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Claudio Naranjo, Beatrice Chestnut, Ginger Lapid-Bogda

Summarized by Jerome Wagner, Ph.D.

SUBTYPES result from the interaction of the Vice or Passion of each type with the natural expression of the Instincts: self-preservation (SP), social (SO) and sexual or one-on-one (SX). The summary descriptions of these interactions are from Bea Chestnut’s and Ginger Lapid-Bogda’s transmission of Claudio Naranjo’s latest thoughts and workshops about subtypes. The descriptive word(s) for each subtype are Oscar Ichazo’s.

There is a countertype for each subtype where the energy of the vice/passion runs counter to the energy expression of the type itself. This can lead to mistyping. Possible look-alike types are given in the parentheses below.

ONE

Anger (dissatisfied with how things are)

• SP “Worry” – make self perfect – angry at self because imperfect – correct self – anger most repressed (like 6)

• SO “Non-Adaptability/Rigidity” – make environment perfect – make self a role model – set standard of how to be – know the right way to be – teacher mentality – correct social institutions – anger if others and society don’t come up to expectations – anger half hidden; turns to coolness (like 5)

• SX “Zeal” (countertype) – make others perfect – reformer vs perfectionist – perfect others (especially significant others and those important to them) – zeal/passion fueled by anger – anger most explicit (like 8)

TWO

Pride (self-worth depends on how others respond to them; appear appealing and helpful; get needs met indirectly by seducing others)

• SP “Me-First/Privilege” (countertype) – seduce like child by being pleasing and cute to be privileged and taken care of – doesn’t look so adult – princes and princesses (like SP 6 or 4)

• SO “Ambition” – seduce group – important to group – stand above group – over-adult – emperors and empresses who earned right to royalty (like 3 or SO 8)
  
• SX “Aggression/Seduction” – seduce individuals to be desired by others and be given what need – feel especially valued when chosen by someone important and so meets needs of these individuals – – kings and queens whose royal status is their birthright (like SX 4)

THREE

Vanity/Deceit (need to achieve to appear successful and gain admiration from others)

• SP “Security” (countertype) – goes against vanity by trying to be good – vanity for having no vanity – create image of having no image – being perfect model of quality – deceit: try to say truth but deceive self about their unconscious motivations (like SP 1 or 6)
  
• SO “Prestige” – want to be recognized on social stage by creating polished image – shine before whole world or particular reference groups – prestige – socially brilliant – want to be recognized and admired – most competitive of 3’s – corporate mentality – what’s best for group – deceit: image covers any flaws (like 7)

• SX “Masculinity/Femininity” – charismatic pleaser who focuses on being appealing and supporting others – promote others vs talk about self – want to be seen as successful by people important to them – important to be attractive – sex appeal and beauty vs money and prestige – deceit: don’t show unattractive parts to significant others (like SX 2 or 7)

FOUR

Envy (compare self to others and feel deficient, superior, or both)

• SP “Reckless/Dauntless/Tenacity” (countertype) – long suffering – internalizes/denies suffering – endures – stoic – don’t appear sensitive or envious – more masochistic than melodramatic – (like 1 or 7 “Sunny Four”) – active – (like 3)

• SO “Shame” – wears suffering on sleeve – overly sensitive – a comfort and familiarity about suffering – suffering makes them special – defective – sense of shame – “Sad Four” – (vs SX Four who is shameless) – want understanding and appreciation for their suffering from their group

• SX “Competition” – projects suffering and makes others suffer to compensate for their suffering – pain turned into anger – “Mad Four” – refusal to suffer – arrogant in order to be recognized – become superior and attractive to get love – winning to be understood and come out on top (like SX 8)

FIVE

Avarice (for knowledge and for safe place away from intrusions to preserve energy and resources)

• SP “Castle” – passion for hiding behind walls – need for boundaries and to store up supplies – inability to ask for what want or take what want – survive within walls – ascetic – get by on little – least communicative and most withdrawn of Fives – don’t want to be intruded upon

• SO “Totem” – more social than other Fives – avaricious for knowledge – needs can get met through the mind – relate to idealized others vs real others – idealism can lead to spiritual bypass – search for meaning through being connected to something special – search for extraordinary people in the group

• SX “Confidence” (Countertype) – more intense, romantic, emotionally sensitive (like 4) – passionate about one person – search for ideal partner that can trust and confide in and be transparent with – need for intimacy with someone they can share their secrets with – experience the divine in human relationship – doesn’t want to share this special person with others

SIX

Fear (hope for best but fear it won’t happen; doubt that others are trustworthy or whether they, themselves, can meet challenges of life)

• SP “Warmth” – warm, affectionate Six – most fearful – insecurity –world is dangerous – fear of not being protected – dependent on others – look to family or family substitutes – seek alliances by being trustworthy and friendly – not aggressive – I’m no threat – indecision – uncertainty – too much tolerance for uncertainty (like SP 2)

• SO “Duty” – cool, obedient Six – follow the rules – get approval from authorities – Prussian character – mixture of phobic and counterphobic – becomes overly sure as defense against being unsure – rely on reason and rules – ideology – can be fanatic – like precision and dislike ambiguity – can be efficient and legalistic (like 3’s and 1’s)

• SX “Strength/Beauty” (Countertype) – hot, aggressive Six – counterphobic: push against fear – avoidance of fear – turns against fear with strength – can be intimidating – best defense is to attack – make others afraid – (like 8) – can be paranoid – move toward risk; confront danger – can also use charism/attraction/beauty to deal with challenges and offset fear

SEVEN

Gluttony (an insatiable search for new, stimulating, interesting, pleasurable experiences to avoid painful emotions and situations)

• SP “Keepers of the Castle” – find security through gluttonous search for pleasure and like-minded allies – close network of family, friends, colleagues – good mafia – take advantage of opportunities – self serving – hedonistic, sensuous, earthy – cynical and materialistic vs gullible dreamer (like SX 7)

• SO “Sacrifice” (Countertype) – anti-gluttony – sacrifice of gluttony through being of service to others or ideals – (like 2) – doesn’t want to exploit others or be excessively opportunistic – wants to be good – get by on less for self – ascetic (like 5) – take on responsibility in group or family – postpone desires

• SX “Suggestibility/Fascination” – idealistic search for ultimate relationship and best imaginable experiences – can be fascinated by one other person – optimism of someone in love – rose-colored glasses – dreamer – imagine something better than reality – light hearted enjoyer – gullible and overly susceptible to enthusiasm – gluttonous for things of higher world

EIGHT

Lust (excessive self-satisfying behaviors; lust for life; pursue justice and control)

• SP “Satisfaction/Survival” – get what is needed for survival in a powerful, lusty way – know how to get what they want – strategic – strong, silent type – satisfaction of material needs and intolerance for frustration – (like SX 1 but not concerned with norms) – self-armoring (like 5)

