, views the enneagram as a tool for spiritual growth and refers to the nine types as “enneatypes,” each associated with a specific “fixation” or limited perspective on the world. Naranjo, a Chilean psychiatrist, and spiritual teacher, sees the enneagram as a tool for understanding psychological defense mechanisms, referring to the nine types as “enneatypes” motivated by specific fears or desires that shape behavior and relationships. Both approaches share similarities in their understanding of the nine types as being associated with specific defense mechanisms or “fixations.”
Here is a chart comparing Oscar Ichazo’s and Claudio Naranjo’s approaches to the nine enneagram personality types:
How to Use the Enneagram to Improve Your Life
There are many ways that the enneagram can improve one’s life. Some of the most common ways include:
Increasing self-awareness: The enneagram can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, helping individuals to understand their unconscious drives and inner conflicts. This increased self-awareness can lead to a greater sense of personal agency and the ability to make more intentional choices in life.
Personal development: By understanding their own enneagram type, individuals can gain insight into their patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior, and learn how to grow and develop in healthy ways. This can involve working with a coach or therapist, reading books or taking courses, or taking part in workshops or retreats.
Improving relationships: By understanding the enneagram types of those around them, individuals can learn to communicate more effectively and find ways to work together more harmoniously. This can be especially helpful in professional settings, where understanding the personality types of coworkers can improve teamwork and collaboration.
Deepening Psychological and Emotional Insight and Understanding: By learning about the enneagram, individuals can gain a greater understanding of the human psyche and how it operates. This can help them identify areas of their life that may be holding them back and develop strategies for overcoming these challenges and achieving their goals.
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychology, said, “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.”
There are endless parables, quotations and teaching stories to guide us in love and work – optimizing our humanness – a great one being this by Joseph Campbell:
“Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you. I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”
Let’s explore work, your career, your profession, your calling from the perspective of being guided and motivated by love, from bliss instead of boredom, from aliveness not ennui, from curiosity not cynicism.
We’ll explore:
Real Action versus In Traction
Learning from the Inside Out
The Inconvenience of Truth
Authenticity versus Duplicity
Self-centeredness versus WOWdom
Radishes before Selfies
Sparing Change for the Homeless
Central to our exploration will be the concept of “being open for business.”
How open for business are you on the job, in the daily normalness of your career, craft, or calling? Four recognizable experiential qualities of being open for business.
Enjoyment Connection Hereness Openness
So, let’s have some fun and see what develops. To begin, let’s let the bad air out.
I am using and adapting the notion of stations of the cross to discuss and illustrate a method of using prayer and meditation to explore the enneagrams of virtues and holy ideas.
(Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever been a practicing Christian – in this lifetime.)
To begin, let’s first discuss this diagram of the enneagram:
The enneagram and its three components above are simply two-dimensional representations of a metaphysical, multidimensional dynamic process or law of manifestation and evolution. We are looking at it and discussing it from one visual view point. If you look at the triangle from any of its points from a perpendicular perspective, you see a straight line. The same is true of the hexagon and circle.
If you can see it with inner vision, it is like something out of Dr. Strange, though the computer generated graphics can’t capture the interdimensional aspects of it. It’s the same issue between classical physics and quantum physics.
The cross, as a religious or metaphysical symbol, predates Christianity. It is often used to symbolize the intersection of the horizontal plane with the vertical plane. This is how I am using it in this article with the intersection representing the heart, the horizontal as the physical plane and the vertical as the spiritual dimension.
Before I get into the prayer/meditation segment, let’s talk about prayer in general.
The Alchemy of Metaphysical Prayer
The world of the ego, the false self, is a world of deficiency and psychological/emotional need. Prayer from the false self most often originates from deficiency and need. It is usually oriented around “give me” like a child asking a parent for something.
You don’t have to go any further than your nearest televangelist TV station to see this on display in neon. Those events remind me of what Moses saw when he came down off Mt. Sinai with the ten commandments – televangelists worshipping a golden jet.
Prayer is a relatively young word in the lexicon of metaphysics, religion and spirituality showing up around 1300 and generally meaning to entreat, ask for, beg.
The following points to a more spiritual transformative understanding of prayer’s intention:
The ultimate goal of prayer is to help train a person to focus on divinity through philosophy and intellectual contemplation. The word “prayer” is a derivative of the Latin “precari”, which means “to beg”. The Hebrew equivalent “tefilah”, however, along with its root “pelel” or its reflexive “l’hitpallel”, means the act of self-analysis or self-evaluation. This approach is sometimes described as the person praying having a dialogue or conversation with God.
The origins of contemplation: to mark out a space for observation.
My relationship with, understanding of, and practice of prayer is one that reflects the relationship between ignorance and revelation. It is an entreaty from an open heart (the prayer space) for the truth. It is a longing to consciously be in Divine Presence. For me, prayer is often a contemplation from a specific orientation to deepen my understanding of self and reality (God).
Here are four books that have influenced my relationship with prayer in the Christian sense of it:
The Diamond Approach, which I teach and study, is a path of alchemical understanding. It took me most of a lifetime to realize, we can’t change. I mean this in the deepest spiritual sense possible as it relates to who and what we think we are.
“The self,” who/what we live our lives taking ourselves to be, cannot change itself, it can not enlighten itself. None of its actions, thoughts or feelings awaken it. But, in some sense, we can be changed.
This changing is really nothing more than ideas we have evaporating – the rending of the veils. We can consciously participate in this alchemical process of understanding by attending to our present experience – peering into mystic.
It is in this vein that the following prayers/contemplations are offered.
Each contemplation is performed from the center of the cross, the heart. The contemplations are simply experiential openness and curiosity of the dynamic that exists between left-right juxtaposed enneagram points.
As an example, the illustration above reflects a contemplation between the dynamism of love (9), omniscience (5) and origin (4) of the enneagram of holy ideas or right action (9), non-attachment (5) and equanimity (4) of the enneagram of virtues.
If I open Facets of Unity to point nine, I find three subtopics addressing the overall sense of love: The Heart of Truth, Nonconceptual Positivity and Absolute Goodness. I’m using the subtopics that speak to the sense of the holy idea, not the issues associated with it.
I only need to read the first paragraph under the subtopics to get the felt sense of point 9 at the intersection on the cross, where I am praying/contemplating from.
For point 5, the subtopics needed are: Unity in Multiplicity and Eyes of the Universe. Again, I just read the first paragraph to get a sense of extending into that realm from the heart.
I repeat this for point 4: Inseparability from the Source and Levels of Source. Reading the paragraphs, I get the sense of the heart extending into that realm.
The contemplation is merely holding all three in awareness at once, not as concepts but as points of dynamism interacting with each other – a dancing if you will.
So, in this example I’m feeling into the dynamism of positivity/goodness dancing with unity/multiplicity and source. The heart is the fulcrum the extensions can be felt as the arms or legs. You can move and dance as part of the contemplation.
The point is to feel the affect, the influence on who/what you usually take yourself to be. You’re not trying to accomplish anything, your not trying to get anywhere – you’re playing in the lap of reality – practicing presence, playing hide and seek with what you really are.
