About 20 years ago, I was introduced to a personality typology called the Enneagram, which is a symbol consisting of 9 energy points. According to the Enneagram, each one of us draws primarily from one of these points, which helps explain our basic fears, desires, and core motivations. For example, I am housed at point 4, which is the Individualist. I desire full creative expressive, am motivated by authenticity, and fear being misunderstood.
I have used the Enneagram as my number one tool in supporting my personal development, which helps me make sense of my human experiences.
Recently, I had the great honor of meeting with Dr. Deborah Threadgill Egerton, known as “Dr. E,” a renowned psychologist and President of the International Enneagram Association. Dr. E explained that understanding the various energy points of the Enneagram can help lead us to empathy, simply by knowing more about what makes people tick and what scares them most. Empathy and humility are at the core of social justice advocacy, allyship, and contributing to the overall good that this world desperately needs right now.
Dr. E urges all of us to explore our own wounds, stressing the old adage “hurt people hurt people.” The Enneagram give us language to name our own wounds that create barriers to belonging. Barriers to human connection. Barriers to seeing, embracing, and celebrating others more fully.
To learn about your Enneagram type, take Dr. E’s quiz and check out her new book Enneagram Made Easy, my absolutely new favorite book on explaining this amazing tool.
Another gem is her earlier book Know Justice, Know Peace: A Transformative Journey of Social Justice, Anti-Racism, and Healing through the Power of the Enneagram.
Which energy point resonates most closely with you?
On the Pod
Belonging + The Enneagram w/Dr. Deborah Threadgill Egerton
In this episode, join Dr. E and me for a powerful conversation about using the Enneagram for personal growth, social justice, and a more unified world. Dr. E dives deeply into the Enneagram, which she describes as the "blueprint of the soul,” and explains to listeners how understanding all the points increases self-awareness, empathy for others, and human connection. Dr. E explains what each of us can do to create belonging for ourselves based on our place in the Enneagram.
Watch this clip of Dr. E discussing how to move the social justice movement forward. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.