• SO “Solidarity” (Countertype) – need to protect others and go up against those who might commit injustices – challenge social norms – social anti-social person – aggression in service of others but less aggressive than SP 8 – in solidarity with others against oppression – excessive for group causes – “band of brothers or sisters” – loyal and want loyalty – (like SO 2) – softer than other 8’s but blind spot for own needs for love and protection which gets compensated by power and pleasure

• SX “Possession” passionate, charismatic character who goes against social conventions in a provocative way – most rebellious and emotional of 8’s – anti-social – pride in being “bad” – takes over environment and commands attention – possessive of those with whom they are intimate or close – charismatic, seductive, intense, passionate (like SX 6 or SX 4)

NINE

Sloth (need for fusion; self-numbing; acedia; forgetting self)

• SP “Appetite” – fuse with own body or physical comforts – merging with routines and pleasant activities or objects (collectors) to distract self from personal priorities – satisfaction of physical needs – forget spiritual needs – erase self – fulfillment of appetites substitutes for need for love – concrete vs. abstract – inertia – more irritable than other 9’s (8ish)
  

• SO “Participation” (Countertype) – fuse/merge with a group – work on behalf of group to distract from own priorities – friendly, congenial – need to feel a part of things to compensate for feeling of not belonging – exert effort to be part of group – lose sense of self in service of others – generous, unselfish) (like 2) – workaholic (like 3)

• SX “Union” – fuse/blend with one other person – be through another vs. be on one’s own – find own passion for living and purpose through finding it in another – substitute another’s agenda for one’s own – confuse own fulfillment with gratifying needs of those with whom they have merged – kind and gentle, least assertive (like 2)

SOURCES

Chestnut, Beatrice. The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge. SheWrites Press, 2013.

Lapid-Bogda, Ginger. The Art of Typing. The Enneagram in Business Press. 2018.

Naranjo, Claudio. Transformation Through Insight. Hohm Press. 1997

by Jerome Wagner, Ph.D.

There are many facets to peace. Each Enneagram style has its particular perception of peace and reminds us of the various aspects of peace. These insights come from essence and turn outward. “What’s in it for everyone?”

Each Enneatype also has a skewed sense of peace. This is an egoic perspective which turns inward. “What’s in it for me?”

Unfortunately, when we get what we mistakenly want, we also frustrate what we really want.

And, ironically, when we attain our distorted egoic notion of peace, we fuel our vice, setting up the vicious circle of our biased thinking and contaminated feeling.

Anger is said to be the emotion associated with the body types 8-9-1. When we are in our essence, there is no place for anger. Our ego believes that when we have created the proper internal and external conditions, we will no longer need to be angry.

Sadness is said to be the emotion associated with the body types 2-3-4. When we are in our essence, there is no room for sadness. Our ego believes that when we have created the proper internal and external conditions, we will no longer be sad.

Fear is said to be the emotion associated with the body types 5-6-7. In essence there is no need to fear. Our ego believes that when we have created the proper internal and external conditions, we will no longer be afraid.

ONE

All is good. All will be well. Everything is in its proper place. Peace is the tranquility of order. The universe is basically good and is unfolding as it should. There is no reason to be angry and resentful.

I can be at peace when I’m perfect; you’re perfect; everything is perfect. There are no imperfections in my life and so I don’t need to be resentful. Unfortunately, when everything is perfect, there is entropy; no more growth.

When you are the most perfect person in the room, others tend to pick out your flaws and then you will get angry and that will disturb your peace.

TWO

All is love. When we love one another, we contribute to the well-being and building up of the community. The foundation and glue of the universe is love. Though grief is the price we pay for love, love is larger than and enfolds sadness.

I can be at peace when I am loved, appreciated, accepted, and approved of. There is no rejection in my life and so I won’t be sad. Regrettably, when there is no fear of rejection, there is no necessity for affiliation and connection.

When you are the most helpful person in the room, people will constantly seek your help and that will disturb your peace. But it will inflate your pride.

THREE

All is accomplished. The universe is running efficiently. It is a cosmos of finely tuned intra- and inter-connected parts. Creation has achieved its purpose. It is doing what it is meant to do and so there is no reason to be sad.

I can be at peace when I am successful and admired. I can do. There is no inefficacy in my life and so nothing to be sad about. Paradoxically, when I have done everything, there is no more purpose in my life.

When you are the most efficient person in the room, people will invariably ask you to do things for them and you will have no rest. But it will enliven your vanity.

FOUR

All is beautiful. Everything is what it is: authentic. Everything is inner and inter-connected. Everything belongs. All is grace. Nothing is missing and there is no need to be sad.

I can be at peace when I am seen to be special and I belong. There is no ugliness or isolation in my life and I won’t be melancholy. Sadly, when I am completely unique and like no one else, no one could ever possibly understand me.

When you are the most sensitive person in the room, people will inevitably hurt your feelings and that will upset your equilibrium and you will become envious of people who are peaceful.

FIVE

All is true. Reason, nous, the noosphere oversees the universe and the meaning of it all is apparent. The essence of the universe is consciousness which replaces fear.

I can be at peace when I know everything. There is no ignorance in my life and I don’t have to be afraid. Unfortunately, when I know everything, there is nothing left to learn. So, what’s the sense?

When you are the smartest person in the room, you can’t learn anything and that will make you the stupidest person in the room which will then make you avaricious for more knowledge.

SIX

All is faith. The laws of the universe are benevolent and beneficent. They can be known and followed. They can be trusted and not feared.

I can be at peace when I have considered every consequence and am prepared to deal with all of them. When there is no doubt in my life, I will no longer be afraid. Tragically, when I am dogmatic, I am rigidly constrained and on guard instead of free and safe.

When you are the most anxious and suspicious person in the room, people will continually disturb your peace which will make you more fearful.

SEVEN

All is hope. All will end well. All will be fulfilled. There is every reason to be optimistic and there is nothing to worry about.

I can be at peace when I have experienced everything and have exhausted all of my options. When there is no pain, suffering, or darkness in my life, I won’t be afraid. Regrettably, when I have experienced everything, there is no more adventure and I will be bored.

When I am the bubbliest person in the room, people will try to burst my bubbles and that will upset me and make me gluttonous for even more good times and experiences.

EIGHT

All is just. The arc of the universe bends toward justice. Everyone’s rights are honored and everyone gets their due. I can let go of my anger.

I can be at peace when I am in control and my strength will keep me safe. When there is no vulnerability in my life, I no longer need my anger to protect me. Ironically, the strongest person in the world, is also the loneliest and most exposed.

When I am the strongest person in the room, people will want to topple me and that will limit my peace and I will become even more lustful for power and control.

NINE

All is one. The harmony of the spheres. Unitary consciousness vs. duality. Separateness is an illusion. Anger arises from separation and so is no longer needed.

