Years ago I lived with nuns in Orange, California. It was a tremendous experience. One Sister in particular was very dear to me, Sister Olivia. During my time with them they taught me to meditate, about iridology, and about the Enneagram. At at the time, over 20 years ago, all of that was kind of far out New Agey kind of stuff. Now it is all pretty commonplace with meditation being touted as one of the healing properties of our stress filled lives and the Enneagram being used by corporations to better understand thier employees.
When I took the long form Enneagram test years ago I was a 1 - The Reformer. A very clear 1 with nothing even coming close in numbers.
Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.
I took the test this week and, no suprise, I am still a 1. Now there are "wings" I am a 1 with a 9 wing making me the Idealist.
Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective
Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced
So, what does that all mean? For me I know that I am happiest when I believe in the cause I am working for - doing the work to move that forward. I am also happiest when I work with complete integrity. I also have to watch my critical nature - to lighten that feeling with respect. What I wish is that I knew what other people I worked with were. It would be helpful to meet their needs. I know my husbands number - a 4 - and I am trying to see where we fit together and where we can meet in the middle.
In my life, it all boils down to relationships. How we treat one another. How we communicate. How we develop others and ourselves. It is never about the product, the outcome, or the dollars - when I approach each situation with more understanding the better I feel about it all. This is just one more tool to do that. What tools do you use? What number are you? You can take the test here.
