Co-written with Kacie Berghoef
The Enneagram is an amazing tool for understanding ourselves and our common humanity. Don Riso and Russ Hudson write: “One of the great strengths of the Enneagram is that it steps aside from all doctrinal differences…. With the help of the Enneagram, we will discover that Sixes are like all other Sixes–and that they share the same values as others of their type. Ones who are black are much more like Ones who are white than they could have imagined, and so forth. A new level of community and compassion emerges that obliterates old ignorance and fear.” (Wisdom of the Enneagram, p. 10)
The Enneagram is accessible and empowering to anyone who wants to use it–no matter their age, race, gender, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, or life circumstances. It maps out our internal dynamics with incredible precision, pointing to the strengths we possess in spades as well as ways we can grow. Let’s look at the profound forms of power each type embodies–sources of inner strength we can all tap into.
Type One represents the power of conviction. When we see a wrong in the world, it’s the part of us with the strength to take a stand and work for positive change.
Type Two represents the power of altruism. This part of us hones in on what others and ourselves need and offers it generously.
Type Three represents the power of excellence. It’s the part of us that works to cultivate our gifts and live a life of great value and integrity.
Type Four represents the power of self-renewal. It’s the part of us that listens to and expresses our own voice, honoring our personal truth.
Type Five represents the power of clarity. It’s the part of us driven to discover new truths, that refuses to back down in the face of uncertainty.
Type Six represents the power of support. It’s the part of us that stands with others as an equal, committed to seeing things through.
Type Seven represents the power of hope. When things get difficult, this facet of us can find the joy and wonder that still exist in the world.
Type Eight represents the power of strength. It’s the part of us that won’t back down, initiating action and championing justice.
Type Nine represents the power of harmony. It’s the part of us that sees an underlying unity and brings peace to the world around us.
We’re looking forward to sharing more on self-empowerment using the Enneagram with two wonderful groups of women at the San Carlos Wise Women’s Retreat and the WOW Talks Walnut Creek. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these 9 types of power as well. Which of them come most easily to you? Which could you use more of in your life?
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