I can be at peace when I am content, satisfied, and settled. When there is no conflict or upset in my life, there is nothing to be angry about. However, since there is no friction in my life and I don’t stand out because I blend in, I will be overlooked.

When I am the most effaced person in the room, people will not notice me and my real needs won’t be met. That will upset me and I must resign myself, settle for what I have, and become more indolent.

INSTINCTS

Mother Nature has evolved three instincts to keep us alive (self-preservation), connected (social), and procreant (sexual).

But these instincts can be used either for the individual or for the community. I’ll do whatever I can to stay alive, to belong to a group, to prolong my genes and legacy. Or, I’ll do what I can to help others stay alive, belong, and be generative.

Just because Mother Nature evolved these instincts, it doesn’t mean they can’t be misused. Our celebral cortex and heart may need to override possible distortions of the instincts.

For example, our instinct to survive may resort to homicide or genicide to maintain our life and lifestyle.

Our instinct to survive in groups creates ingroups and outgroups, friends and enemies, like-minded and alien people who don’t look like or think like us. We close the gates and borders to immigrants and promote xenophobia.

Our sexual instinct may forbid bonding and mating for anyone except heterosexual couples and discourage adopting and surregacy by homosexual partners.

May we use our instincts for peace and the good of everyone. In the timely observations of Pope Francis:

Rivers do not drink their own water.

Trees do not eat their own fruit.

The sun does not shine on itself.

Flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

Living for others is a rule of nature.

We are all born to help each other.

No matter how difficult it is.

Life is good when you are happy;

But much better when others are happy because of you.

by Jerry Wagner, Ph.D.

RESILIENCE

     Evolutionarily speaking, the nine Enneagram styles may have been around for a long time.  What has helped each survive and thrive for 50000+ years?  Since we are the inheriting beneficiaries of their characteristics, we, too, have access to their resiliencies.  And, presuming human nature contains all that is human within it, what makes each style resilient so we can profit from all of them?

STRESS

     Stress is a challenge to our resilience.  Is there such a thing as good stress and bad stress or inevitable suffering and unnecessary suffering?  Some stress and suffering come from being alive and some we bring on ourselves.

     How does stress effect each Enneagram style?  What’s good stress for each style?  (Like the late Congressman John Lewis’s notion of “good trouble”.) And how does each style create their own distress?  What’s the natural resilience of each style?  And how does overdoing a good thing (eustress) bring about a bad thing (distress)?

EUSTRESS

     Somewhere in every introductory psychology textbook is a chart that looks like a bell curve or a Volkswagen Beetle that shows an optimal level of functioning and arousal at the top of the bell curve.  To function at our best, we need a little stimulation, excitement, anxiety to get us up for the game.

DISTRESS

      If we are feeling too confident or relaxed, we don’t exert enough effort to function optimally to win the game or at least play well.  On the left side at the bottom of the beginning of the curve lies sleep.  This is where my undergraduate students dwelled.  If there is not enough stimulation or if we are bored, we fall asleep.  Unless we do something to wake up and get excited.  Fidget, check the latest sales on Google, pull the hair of the person in front of us.  (No, wait, that was grade school.)

     If we get too excited (like when I talk about the Enneagram) or overly anxious (like our scholarship depends on passing this test or our opponent just won their last 127 games), this extra energy interferes with our optimal functioning and we flub the fingering of that Bach cantata or hit the ball into the net or, in my case, into another fairway.  At the bottom on the right side or downside of that bell curve lies a panic attack, the end result of too much anxiety.

     A little excitement and nervousness promote optimal functioning; too much stimulation leads to shutting down, tuning out, and falling asleep or ramping up, spinning out, and shooting energy in all directions, like a Van de Graaff generator. 

     So, what does each Enneagram style do to reach optimal functioning?  How does just the right amount of stress become eustress?  What characteristics make each style resilient? And how does each style overdo their strategies to create distress?  Like the three little pigs, you want your porridge not too cold, not too hot, but just right.  Which brings us to the ONES.

ENNEAGRAM STYLES

ONE

     What gets ONES motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     ONES get up for the game by wanting to perform really well.  They want to do all they can to make a really good product – whether it be a good term paper, a good chicken fricassee, a good relationship with their spouse and children – anything they are engaged in.  They have a passion for excellence and feel good when they have done something exceptionally well.   Excellence is its own reward and is eustress at its best.

      ONES’ resilience comes from their desire to be all they can be and do what they are doing impeccably.  They are naturally persistent, conscientious, responsible, intense (like a laser, not a forest fire.)

     ONES’ idealism is a source of their resilience.  They have the vision and drive to make the world a better place.  Their inner sense of rightness propels them to act and no obstacle is going to stand between them and their mission.   They might be deterred but not defeated.  They are willing to sacrifice for their ideals and they get a sense of satisfaction in doing the right thing.  They appreciate order, the proper way of proceeding.  Conviction, conscientiousness, clarity aid them, and us, in their journey. 

    These are words ONES use to describe their resilience:

Detail – rule – policies – order – justice – integrity – conscientious – responsible – purpose driven – principle centered – hard working – earnest – committed – clarity – vision – trust in basic goodness – dutiful – Integrity – self-controlled – disciplined – quality-minded – precise -thorough – fair – ethical – upstanding – organized.

     While these qualities come somewhat naturally to ONES, we are all capable of acquiring and using them.

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What is the right thing to do?  What does integrity require?

     So, what’s the ONES’ version of turning good news into bad news?  Doing too much of a good thing.  Want to distress yourself?  Tell yourself you HAVEto be perfect and do everything impeccably.  If you want to be loved and accepted, you have to be right and you can’t make mistakes.  Who says so?  The ONES.  Or their ONE parents, teachers, church, culture, etc.   Being a good person leads to optimal functioning.  Being a perfect person leads to why bother trying or dying trying.  Neither bring about particularly good results.  I like the English essayist G.K. Chesterton said: “Anything worth doing is worth doing half well.”  Not a good clarinet player?  No matter.  Making music is a good thing.  Either Chesterton was not a ONE or was a reformed ONE.

     ONES bring on themselves distress and unnecessary suffering by trying to be perfect.  Too many “shoulds” make their blood pressure and resentment rise.  They need to find that happy point between not trying and trying too hard.  “I’m doing the best I can with what I have available right now.”  See the 12-step prayer for wisdom.

TWO

     What gets TWOS motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     TWOS say they enjoy giving and loving and being helpful.   It’s something that flows naturally from their nature.  They are attuned, both innately and through practice, to other’s feelings and needs.  And they generously respond to others’ requirements.  Giving is their version of a “flow” state. It’s almost like they cannot not help.  It comes easily and naturally and is intrinsically reinforcing.  Getting appreciation is a nice bonus, but not required.

