So why would you want to learn the Enneagram? Just for the record, the Enneagram is a nine-point personality typing system that is fascinating. It can be simple or as complex as you want. But why would you want to learn the Enneagram? In my opinion, the Enneagram is one of the best systems in knowing yourself and the people around you better. It can breed more understanding and compassion both for yourself and others. For example, if your friend doesn’t make decisions very fast and you get frustrated because you can be waiting hours or even maybe days to get an answer out of them, most likely they are a type 6 – Loyalist on the Enneagram. They have a hard time making decisions. Or say your spouse demands that you do something her way, even without asking how you would like to do it, then most likely, she is a type 8 – Challenger. And if you are a type 8 – Challenger, then you will be butting heads all day long. If you are a 2 – Giver, then you will probably be happy to do whatever they want you to do and would probably be a good mate.
So knowing your Enneagram type will help people understand each other better. And it can be a learning point as well. If your loved one sees you falling into the shadow part of your personality, he or she can point out your action and use it as a learning moment. As you may know, the Enneagram is learning about yourself and knowing when your shadow side of your personality is wreaking havoc with your life. Let’s say you are a type 9, a Peacemaker which is peace at all costs and your type 8 – Challenger mother asks you to do something that you don’t want to do, then you have the opportunity to learn to stand up for yourself or give in and be mad at yourself for giving in. The Enneagram is all about growing as a human and living a more authentic life by making the decisions that work for you.
So check out the Enneagram and learn more about yourself and others around you.
