The idea that there are specific, identifiable personality types that apply to all people at all times strikes some people as odd. Yet, when you think about it, if there are patterns in the rest of nature, why could there not be in human beings?
What is Personality?
Personality is defined as being the typical patterns of acting, feeling and thinking that all people have. It is sometimes thought of as collections of traits or habits. We form these collections from when we are very young. They are our coping mechanisms for navigating our way through life. The Enneagram is a model that gives you deep insight into our personality patterns and how and why we get them.
From the safe, enclosed environment of the womb, we enter into this messy, unpredictable world. We have to find a way of getting along. Depending on our innate temperament, we develop ways of getting attention and having our needs met. These ways are not just momentary actions or moods, but become habits that persist over time. They compose our Personality.
Habits
While habits can be useful, they can also be traps. We can lose sight of what we are doing and why. Our actions go onto ‘automatic pilot’, rather than being deliberately considered. We become obsessive and limited in our range of options and abilities.
If we want to really ‘freely’ choose our actions, we need to become aware of the ‘box’ we have put ourselves in. This is why learning about personality is so important. Once you have identified your personality, you have a whole lot of useful information that you can use for personal growth and change.
The Enneagram
As a model of personality types, the Enneagram gives you insight into the types, their strengths and weaknesses, and ideas for growth and development. As a spiritual path, the Enneagram reveals the types’ deeper connections and core truths. And as a staff development tool for workplaces, the Enneagram offers valuable guidance for behaviour modification and team building.
If you would like to know more, get in touch. Put your name down to be advised of the next course. You will be so glad you did!
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