     Seeking out connections and relationships contributes to their own as well as others’ well-being.  Forming community fosters their resilience.  Their optimism and prosocial nature help them survive and thrive by giving them meaning and purpose, and ferrying them through life in the company of others.

     Empathic attunement is a key to surviving and thriving.  Love, nurturing, care keep us all going.  Isolation leads to death; relating leads to life.  TWOS see the best in people and care about them.  Love is a powerful source of both their resiliency and authority.      

     Here’s a quote from a TWO:

Whenever I was devastated, degraded, and deprived, I relied on my ability to LOVE.  Love kept me going (my wing THREE).  Love kept me from being overwhelmed by feelings of revenge and hatred (resisting the EIGHT arrow).  Love gave me faith and hope for the future. Love for myself kept me alive.  Love of God kept me grounded in doing what’s right (right wing ONE). Love gave me creative ideas for maintaining relationships (my FOUR arrow). At the same time my healthy gut EIGHT gave me the energy to draw strong boundaries for my own self-respect.

     These are words TWOS use to describe their resilience:

Connected – related – inclusive – compassion – adaptable – humility – love – attunement –optimistic – generous – helpful – friendly – caring – supportive – encouraging – warm hearted.

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What is the loving thing to do?  What does love require?

     And how do TWOS invite distress into their lives?  By doing too much of the above.  Their helping becomes something they HAVE to do to gain approval and avoid rejection.  They erringly believe their worth comes more from giving themselves than simply being themselves.  To get their needs met, they have to meet everyone else’s needs first.  And since, according to the rules of their TWO paradigm, they are not allowed to ask for what they want, they have to indirectly get their needs met.  We, of course, don’t catch onto what they need, since they’ve never expressed them. So, they get resentful.  And that’s stressful.

     So, how do they reduce this brought-on distress?   Acknowledge and express their needs.  It won’t kill us or them and it surprisingly makes them even more lovable.  Who would’ve thought?

THREE

     What gets THREES motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     THREES get energy and satisfaction from getting things accomplished.  A good day for THREES is when they got a lot done.  They like progress. They like to win.   A particularly irascible famous tennis player said it wasn’t so much winning that he liked; he hated losing.  They enjoy promoting their products and rallying their team.  

     They value movement.  “Motion is the lotion,” as my physician likes to say.  When an obstacle presents itself, keep moving.  Go around it, over it, under it, through it.  But don’t let it stop you from getting to your goal.  Perhaps THREES were the original peripatetic philosophers.  They thought best while walking.

      Pushing, challenging, competing get their energy up. Like the “little engine that could,” they believe they can do it.  And like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, THREES don’t stay down for the count very long.  Failures are just learning experiences for what doesn’t work.  Try something else.  Don’t give up.  This “go get ‘em” attitude keeps THREES and us going.   Their confidence, competence, and enthusiasm carry us along.

     These are the words THREES use in describing their resilience:   

Efficient – competent — get things done – don’t waste time – detail – network – motivated by challenges – optimistic – high expectations – self-motivated – friendly – outgoing – positive – enthusiastic – energy – confidence – can do – multi task – industrious – focused – persevering – order – engage – proactive – keep moving – start stuff – organized – adaptable –- self-driven – energetic – dynamic – efficient – pragmatic – ambitious – productive.

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What is the most productive and effective thing to do? What will get results?

     How do THREES distress themselves and bring on unnecessary suffering?  They push themselves too much, straining their emotional and physical muscles.  The body wears out and the psyche gets depressed.  Instead of bringing us along with them, they run over us or drag us along.  So, they are either out there ahead alone or they are running with logs (us) tied to their legs.

     They manufacture the wrong idea that they MUST succeed in order to be admired and be sent to the head of the class or the corner office verses relegated to the back row or the cubicle.  They confuse being effective with being a workaholic.  Burning out is the THREES’ version of the Phoenix.  Fortunately, as we saw, they frequently rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, divorce, lost tournaments, etc.

     When we’re in a “flow” state, our actions flow effortlessly.  When we’re rushing instead of flowing, we miss the present.  As the proverb advises: “Slow down and smell the roses.”  Which brings us to beauty and the FOURS.

FOUR

     What gets FOURS motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     FOURS function well in the sea of feelings and imagination.  Their feelings give them energy; their imagination gives them hope and direction.  FOURS remind us that creativity is very healing and life-giving, as is beauty.  We can only take so much ugliness before we get sick to our stomach and soul.  A forest cleansing refreshes the spirit.

    FOURS are sensitive to suffering – their own and others – which helps them process it and find meaning in it, which is a source of resiliency in FOURS.  It addresses those four givens that existentialists talk about: death, responsibility, isolation, meaninglessness.  Subjects that most of us would prefer to avoid.  But FOURS invite us to the depths of our existence.  While we might say: “No thanks;” they say: “Don’t be afraid of the dark.  Make friends with your shadow.  There’s a lot of good stuff there.”

    FOURS recognize the value of suffering.  Their long-suffering helps them endure and deepen.  They find meaning and significance in sorrow.  They can take in suffering and turn it into a “creative malady.”   Through mastering their struggle, they can guide us through ours.  Their suffering doesn’t have to turn them in on themselves but can lead them to being “wounded healers.” 

     They have an inner power of emotion and connection. FOURS can expand to take in the breadth and depth of feelings.  This capacity draws others to them and connects them to the mainland.  Their ongoing search for meaning and authenticity enriches all of our lives.  Their spirituality gives them a longing to get through the dark to get to the light.

      When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What would our authentic self do? How can we bring beauty to bear here?

     These are the words FOURS use in describing their resilience:   

Presence – awareness – depth – creativity – imagination – understanding – think outside box – meaning – connection – passion – balance – vision – endure pain – expressive – creative –sensitive, — original – intuitive – perceptive – unique

     So how do FOURS bring on distress and unnecessary suffering vs. the “necessary losses” that come with existence?  They spend too much time in the shadows and not enough time in the light.  Their melancholy or sweet sadness descends into depression and they tire of life.  Their suffering makes them special and appears in their subtypes when they become long-suffering, or wear their suffering on their sleeves, or make us suffer for all we’ve done to them.

     They get the wrong idea that there is something wrong with them and they are missing something.  Their ego misses what is there.  They might salubriously repeat the mantra: “Right now, I have everything I need to be perfectly happy.”  No need to be depressed or enviously look around at others’ good fortune.  You already have what you are longing for.  Recall Dorothy, the scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion.  They were already home, had a brain, a heart, and guts.  All three centers bring us home.  Can’t beat it.

FIVE

     What gets FIVES motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     FIVES function well in the land of concepts.  Thinking turns them on.  Their passions are of the mind.  This may sound pathetic unless you’re a FIVE.  A little analysis, a little connecting the dots, a little seeing how this situation fits in with the big picture, a little research into the best product for the best price – all these get FIVES excited and up for the game.  FIVES love to learn.

