Enneagram Part 3: Somewhere Inside the Rainbow

Imagine that the Enneagram represents the full color spectrum of our humanity—a rainbow of our human characteristics, traits and motivations—and each type is represented by a color.

Within each color, there are various shades. In the Enneagram world, we call these subtypes. For each of the nine main types, there are three distinct subtypes. Or, in our rainbow analogy, three distinct shades within each color.

This helps to account for the nuances of our humanity. It’s the reason why you can find people of the same type who present quite differently, both energetically and behaviorally. 

For example, there may be two 2s who don’t necessarily present in the same way. We could say that they’re different shades of blue. One shade of 2 can look a lot like a 9. One shade of 7 can look a lot like a 3. 

This is why it can be tricky to figure out your type. 

There are actually 27 different types (9 x 3). This may feel a little overwhelming if you’re just starting out with the Enneagram. It may sound like a lot of work to figure all of this out.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s great to be in the inquiry and asking the questions. At the same time, there is something profound about finally landing on your particular type and subtype. When you find yourself among the 27 possibilities, a whole new world of exploration can open up for you.

It’s an amazing aha! moment for many people.

Discovering my own type was definitely illuminating, but when I found my particular subtype, it explained so much more. Like why I was getting stuck in certain areas of my life and business and what was holding me back.

Knowing that there are these various colors and shades, when you land on your particular shade, it might just blow your mind. It can be super helpful to work with someone who understands the subtypes and help you discern which one you are.

Each particular subtype has a particular path of growth. The inner work of one type is distinct from that of another type. Once you land on your particular type and subtype, you can access a whole new range of motion and innovative ways of being and moving through the world. You’ll feel greater freedom and power when you go beyond what has previously limited you.

I’ll be back soon to share more about my own personal experience with the Enneagram and how you can find your unique path of growth, too.

Why You Can't See What's Right In Front of You

What do you see when you look at this photo? I see two people walking their dogs down a trail in pretty morning or afternoon light.

Guess what my friend Courtney, who is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, sees when she looks at this photo?

I see a variety of stress signals from all the dogs. The two dogs on the left are both showing whale eyes towards the dogs on the right which would indicate they may be uncomfortable walking so closely to them. All of the dogs mouths are closed tightly and the leashes are looped around the hands of the humans and bunched up being held very tightly and putting a lot of pressure on the dogs necks with the collars.

In such a beautiful outdoor setting, I would make the suggestion to these humans that a walk in nature can be just as enjoyable for the dogs as it is for you with the use of harnesses and longer 15-20ft leashes so they can enjoy sniffing and exploring the environment in the ways that are most satisfying to them.

Wow, I didn't notice all of that. Did you? I'm assuming if you're not educated in animal behavior that you didn't see all of this either.

What about this photo ... what do you see?

I see a wickedly cool flower!

When I looked it up online, I learned that it's a Passion flower and it is a perennial vine with over 550 species and it belongs to the Passifloraceae family. The purple, blue and white flower consists of ten sepals and petals and is around 10 cm wide. Other than being exceptionally pretty, this exotic flower has high medicinal value.

When I go back to Guatemala this summer and have the pleasure of seeing this flower again, I won't just see a cool flower. I'll see a Passion flower and I'll know that it has medicinal value.

Why do we see what we see AND miss other things?

Well, there are a number of factors that play into this but to say it simply ...

You don't have the words for it.

And, it is words and our understanding of them that shapes our experiences. 

Language is access to a new world.

For example, think about when you learn a new hobby or skill ...

When I first started learning photography almost 20 years ago, I had heard of words like aperture, shutter speed and ISO but I had no idea what they actually meant. Learning how to take photos meant learning the language of photography, which opened up a whole new world of understanding and possibility for me. Now when I look at a photo I know how they used aperture, shutter speed and ISO to capture that image.

You are most likely fluent in the language of the field you work in or the areas where you are highly skilled. You know words and terms that make other people say, huh?

Language can open up new possibilities for you.

There is a language in the world of personal growth and transformation and learning that language has the power to radically change your life.

The Enneagram is a tool that provides a language for recognizing your ego and the patterns that are unconsciously on repeat in your life. When you learn the language of the Enneagram, you’ll be able to bring what was once unconscious into consciousness and be able to see what you previously couldn't see. That newfound awareness provides you with new choices.

Choice is power.

You can't do anything with what you can't see or what you don't know.

There’s an unconscious part of you that’s running your life, but you can’t access it or understand it if you don’t have the words for it. In fact, you can’t see it operating until you have the language to call it out. It could be right in front of you and you won't even see it.

Learn the language of the Enneagram and create change.

If you're hungry to create lasting change in your life this is one of the most direct pathways I've found (and I've been around this block awhile).

The Enneagram can support you in getting to the heart of the matter and uncovering some valuable information like ...

• What drives you to take action (or not)?
• Why do you get triggered by the things you do (and how to interrupt that)?
• What has you repeating the same patterns over and over especially when they cause you pain (and how to break free)?

And so much more!

Have questions about how it works? Just hit reply to this email and I'm happy to answer. Ready to jump in and go beyond what's been holding you back? Book your Wildhearted Enneagram session today and let's get this party started!