Welcome to our tour of the nine Enneagram types. This is a great place to start if you are new to the Enneagram or want to watch video clips in the Narrative Tradition of each Enneagram type telling us about themselves. You’ll find a brief description of each type, including the focus of attention, life lesson, somatic patterns and tips for relating to that type. You also can explore the distinct psychological, spiritual and somatic patterns of each type.
The tour begins with the three centers of intelligence and perception: head, heart and body. Everyone experiences all three, but each personality type has a particular strength or “home base” in one of them. This primary center influences our way of being in the world, and is an important key to overcoming blind spots and developing our potential. Balancing the three centers helps us achieve a more balanced life.
Body-based types lead with the body for movement, sensate awareness and gut-level knowing. Their focus is on personal security, control, social belonging and taking right action. Also known as the Instinctual Center.
Feeling-based types emphasize the heart for positive and negative feelings, empathy and concern for others, romance and devotion. Their focus is on success and relationship, performing up to expectations of the job or other people. Also known as the Emotional Center.
Thinking-based, head types lead with ideas, gathering information, figuring things out and rational decision-making before acting. Their focus is on creating certainty and safety, or finding multiple options. Also known as the Intellectual Center.