     Their ability to detach, stand back (but not stand down), be objective, let their inner observer notice what’s going on are all sources of resilience for FIVES.  In Karen Horney’s theory, in the circumstances we find ourselves in we all need to move towards in cooperation, move against in assertion, and move away from in detachment.  FIVES got the moving away from down; EIGHTS specialize in moving against; while TWOS are really good at moving towards.

     FIVES are good listeners and are perceptive.  Then they need to act on what they hear and see.  When they let themselves experience, they learn good judgment from their experience.  And experience comes from bad judgment.  We learn from our mistakes.  Hence the gift of the FIVE: wisdom.

     By showing us how to use it, FIVES remind us that we all have an “inner observer,” an internal “fair witness.”  FIVES can step back to unattach and observe.   This freedom allows them to make wise decisions.  From an objective distance, they can get the whole picture and then contribute to, challenge, or step away from the scene.  Looking before leaping doesn’t mean not acting.  It means mindful acting. Prudence, being guided by reason, can be effective, not boring. 

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What would our wise self say about this? What is the reasonable thing to do?

     FIVES’ resilience shows up as an ability to weather difficult and intense emotions through distancing and objectivity; through perspective-taking to see all sides of a situation before reacting; through creating and maintaining boundaries in various settings; by persevering, especially when learning something new (e.g. meditation techniques, coding, etc.); by being self-reliant; and not taking things so personally. 

     These are the words FIVES use in describing their resilience:   

Logical problem solving – analysis – connect dots – science – non-attachment – inventors – innovation – detachment – objective – perspective – observant – clarity – figure it out – flexibility in models – curiosity – critical thinking – perceptive – innovative — observant – logical – knowledgeable – reasonable – analytical –self-reliant –detached – now what – don’t look back

     So, how do FIVES distress themselves?  They think too much and may experience analysis paralysis.  Sometimes “the heart has reasons that reason knows not of.”  Thank you, Blasé Pascal.  And sometimes the body knows and “keeps the score.”  Thank you, Bessel Van Der Kolk.  Sometimes FIVES need to cede their head’s pride of place to their heart or gut.  Or, keep all three; IQ, EQ, and SQ.  Thank you, George Gurdjieff.

     Backing into their cave and refusing to come out leads to unnecessary suffering for FIVES.  It gets cold, sparse, and boring in the castle.  FIVES fear being deprived.  But who’s doing the depriving?  If FIVES believe the world is withholding, they offer their own withholding in return.

     In addition, their loner stance leads to not speaking up, not saying what they want or don’t want, and not asking for help — all of which bring about more trouble and suffering than they would have us believe.

SIX

    What gets SIXES motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     The good and the bad news for SIXES is their fear and anxiety get them up for the game.  Too little energy and they fall asleep like NINES; too much anxiety and they tremble and doubt like, well, SIXES; just the right amount of stimulation and they function really well like THREES.

     A modicum of worst-case scenario thinking leads to trouble shooting, problem solving, being prepared, and coming up with Plans A through Z.  Mother Nature has built in an alarm system in the amygdala to help us survive so we can thrive.  When the alarm is stuck on red alert, SIXES spend a lot of energy on mythical monsters.  They are good at scaring themselves.  Their natural safety features malfunction or over-function and become debilitating rather than life-saving.

     Mother nature has also figured out that we survive and thrive best when we are with others.  SIXES are good groupies.  They contribute their skills to the group (like, hey Zebras, there’s a lion over there) and the group in turn shares its wisdom with SIXES through culture.  Pretty good exchange.

     Speaking of being prudent, being cautious is not a bad way to stay alive.  SIXES have been around for a long time because they’re careful.  Their skepticism keeps them, and us, from being misled.   Considering the pitfalls of any given action and devising strategies to deal with those eventualities, SIXES make good trouble-shooters.  Not only do they look before they leap, they have contingency plans for what might happen after they leap.  SIXES also value the law.  It keeps us all safe and operating within the limits of healthy functioning.  If we take in too much sugar, salt, alcohol (or too much of anything), if we experience too much injustice, ugliness, abuse, lifelessness, we get physically and psychically sick.  SIXES are careful about deficiencies and excesses.  They keep us all alive and growing. 

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What is the safest choice in this situation? What is the prudent thing to do?

     Here is a quote from a SIX:

I am Type 6, 75 y/o and still a spiritual seeker. After decades of trying just about everything else unsuccessfully, I have found resilience in the motto, “to let go and let God.” The journey on this side of things is a trust walk. Do you place that trust in your own abilities or entrust your life to God’s divine mercy and infinite wisdom? It is very difficult to give up (our illusion of) power and control as we struggle for safety and security in our lives. Even though I am now in my 8th decade on good ol’ terra firma, I still struggle with this. I have found that the more we/ I leave outcomes in God’s hands, the more I trust Him, the less I rely on myself, the less I worry and the more resilience I have when the outcome is not what I hoped or expected. When that happens, I find great comfort in knowing that I am part of a much larger whole, that we are all in this together and this is all headed (by a very circuitous route) somewhere good. I have no idea how we are getting there; I just know that we are. In hindsight I can sometimes see how my action contributed to the success of something much larger than myself. As the Apostle Paul said in Roman’s 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” I really hang my hat on that one.

     These are the words SIXES use in describing their resilience:   

Security from relationships — fear and threat forecasting– fear goes to confidence – engaging—responsible –reliable – prepared – dutiful – sensible – loyal – trustworthy – faithful –truth seeking – structure – committed – persevering – focused – stable – good in crisis – planning – vigilant – questioning – organized – hard workers – caution – problem solvers – courageous – details – contingency plans – values – tradition – early warning – rules

     Like the rest of us, SIXES bring on distress when they engage in too much of a good thing.  They often see danger where there isn’t any.  They get a lot of false positives.  That is, they leave the building in the middle of the night when there isn’t a fire.  On the other hand, staying in the building when there is a fire (a false negative), isn’t a great idea, either.   

     Being alert to hidden intentions or creatures lurking in the bushes is beneficial.  Being paranoid paradoxically leaves one isolated, which Mother Nature discovered was not a good defense.

     While a little self-doubt saves one from the downfall of the proud and over-confident, too much doubt leads to not trusting oneself or others.  Goodbye self-efficacy; hello over-reliance on or suspicion of outer authorities. 

     Erik Erikson said trust and mistrust were skills to be learned in the first stage of our development.  Too much trust and we are Pollyannas; too much distrust and we are paranoids.  Just the right amount of both and we are perfect.  But we’ve already talked about the ONES.  What about the Pollyannas?

SEVEN

     What gets SEVENS motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     SEVENS are blessed with an optimistic, sunny, enthusiastic, curious, creative nature.  What’s not to like?  All of this leads to the “Unsinkable Molly Brown.”  SEVENS just keep coming back for more.  We’ll see that this is not an unmixed blessing.  But the optimum amount of optimistic good cheer makes SEVENS very resilient.  It’s hard to keep a helium balloon under water.

