Triads
The Enneagram is divided into many groups of THREE.
Below are descriptions of the:
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Similar to the Enneagram System as a whole,
WE HAVE ALL of the centres, emotions and instincts
but one of each triad will LEAD THE WAY in our experiences.
Centres of Intelligence
BODY - Enneagram Types 8, 9 and 1
Types 8, 9 and 1 make decisions with their gut instinct and five senses. The are concerned with justice and getting into action. They are seeking autonomy and DO NOT like to be controlled.
HEART - Enneagram Types 2, 3 and 4
Types 2, 3 and 4 read the room with their emotions or feelings. They are concerned with the expectations of others and are often found adapting to or considering those expectations. They make decisions based on their connections with others.
MIND - Enneagram Types 5, 6 and 7
Types 5, 6 and 7 lead with thinking and reasoning. They are concerned with strategies and multiple options. They are seeking security and certainty before they make decisions.
Dominant Emotions
In the Dominant Emotion Triad, you will notice that one of the types is more comfortable with the emotion, one type denies or avoids it and one is found somewhere in the middle.
ANGER - Enneagram Types 8, 9 and 1
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Enneagram 8 displays anger. Eights are more comfortable displaying their anger when things feel unjust or unfair.
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Enneagram 9 is asleep to anger. Nines experience frustration or irritation but avoid showing it to others.
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Enneagram 1 controls anger. Ones feel angry at things that are incorrect but often choose to manage that feeling from the inside.
SADNESS - Enneagram Types 2, 3 and 4
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Enneagram 2 represses sadness. Twos put their sadness on hold to focus on alleviating sadness or uncomfortability for others.
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Enneagram 3 denies sadness. Threes push sadness and other emotions to the side to keep busy and accomplish tasks.
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Enneagram 4 embodies sadness. Fours feel sadness and many other intense emotions as a way of embracing authenticity.
FEAR - Enneagram Types 5, 6 and 7
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Enneagram 5 isolates from fear. Fives fear feeling and choose to withdraw to experience their feelings on their own.
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Enneagram 6 internalize fear. Sixes often experience fear and respond with either fight, flight or fawn.
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Enneagram 7 avoids fear. Sevens avoid fear and anxious thoughts by planning lots of activities and fun.
Enneagram Instincts
The Enneagram Instincts are a different kind of triad than the two above. Each of us has all three instincts but one has become more dominant, one behaves in an average way and one has become more subconscious or repress.
When your dominant instinct is combined with your Enneagram Type it becomes known as
your ENNEAGRAM SUBTYPE.
SELF PRESERVATION
This instinct is concerned with preserving your life. People with this dominant instinct are focused on their personal well-being, obtaining resources and practical concerns around daily life - food, comfort, schedules, finances, etc.
SOCIAL
This instinct is concerned with relationships and others. It is the drive for bonding, belonging and engaging with people around us. People with this dominant instinct are focused on reading people and situations, connecting and participating.
ONE-TO-ONE
This instinct is concerned with noticing and moving towards what we like, love and desire. This is the drive to passionately experience life! People with this dominant instinct are focused on broadcasting their individuality, exploring, taking risks and merging with significant people and experiences.
*This instinct is also referred to as the sexual instinct.