Embracing the Possible with the Enneagram

I came across this line by Emily Dickinson recently: “I dwell in possibility.” I love it not merely because it speaks to my Type Seven personality’s love of options and new ideas. (And Dickinson was certainly no Seven; by all accounts, she was a Five, probably with a Four wing.) I also love it because to me, it’s a lovely and powerful re-imagining of Jesus’ words: “With God, all things are possible.”

So, then, it’s not just that all things are possible in a general sense but that all things are possible in me, even through me. It’s the idea that I, you, we dwell in a space whose chief characteristic is that anything good could happen at any moment. Some might see Dickinson’s line as a retreat from reality into the imagination, but I don’t see it that way. I read it as a hopeful declaration of what could be.

That interpretation in itself may be the skew of my Positive Outlook Seven-ness, but that’s okay, too. After all, each type has a perspective the rest of the world needs.

Let’s apply this line to each of the Enneagram types. What are some possibilities for each along their journey of self-uncovery?

Type One: At the point of the Reformer, it is possible to rest in the knowledge that I am God’s beloved, without the need to “fix” myself or others. From that solid foundation, I can build a non-judgemental movement that transforms people and situations that do need reformation. (Think of Paul the Apostle and Martin Luther.)

Type Two: I can rest in the truth that I AM loved for my own self, not for how I love others. With God, it is possible for me to love freely and without condition, and to receive others’ love so that my real needs are met. I can embody the love of Christ, drawing many to him. (a la John the Apostle)

Type Three: I can set aside my need to perform as I more fully grasp the truth that no amount of performance could make God love me more. I will then use my redeemed gift of Holy Excellence for causes larger than my own self.

Type Four: As I recognize that I am seen by God as the unique creation I am, it is possible to be free of the need to dwell in the past or think of myself as inherently flawed. I can use my creativity to turn personal experience into a universal experience that takes others deeper into truth.

Type Five: As an Observer, it is possible for me to let go of my need to retreat from the world as I embrace an experiential relationship with God. I can relax into deeper human connection and share the fruit of my focused study with the larger world.

Type Six: It is possible to finally trust the One who is worthy of all trust. From this place of peace, protection and security, I can trust myself and let go of fearful overcommitment. Instead, my gifts of steadfastness and loyalty will garner the support and guidance I have longed for.

Type Seven: I can set aside my headlong rush into fun as I recognize that Gods sees my anxiety even if no one else does. As I receive his comfort and peace, I am able to fully experience painful emotions without fear of being trapped by them. Then my gift of grounded Sober Joy can truly shine.

Type Eight: At the point of the Challenger, I begin to let go of my constant power struggles and accept that God’s justice reigns in me without effort. My heart can relax into tenderness, and I channel my abundant energy toward causes that are important to God. (Martin Luther King, Jr., for example)

Type Nine: It is possible to recognize my own preferences as I understand that God has called us to peace but also to action. I lay aside my constant acquiescing and take my place in the world, offering my gifts of unity, community and reconciliation from a place of strong presence.

This and much more is possible as we do the daily, sometimes difficult but utterly necessary work of spiritual and psychological transformation. The personality’s grip is strong, but God’s is stronger. Even if we can’t see it yet, let’s dwell in the possibility of what awaits us as we persevere along this journey.

I’d love to hear what possibilities you have discovered or are discovering from your own process – please feel free to comment below.

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