     SEVENS have the ability to soar above or ahead of troubles.  Their facility to plan for future fun-filled possibilities gets them moving forward.  In their worldview, the world is their oyster, filled with adventure and all good things.  This is a definite improvement over other world-views that the universe is critical, selfish, chaotic, abandoning, withholding, dangerous, hostile, and uncaring.   As SEVENS say: “Who wouldn’t want to be a SEVEN?”

     Optimism is a powerful prophylactic.  A positive mindset helps us see options and gives us the hope to pursue those options.  SEVENS’ buoyancy keeps them afloat and moving forward.  While the brain is said to be Velcro for negative experiences (we remember the bad things) and Teflon for positive experiences (we forget the good things), SEVENS accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.  Positive thinking can lead to effective action while negative thinking can stop the show.  Being positive doesn’t have to be pollyannish.  Hoping for the best provides the energy to go for it.

      Abraham Maslow wrote about the “Farther Reaches of Human Nature.”   SEVENS are exploring that.  And we all have that adventuresome spirit. 

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves:  What is the most heuristic option?  What leads to the most choices?  (If we have one choice, we are stuck; if we have two choices, we have a dilemma; if we have three choices, we have an option.)

     Here is a quote from a SEVEN:

     I think for me resilience comes in that positive attitude, I cannot stay down for too long, I will quickly get up and identify what is good, fun, and positive about what is happening AND then joke about it!

     Rationalizing also comes in handy, reframing the experience and seeing it from a different perspective.

     Maybe the 8w also helps, being able to take a lot on, that “I can take it” attitude and that nothing is too much, until then of course it is and I am forced to reach out for help, or distraction.  And with a 7s extended network it comes easily.

     In thinking about it more I think resilience for me is more going into the 5, focusing, staying with what is AND THEN using the positive attitude to get up again. When something happens and I get up too quickly then it leaves an aftertaste. But when something happens, and I stay with it, even if for just a while, look around me, just pause, retreat a bit AND THEN pick myself up, then it feels complete. No aftertaste.

     And one other thoughtful reflection:

    Now for resilience.  My Style 7 patterns lead me to be positive and to look on the bright side when coping with difficulties and troubles.  I realize that this is a result of using my defense mechanism of reframing in order to be okay.  By appearing buoyant, I look to the future and try to move on.  However, buoyancy can mean that I remain on the surface and only process issues at a superficial level.  It’s a way of escaping from suffering, although only temporarily.  By not acknowledging the pain, which comes with loss or disappointment, I allow it to remain beneath the surface ready to re-emerge at a later date.  Style 7 may seem to be one of the more resilientof the 9 Enneagram styles but our resiliencemay not stand the test of time if we have not put in the necessary and sober work to provide it with a strong foundation!

     These are the words SEVENS use in describing their resilience:   

Diversity –different plans and strategies — adaptable – partnership –visionary — positive reframe — inner bounceback — fast action — optimism – gratitude – joie de vivre – energy – hope – laughter – positive – confidence – flexible – inclusive – presence – engaging – joy – happy – dreamers – see possibilities – enthusiasm – innovation – connections – spontaneous – versatile – visionary—charming — light-hearted – friendly — innovative

     How do SEVENS bring on stress and unnecessary suffering?  They try too hard to stay up and avoid getting down.   Once depressed, always depressed they fear. So, look up and look ahead.  But their FOMO, fear of missing out, ironically leads them to missing out on some good things.  They don’t believe anything useful can come from the “Winter of Our Discontent.”   Things do grow in the cold and the dark; suffering can be redemptive; desolation can be as beneficial as consolation.  That’s all pretty much of a stretch for SEVENS.  Try it.  You may not like it.  But it might be good for you.

     By spending too much time in the future, SEVENS don’t savor the present which is the only real time.  They believe that when they get there, they’ll be happy.  Actually, it’s when they get here that they’ll be happy and fulfilled.  Their future-focused fantasies pull them out of the nourishing satisfying experiences in the present.

EIGHT

     What gets EIGHTS motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     EIGHTS are said to have the most energy of all the Enneagram types.  They are naturally robust, vital, confident, and decisive.  They believe in “carpe diem.”  Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.  “Strike while the iron is hot,” especially useful for blacksmiths.  Obstacles are challenges, not show-stoppers.  An initial “no” is just the opening gambit to “getting to yes.”   They take pride in being independent, autonomous, their own person.  As Fritz Perls pronounced: they’re not here to live up to our expectations; they do their thing; we do our thing.

     They are not overburdened by unnecessary guilt.  They have a winner, come out on top mentality that makes them very resilient.  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (Or, get shopping – but that’s the previous type.)

      With their positive outlook, magnanimous heart, and storehouse of energy, EIGHTS are equipped to survive and thrive.

     EIGHTS have a sense of confidence and competence.  Their motto is: “I can do it.”  As the saying goes: “Success comes in cans; failure comes in cants.”   This “can do” spirit keeps them going in the face of adversity and occasional defeat.  They are not afraid of their own power and are not afraid to use it.  Nor do they seem especially intimidated by anyone else’s power.  Getting big is one way to survive just as getting small and disappearing is another way to survive.  We all have an expansive capacity in us as well as the ability to shrink.  When we need to, we can get solid, strong, and upstanding.  The EIGHTS’ sense of justice also impels them which helps them thrive and others survive.

      When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What is the just thing to do?  How much force do I need to bring to bear to move this situation forward?

     These are words EIGHTS use to describe their resilience:

     Will do attitude and energy — resolve and intensity — inner core of strength —   full steam ahead —  guardedness —  this will not happen again —  there’s always a way out vs powerless —  energy –anger —  justice – make decisions – strength – problem solver – doers – enthusiastic – bold – courage – risk taker – confidence – BIG – direct – zeal – force – will – can do – strategic – decisive – vision – passion – long hall – courage – loyal – initiative – zest – intense– self-confidant —  decisive – assertive – direct — self-determined — big-hearted – loyal – dealing with a situation here and now – going full out – denying fatigue and pain — intimidation

     So, how do EIGHTS turn eustress into distress?  By living with too much gusto, intensity, and independence.  We are interdependent beings – not too dependent and not too independent.  Again, balance.  EIGHTS tend to tip the scale to independent, then find themselves unsupported.  Their tough shell protects their tender innards but doesn’t let that inner self be nourished and grow.

     They bring about suffering by sensing slights where there might not be any, then feeling indignant and disrespected, then getting angry, then getting feisty or getting even.  Vengeance is mine, saith the EIGHT.  Most of this is made up and so unnecessary.  They fire up their sympathetic nervous system for a fight that may not have to happen.  Fighting for the underdog is good; fighting imaginary enemies is exhausting.

