The Enneagram is an ancient system of psychology that explains nine personality types. Herb Pearce, an expert and certified teacher of the Enneagram for over 16 years, and Karen Brees, a freelance editor and writer, start with an examination of its history and benefits for our personal and professional life. They then outline each type's characteristics and subtypes (positive traits, limiting traits, etc.):
Type 1: The Perfectionist/Reformer
Type 2: The Giver/Cheerleader
Type 3: The Achiever/Winner
Type 4: The Romantic/Depth Seeker
Type 5: The Observer/Thinker
Type 6: The Questioner/Guardian
Type 7: The Optimist/Fun Lover
Type 8: The Director/Powerhouse
Type 9: The Peacemaker/Accommodator
You can pick which type most sounds like you and follow through with pertinent material. If you choose Type 4, you will discover that your positive traits include being empathetic, expressive, creating beauty, being engaging, supporting individuality, and having a spiritual orientation. Famous 4s include Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Judy Collins, and Francis Ford Coppola. Worst traits include being self-absorbed, seeming to always be in crisis, and taking everything personally. 4s think about ideals and are often drama queens. To thrive in a work setting their needs for creativity, aesthetics, and individuality must be met. In intimate relationships, 4s tend toward Type 2: the Giver/Cheerleader. Here are some affirmations suggested for 4s:
• I feel deeply and sensitively and accept myself.
• I love my creativity. I am always creating something of beauty.
• I let go of longing and focus more on having and accepting how much I have right now.
