Enneagram Series Day 2 - The Centers of Intelligence
This is part two of an ongoing study of the Enneagram.
Welcome to day two of our study of the Enneagram.
If you missed day one, you can catch up here.
Today we look at the three “centers of intelligence.”
A foundational belief that shapes the Enneagram as a tool for self improvement is the idea that there are three foundational centers of intelligence in all of us. These are the basic building blocks that make us human. Of course, we all operate from all of these centers, but each of us has one set as our default. The nine types of the Enneagram rest in these three centers, so there are three types in each center.
Think of your center of intelligence as your default factory programming. You are more or less wired to naturally approach all of life through your predominant center of intelligence before engaging the other two. This includes:
Perception - how you view the world around you.
Processing - how you interpret what you see or experience.
Expression - how you react or respond to the world.
These are the three centers:
Body - life is first processed through moving or sensing. Sometimes we call this the “gut” or “instinctual” center. Body-first types on the Enneagram tend to speak as if they just “know” things in their gut or soul. Body types are numbers 8, 9 and 1.
Heart - life is first processed through feelings and emotions. Heart-first types tend to be more empathic. They often talking about something “feeling” right or wrong. Heart types on the Enneagram are the 2, 3 and 4.
Head - life is first processed through thinking, analyzing and cognitive activity. They tend to need to understand what is happening around them and what the logical results might be that could impact them. Head types on the Enneagram are the 5, 6 and 7.
Each center brings its own benefits and pitfalls.
Body types can often make speedy judgments and decisions which can be helpful, but also lead to unhelpful impulsiveness or “doubling down” on mistakes.
Heart types can easily connect with others through empathy, but can be prone to oversensitivity and emotional manipulation.
Head types can set aside passion to make clear analytic decisions, but can also become paralyzed by overly analyzing situations.
Remember, that the Enneagram as a tool starts with the premise that all of us are somewhat out of balance. We got this way through nature and nurture. We survived because of the way we adapted. Our centers are a result of that. Living primarily in one center is what made us who we are; and it’s not a bad thing. But now we are ready to expand and become a more balanced person. That’s the best way to use this tool.
Each center also comes with what some call an “underlying emotion” that registers as primarily negative to us.
Think of this as the emotional price we pay for being centered the way we are.
The underlying emotion for Body Types (8, 9, 1) is anger. While some people in this triad more freely express anger, others do not. The 9 after all is the most peace-loving of all the types, but underneath there is slow burning anger. They may only let it out once in a while, but it’s there. Certain 8’s or 1’s may express anger more often. The 8 can tend to blame others and lash out. Some 1’s behave that way as well, but often the 1 turns their anger back on themselves and fixates on their own inadequacies.
The underlying emotion for the Heart Types (2, 3, 4) is shame. Each type in this triad tends to struggle with a sense of unworthiness. They strive to combat this in very different ways, though. The 2 seeks to be helpful to others. The 3 seeks success to prove their worth to others. The 4 seeks individuality to find their worth by being true to themselves.
The underlying emotion for the Head Types (5, 6, 7) is fear. Their accumulation of knowledge and data can lead to catastrophizing — assuming worst case scenarios. For the 5 this can mean seeking to create a multiple backup plans for anything that can go wrong. For the 6, depending on the subtype, it can look like constant anxiety or aggressive confidence. For the 7, it can lead to escapism and addiction to try to push the fears away.
These innate struggles shape us into who we are. The Enneagram as a tool shows us pathways to overcome the issues holding us back from becoming our best self.
We will look more at how that works on Monday.
For now, ask yourself:
Do I have a sense of which center is my default?
Do I have a sense of which of the three is the least like me?
Here’s one practical tip. If you have a sense that you know for sure you are NOT primarily one the three centers, consider allowing yourself to do an activity this weekend in that triad. Often, moving to another center can create a positive experience.
If you are not a Body Type, do some physical activity. Take a walk, go swimming, stretch, etc.
If you are not a Heart Type, engage your emotions. Play with puppies at the pet store, look through an old yearbook, go to a comedy show.
If you are not a Head Type, do something more cognitive. Read a non-fiction book, watch a documentary, do a crossword puzzle.
But above all, have a great weekend!
I’ll see ya Monday.