NINE

     What gets NINES motivated, functioning optimally, and what is their natural resilience?

     Motivation and NINES seems like an oxymoron.  So, what gets them moving and unsettled? Perhaps conflict acts as a negative reinforcement.  With positive reinforcement, you give someone something they want.  With negative reinforcement, you remove something the person doesn’t want. Either works to increase the desired behavior.

      Negative reinforcement generates an obnoxious situation that creates discomfort, pain, anxiety, etc. that we are stimulated to remove.  For example, a fire alarm creates a pain in the ear which leads to leaving the building; a nagging parent creates a pain in the ear which leads to taking out the garbage or doing your homework; a tantrum-throwing two-year old creates a pain in the ear which leads to giving them an ice cream cone, toy, whatever.

      Conflict makes NINES anxious and moves them to employ their best negotiating and mediating skills to reduce the conflict.  Procrastination also initially lessens anxiety.  Avoidance behavior shows up here. Avoid what makes you uncomfortable.  But we’re talking about positive strategies here.

     Staying calm, unflappable, and steady in the face of adversity contribute to the NINE’S resilience.  Their adaptable nature helps them fit into their surroundings to survive and thrive.  They can even adapt to inhospitable environments.  We all need these strategies given the current happenings in nature and politics.

     When NINES are functioning optimally, they don’t get in their own way.  They go with the flow.  They don’t push, reverse, drain, pollute, or otherwise disturb the river.

     Promoting peace and harmony are ways that NINES found to survive and grow.  Looking for ways to resolve conflict and bring opposing parties together and seeing polarities as two sides of the same coin, have enabled NINES to be around for a long time.  Union works better than division, though, optimally, there can be differentiation within unity and harmony.  A peaceful nature, live and let live, is a resilient nature.  An attitude of acceptance, trusting the flow of the universe and going with the flow, is an effortless way of allowing the unfolding of oneself, others, and the cosmos.  Really, there is only one unfolding and that unitary consciousness is what NINES realize.

     When confronting a stressful situation, we might ask ourselves: What approach will bring about the most acceptance, peace, harmony, and integration?

     Here are words that NINES use to describe their resilience:

Reconcile – mediate – calm – network – patient – allowing – content – encouraging – collegial – peace – inclusive – connect dots – facilitator – take various perspectives – harmony – accepting – open – flexible – big picture – curious – receptive — ability to see many sides of an issue –willing to be part of the collective – reassuring – fair – patient – unassuming – diplomatic – gentle – kind — down to earth — peace maker vs peace keeper —   resolve conflict vs avoid conflict —  ebb (9) and flow (3)

     How does being calm, then, bring about distress?  Well, you can burn if you don’t get out of the fiery forest or drown if you don’t get away from the flooding river.   NINES might stay in a dysfunctional family or with an abusive partner much longer than is healthy for them.  Doing nothing doesn’t necessarily bring about change.  Leaning into their EIGHT or ONE wings might be a more proactive way to go.

     Avoiding conflict doesn’t make problems go away.  It just postpones them.  And oftentimes the conflict is worse when you don’t deal with the situation right away.  Avoiding stress at the beginning brings about distress at the end.   Though, NINES do say they function efficiently an hour before the deadline is due.  Perhaps this is their version of eustress or optimal level of arousal.  They rouse themselves from their self-protective lethargy, get focused, get busy, and get the job done.  That sounds a lot like the NINE accessing their inner THREE.  The turtle turns into the hare at the finish line.

SUMMARY

     Each Enneagram style has its own brand of resilience.   That’s why they’re all still around.  And each adaptive strategy contributes to the well being and continued being of the community.  Mother Nature evolved some good instincts and styles.

      The right amount of stress, excitement, and arousal lead to optimal functioning.  Too much or too little energy lead to sub-optimal functioning.  Eustress gets us up for the game; distress takes us out of the game.

      In short, stop distressing yourself and start eustressing yourself.  It’s good for all of us.

by Jerome Wagner, Ph.D.

I was talking with someone who was having difficulty setting limits and boundaries.  And I asked them “Where does your authority come from to do this?”  Kind of reminded me of the Pharisees asking Jesus: “By whose authority do you say this?”  (Odious comparisons are not intended and are not appreciated.) Then, I had to ask myself where does my authority come from?  Followed by, whence does each Enneagram style get their authority?  Then I made up some answers and, uncharacteristically, actually asked some representatives of each enneatype where does their authority come from.   Here are the results.

Ones

I thought ONES get their authority from being right – and they’re usually sure they’re right.  There is a tremendous power in righteousness, not to be confused with self-righteousness.  And I was right!  The ONES said their authority comes from being in the right and being morally right.

Twos

I theorized TWOS’ authority comes from love.  Love is a powerful source of conviction.  And the TWOS said their authority comes from their love for the other person and from their empathy, nurturing, and emotional experience.  They trust their love informs them about what is good for us.   Their ego, on the other hand, might be a tad self-interested.  As an advice columnist observed: “All unsolicited advice is self-serving.”

Threes

I suspected THREES’ authority comes from their competence.  And they humbly admitted that they are good at what they do.  In addition, taking a page from their TWO neighbors, they said their actions arise from their care for others.  They do reside in the middle of the relationship trinity, after all.

Fours

I thought FOURS authority arises from the depth of their feelings.  They said their authority is a mystery.  Of course.  They also agreed their authority comes from their feelings and added also from their authenticity.

Fives

My FIVE authority comes from my knowledge.  And when I thought about this, I agreed.  FIVES also cited their wisdom and being “know-it-alls.”  My physician, who is not a FIVE, says I pay him a lot of money for what he knows and who he knows.  He is a good referral source.

Sixes

I wondered whether SIXES’ authority was delegated.  Not surprising, some said they didn’t think they had any authority.  But, blessedly, others said their authority was the Holy Spirit.  Synonyms for Holy Spirit might be their essence or true nature.  While admitting they look to others for authority, they also said their authority comes from self-reliance.

Sevens

I imagined SEVENS’ authority comes from their being so positive.  Being optimistic gives you a lot of confidence.  What they said was a delightful surprise.  Their authority comes from being two to three steps ahead.   They are out ahead of us and see what’s coming.  Being visionaries gives them credibility.

Eights

Wondering where EIGHTS’ authority comes from seems like an unnecessary exercise.  But I thought about it anyway.  I figure it comes from their self-assurance, from their gut reactions.  They said when it comes to authority, they just take it.  That sounds about right.  We can trust them and their reputation for being strong and getting things done.

Nines

I thought NINES’ authority comes from their peaceful nature.  And, intuiting what would please me, they said their authority comes from their inner calm and peace.  It comes from an inner wisdom about how to live a peaceful and pleasant life.  Their authority comes from their own experience.  It just feels right — which musically brings us back to do, or ONE in the Enneagram system.

