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a couple of things about self-typing in Enneagram and why it can be difficult.
The fears/desires/etc. are meant to be unconscious. It's not about going and reading things and seeing what u consciously relate to, or what you consciously fear the most.
you have to go deeper.
The fears/desires/etc. are meant to be unconscious. It's not about going and reading things and seeing what u consciously relate to, or what you consciously fear the most.
you have to go deeper.
what's a good way to see what type you are a bit beyond your ego?
respective defense mechanisms.
if you didn't have the fear, you wouldn't constantly be using the defense mechanism. so while your ego might tell you, "i don't fear this" - your defense mechanisms are saying
respective defense mechanisms.
if you didn't have the fear, you wouldn't constantly be using the defense mechanism. so while your ego might tell you, "i don't fear this" - your defense mechanisms are saying
otherwise. you would not need to use a specific tactic, if you were not trying to heal a wound or fear.
this is in my opinion one of the most important aspects of Enneagram / typing.
we can all relate to SO many descriptions. don't type yourself off a description.
this is in my opinion one of the most important aspects of Enneagram / typing.
we can all relate to SO many descriptions. don't type yourself off a description.
Defense Mechanisms (in short/bullet point form)
• 2: repression. repressing 'bad' feelings in order to act more kind/helpful/etc. flattery, giving, or entitled attitude. repressing true feelings.
• 3: identification. matching a mold of what is acceptable or valued in
• 2: repression. repressing 'bad' feelings in order to act more kind/helpful/etc. flattery, giving, or entitled attitude. repressing true feelings.
• 3: identification. matching a mold of what is acceptable or valued in
order to feel successful, or be approved of. also lose touch w. personal needs, and focuses on what others expect, and getting positive feedback
• 4: introjection. amplifying feelings to feel more profound in order to avoid being ordinary. seek emotional value in all things.
• 4: introjection. amplifying feelings to feel more profound in order to avoid being ordinary. seek emotional value in all things.
• 5: isolation. avoidance of 'nothingness.' isolating the self from others, and/or isolating thoughts from feeling by compartmentalizing & sending everything up to the head.
• 6: projection. imagining scenarios and projecting them onto others as if they are truths. this
helps avoid doubt, to make these scenarios 'the truth.' (i call this the self-fulfilling 6 prophecy.) imagine fears or judgments are coming from other people. will search for 'clues & truths' to 'prove' their projections.
• 7: rationalization. justifying or reframing things
• 7: rationalization. justifying or reframing things
to an "ok" or "good" thing. constantly focused on possibilities, and rationalizing why going after what they want is acceptable. turn everything into a positive to further separate from feeling 'stuck' or painful feelings.
• 8: denial. denying any weaknesses to feel in
• 8: denial. denying any weaknesses to feel in
control & strong. vulnerability is automatically and unconsciously denied. focus on control, move away from emotions.
• 9: narcotization. numbing out. using food, drink, repetition, daydreaming, even work sometimes. avoidance of pain and internal discomfort. leads to
• 9: narcotization. numbing out. using food, drink, repetition, daydreaming, even work sometimes. avoidance of pain and internal discomfort. leads to
difficulty understanding one's own preferences. 'ok with whatever' to reduce their impact.
• 1: reaction formation. controlling anger and impulse. feeling negative or angry and expressing the opposition to maintain balance and 'do the right thing'
• 1: reaction formation. controlling anger and impulse. feeling negative or angry and expressing the opposition to maintain balance and 'do the right thing'
-- there are other keys/defenses employed by all of these types, but these are the main ones to focus on. as with fears & desires, these defense mechanisms are unconscious and AUTOMATICALLY used in order to maintain desired self image and protect oneself from the core fear.
these may be very noticeable to others, and may be more noticeable to yourself, than just reading fears and descriptions.
what defense mechanisms do you see yourself using upon reflection? if you think back to your life, which of these has been a main fixation and has helped
what defense mechanisms do you see yourself using upon reflection? if you think back to your life, which of these has been a main fixation and has helped
protect you in times of fear or stress? if you ask for family and friends, which of these do they observe you doing?
all of these can be very helpful in the typing process, and unlock another layer of Enneagram. imo, these are more important than "what you relate to!"
all of these can be very helpful in the typing process, and unlock another layer of Enneagram. imo, these are more important than "what you relate to!"
