The Pattern of Objectivity, Detachment, & Subjectivity in Enneagram Types
The fundamental proposition of the enneagram personality typology system is that Essence is a process of becoming and personality is a conditioned, habitual pattern of response. Self-awareness is the key that unlocks the lid of the conditioned pattern of each type, so that one may climb out of the personality box and join the flow of Life, or Essence. This is the goal of utilizing the enneagram for personal growth.
The enneagram symbol is arranged in triads, typically known as the head/thinking (types 5, 6, & 7), heart/feeling (types 2, 3, & 4), and body/action (types 1, 9, & 8) triads. There is a common pattern shared within each triad that indicates how to achieve balance and points to the path of transcending type. In general terms, people who identify with an action type are activated (triggered) when they feel powerless; people who identify with a feeling type are activated when they feel invalidated; and people who identify with a thinking type are activated when they feel insecure (they think their security is threatened).
So, what are the qualities of a liberated mind? A liberated mind is curious, flexible, and still. What are the qualities of a liberated heart? A liberated heart is open, empathetic, and compassionate. What are the qualities of a liberated body? A liberated body is relaxed, receptive, and present in the moment. Integrating the head, heart, and body centers takes self-observation, mindful presence in the now, and intentional practice.
Here is how the pattern manifests as a broad overview:
The Body/Action Triad
Type 1 wants control through objective action, resulting in anger. Objectivity manifests as, “There is a right way to act (objective standards).” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 1 to release the need to manage the actions of others and relax into serenity with life as it is in the present moment.
Type 9 wants control through detached resistance, resulting in sloth. Detachment manifests as, “My actions don’t matter.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 9 to release the need to manage the impact of life and to relax into decisive action in the present moment.
Type 8 wants control through subjective action, resulting in lust. Subjectivity manifests as, “It’s my way or the highway.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 8 to release the need to amplify their actions and relax into mercy in the present moment.
The Heart/Feeling Triad
Type 2 wants validation/attention through objective feeling, resulting in pride. Objectivity manifests as, “They’re feeling.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 2 to release the need to manage the emotions of others and open their heart to humility.
Type 3 wants validation/attention through detached feeling, resulting in deceit. Detachment manifests as, “My feelings don’t matter.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 3 to release the need to manage the emotional impact of the world and open their heart to authenticity.
Type 4 wants validation/attention through subjective feeling, resulting in envy. Subjectivity manifests as, “I feel.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 4 to release the need to amplify their own emotions and to open their heart to equanimity.
The Head/Thinking Triad
Type 5 wants security through objective thinking, resulting in avarice. Objectivity manifests as, “They think (objective truth).” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 5 to release the need to manage the mentality of others and still their mind through generous engagement in the present moment.
Type 6 wants security through detached thinking, resulting in fear. Detachment manifests as, “My thoughts don’t matter.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 6 to release the need to manage the mental impact of the world and still their mind through courage in the present moment.
Type 7 wants security through subjective thinking, resulting in gluttony. Subjectivity manifests as, “I think.” To transcend type and come into balance requires type 7 to release the need to amplify their own thoughts and to still their mind through contentment in the present moment.
Consistency in self-observation, mindful presence, and intentional practice will yield amazing results, not the least of which is liberation; and this liberation is felt as a tranquil mind, an open heart, and a relaxed body. May you have grace in the process.