In this ebook edition, please use your devices note-taking function to record your thoughts wherever you see the bracketed instructions [Your Notes] or [Your Response Here]. Use your devices highlighting function to record your response whenever you are asked to checkmark, circle, underline, or otherwise indicate your answer(s).
Learning about myself through the lens of the Enneagram has helped me tremendously. Before understanding myself as a Type 6, I always thought something was wrong with me. Being an anxious, overthinking, and worrisome person seemed to indicate I needed to change who I was (or so I thought). I feared these characteristics would not allow me to be successful. But as I studied more about the Enneagram, I learned that those negative beliefs werent true. Though there are unhealthy levels of certain personality traits, I could figure out how to navigate and overcome them. With this greater self-awareness and self-assurance, my Type could be leveraged in a powerful way and used as a helpful tool to positively contribute to the world.
I discovered I could be more patient with myself and more compassionate toward others. Previously, my tendency was to view so many things as potentially dangerousor I was overly suspicious of someones behavior and hypervigilant of being taken advantage of me. But with the help of the Enneagram, I learned to recognize that I often feared what I didnt understand.
Ive realized that while constantly overthinking and attempting to predict every scenario can be tiring, there are also advantages to this aspect of my personality. Im grateful that as we come to understand ourselves better through the Enneagram, we can receive clearer guidance and the sense of direction we earnestly long for.
One of the joys Ive come across on my Enneagram journey has been getting to know Beth; her husband, Jeff; and their kids. When I started following Beths Instagram account, Your Enneagram Coach, she helped me navigate my 6-patterned mind-set. It was helpful to connect with Jeff, a fellow Type 6. Not only was it incredibly beneficial to have an experienced perspective on the traits of a Type 6, but it revealed a whole new approach to growing when I learned I could use this tool to exercise my faith in the Lord.
We dont have to be sure about everything to take steps forward in life. Otherwise, we wouldnt get to experience the power of acting in faith. Theres beauty in letting go and learning to trust God more.
I hope you enjoy the transformative knowledge my friend Beth shares about the Type 6 in the pages ahead. May you learn to have more compassion for your thoughts and your own unique process of decision-makingand more faith in Christ as you learn to take healthy risks.
David Archuleta , Singer-Songwriter and
Runner-Up, Season 7 of American Idol
Im so glad youre here! As an Enneagram teacher and coach, I have seen so many lives changed by the Enneagram. This is a perfect place for you to start your own journey of growth. Ill explain how this interactive book works, but first Id like to share a little of my story.
Before I learned about the Enneagram, I often unknowingly committed assumicide, which is my word for damaging a relationship by assuming I know someones thoughts, feelings, and motivations. I incorrectly guess why someone is behaving a particular way and respond (sometimes with disastrous results) without asking clarifying questions to confirm my assumptions or to find out what actually is going on. Ive made many wrong and hurtful assumptions about people I dearly love, as well as destructive presumptions about myself.
When my husband, Jeff, and I were in the early years of our marriage, it was a difficult season in our relationship. For the life of me, I couldnt figure out Jeff, or myself. I had been a Christian since I was young and desired to live like Christ, but I kept running into the same stumbling blocks over and over again. I was constantly frustrated, and I longed to understand my hearts motivesWhy do I do what I do? I figured understanding that might help jolt me out of my rut, but I didnt know where to start.
Then I learned about the insightful tool of the Enneagram, and it was exactly what I needed.
This personality typology (ennea for nine; gram for diagram) goes beyond what we do (our behaviors) and gets at why we do what we do (our hearts motives). And though there are just nine basic personality Types, each Type has multiple layers, allowing for numerous variations of any given personality Type.
The purpose of the Enneagram is to awaken self-awareness and provide hope for growth. Once we learn why each Type thinks, feels, and acts in specific ways, we can look at ourselves with new understanding. Then we can depend on God in new ways to reshape us. The Enneagram makes us aware of when our hearts motives are good and we are on the best path for our personality Type and when our heart is struggling and veering off course. The Enneagram is an insightful tool, but Gods truth is what sets us free and brings transformation.
When I first learned about the Enneagram, I resonated with the Type 9and had a good laugh when I discovered that 9s know themselves the least! But I finally had wisdom that cleared away the fog and illuminated my inner world. I kept thinking, Oh, thats why I do that! Everything started making sense, which brought my restless heart relief.
The Enneagram also helped me see when my heart was aligned with Gods truth, misaligned to some degree, or out of alignment entirely with the person God created me to be. It would highlight where I was misunderstanding myself or those I love, and then I could use that awareness to seek transformation. Using the Enneagram from this perspective was a significant turning point for me in all my relationships, especially my marriage. My new perspective allowed me to have more compassion, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and grace toward others and myself.