A Request

This research is based on a small but brilliant representative sample.  I would really like to gather more data to feed my alleged addiction.  So, if you are willing to share your Enneagram type and your reflection on where your authority comes from, I would be happy to collate the information (keeping your name out of it), write up the results, and send it back to everyone, following the dictum about “Freely giving what you have freely received.”   My e-mail is jwagner5@aol.com and operators are standing by to transcribe your replies.

by Jerry Wagner, Ph.D.

Wonder is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a cause of astonishment or admiration; the quality of exciting amazed admiration; rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience; to be curious or in doubt.”

When I read this definition, I thought of a child’s first encounter with something new in the world. Actually, everything is new to a child.

Then I thought about the Enneagram styles and wondered if wonder flows from and fosters the high side or essence of each style. Wonder seems to accompany the adaptive or divine idea which elicits the virtue or adaptive emotional response. Wonder acts as an antidote to the maladaptive or wrong ideas which stir up the vices of the styles.

Style One

The virtue for Style One is Serenity. When you start with the assumption that everything is perfect just as it is now, you can be at ease with yourself, others, and the world. When you experience wonder, you are amazed at the rightness of everything and you are strangely both excited and peaceful. You are drawn towards what you encounter; aren’t frustrated by it and so don’t need to go against it; and don’t feel threatened by it with no urgency to run away from it.

Wonder is an antidote to Perfectionism, the trap of the One, and Resentment, the vice of the One. You’re not angry at and don’t need to fix the source of your astonishment. You simply contemplate it, are grateful, and can relax and enjoy.

Style Two

The virtue of Style Two is Humility. When you have the belief that it is more blessed to give and to receive, then you have a realistic appraisal of who you are; what you have to offer; and what you need to accept. Wonder puts you in touch with reality, not what you want it to be so you can feel useful. There is no necessity to help the object of your wonder. It doesn’t need your assistance or require anything of you. You can simply be in its presence and be appreciative.

The trap of Style Two is Co-dependency and the vice is Pride. When you contemplate or are in wonder of a sunset or a little child, there is no need to be proud. You’re not responsible for this. And when you are in a state of wonder, you don’t need to do anything for the object of your contemplation. Just enjoy it and be thankful for it.

Style Three

The virtue of Style Three is Truthfulness. When you have hope that the universe is unfolding as it should without need of your intervention and when you have hope that you are worthwhile and loved for who you are not for what you do, then you are amazed at the mystery of who you are just in yourself. You don’t have to put on airs or perform. You are wonderful simply being yourself. There is a congruence of who you are, who you think you are, and who you present yourself to be.

The trap of Style Three is Workaholism and the vice of is Vanity. Wonder allows you to be as well as to do. Essence is not vain. Your true self is wonderful as is and doesn’t need to pretend to be other than what it is. There are no grounds to be vain about something you are in wonder of. You didn’t make it. You can simply admire what is there. It doesn’t need to be promoted or dressed up. It is complete in itself.

Style Four

Equanimity is the virtue for Style Four. When you begin with the assumption that you are already original because you are connected to the source of your being, your origin, and also connected to everyone else’s being, then you already belong. Beholding someone or something with wonder elicits admiration and appreciation. The fact that you can recognize an admirable quality outside yourself means you have that quality in you. If you spot it, you got it.

Specialness is the trap of the Four and Envy is the vice. When you genuinely admire and appreciate something, you don’t need to take it out of that person or object and put it in yourself because they have something that you don’t. You are content to leave what you respect where it resides while appreciating your own parcel of talents and gifts. All creatures are extraordinary, including you; and, paradoxically, that makes everything ordinary, including you.

Style Five

The virtue of the Five is Non-attachment. When you believe that it is just as good to be known as it is to know, and when you believe that you already know enough to act, then you can step into life from the sidelines. You are a contemplative-in-action. When you observe and are in awe of something, you don’t need to possess it and hold onto it. Wonder arises in the present and keeps you in the here and now. There is no need to acquire, collect, and store up what you behold for some future necessity.

The trap of the Five is Intellectualization and Privacy and the vice is Avarice. Wonder gets you in touch with your experience. You can let go of your books and your hiding place and enter the world. You don’t need to figure out or possess what you behold. You simply stay in its presence, let it inform you, and be appreciative. You can let go of any need to own what you admire. It is enough to enjoy it here now.

Style Six

The virtue of Style Six is Courage. When you believe the force is with you, not against you, and you understand you are a part of creation, not apart from it, then wonder inspires trust. What you encounter and contemplate is not threatening but is inviting and calming. So, you can take heart, Coeur, and have the courage to be.

The trap of the Six is Doubt and the vice is Fear. While awe involves both fear and attraction, the trembling is more from excitement than panic. There is no need to fear what you are in wonder of. It won’t hurt you but welcomes you safely into its presence. Wonder leaves no doubt. You intuitively grasp that this is good.

Style Seven

Sobriety is the virtue of the Seven. When you are committed to the social and personal work you are called to, then you reside and act in the present, taking in only what you need and expending only as much energy as is required. When wonder arises from your essential nature, your inspiration and excitement are appropriate to the object of your attraction. No more; no less.

Pleasure is the trap of the Seven and Gluttony is the vice. More is better. In wonder, what is here is enough. You are satisfied and fulfilled in the present and don’t need to transport yourself into the future to plan for more. Desolation and darkness can lead to growth as well as consolation and light.

Style Eight

The virtue of the Eight is Innocence, the attitude of not harming nor anticipating being harmed. When you assume that the arc of the universe bends toward justice and what goes around comes around, then you don’t have to be the arbiter and guarantor of justice. And that is mysterious and wonderful. You are not afraid of the object of your wonder nor do you need to control what you behold. Hold it gently in the palm of your hand and be grateful for its presence in your life.

The trap of the Eight is Control and the vice is Lust, an over-intensity and over-protectiveness to fill up an emptiness you have created inside by over-valuing strength. While being amazed does call out your energy, your response is measured to the situation. You can allow yourself to be vulnerable in the presence of what you are in wonder of. You can be open and there is no need to defend yourself.

Style Nine

The Nine’s virtue is Right Action, an involvement in the world. Wonder leads to gratitude which leads to action. “Thank you, and what can I do in return?” The object of your wonder is a gift and you want to pass that gift on, to pay it forward. You believe you matter and have a right to be. And you have something to contribute.

The trap of the Nine is Resignation and the vice is Indolence, an inattention to yourself. Instead of settling for what you can get, wonder leads to excitement, not numbing out. Wonder enlivens you. It connects you to yourself and the world. You are an active participant, not a passive unimportant observer in the background.

As the poet says, we are all wonderfully made, a cause of astonishment and admiration, something awesomely mysterious. Something, indeed, to wonder at.