Embracing Vulnerability Through the Enneagram

In the realm of self-discovery and personal growth, the Enneagram helps us dive deep into the intricacies of human nature. Today’s deep dive is into: vulnerability. If you want to hear a little bit about how this topic has impacted my own professional journey, I encourage you to jump over to this post.

At its essence, vulnerability involves exposing our true selves, embracing authenticity and openness despite the fear of judgment or rejection. It's interesting that what feels intensely vulnerable for one person may not elicit the same response in another. This blog post aims to illuminate the influence of your Enneagram type on your capacity for authenticity and vulnerability.

Our egos are like our personal bodyguards, and they're closely tied to how we see and experience vulnerability. To shield ourselves from potential threats and emotional exposure, our egos kick in, painting a picture of who we are that aims to downplay any feelings of vulnerability or insecurity. They create this image that fits with what society expects, acting like a shield against possible rejection or judgment. Crafting this tough and invincible persona, the ego tries to keep our emotional well-being safe. But, here's the catch—this protective instinct can unintentionally hold back our real selves and interrupt our connections with others. Getting that our egos play a role in how we deal with vulnerability is a big step toward knowing ourselves and growing personally.

The Enneagram steps in to help us understand how each type tackles vulnerability, digging into the fears that might be holding us back. Let’s explore each type below.

8 - the active controller

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of being controlled or vulnerable.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Recognizing that strength lies not just in control, but also in the ability to be open and receptive.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Engage in vulnerable conversation where you express your feelings & fears.

9 - THE ADAPTIVE PEACEMAKER

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of conflict, and may avoid vulnerability to maintain internal & external peace.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Expressing your needs & desires, even if it means confronting potential conflicts.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Practice assertiveness by expressing personal opinions or desires, develop a sense of self-identity, and work to break free from avoidance tendencies.

1 - THE STRICT PERFECTIONIST

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of making mistakes.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Let go of the need for perfection and accept your inherent humanity.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Engage in a creative activity with no predetermined outcome (i.e. painting/writing) to embrace imperfection & let go of the need for perfect results.

2 - THE CONSIDERATE HELPER

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of being unloved or unwanted.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Recognizing that your worth is not solely determined by your ability to help others, and allowing yourself to receive love without conditions attached.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Practice self-compassion by setting aside time every day for self care without the intention of helping others. Ideas: meditation, reading, or any activity that nurtures your well-being.

3 - THE COMPETITIVE ACHIEVER

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of failure, and difficulty connecting to emotions, finds vulnerability challenging.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Acknowledge that self-worth is not solely tied to external achievements, and allow for authenticity in your pursuits.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Share a personal setback or failure with someone close, acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of the journey toward success.

4 - THE INTENSE CREATIVE

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of being ordinary or insignificant.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Embrace your uniqueness without the constant need for comparison.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Participate in a group activity that encourages collaboration and connection so you can experience the richness of shared experiences and commonality.

5 - THE QUIET SPECIALIST

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of being overwhelmed by the outside world.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Step outside of the comfort zone of knowledge and allow yourself to be fully present in your experiences.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Attend a social event or workshop that challenges you to share your knowledge and insights with others - bridging the gap between intellectual understanding and emotional expression.

6 - THE LOYAL SKEPTIC

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of uncertainty, may resist vulnerability due to a need for security.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Trust yourself and others, even in the face of uncertainty.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Take a calculated risk by trying something new or unfamiliar, step outside your comfort zone to learn to navigate uncertainty with a sense of courage and self-trust.

7 - THE ENTHUSIASTIC VISIONARY

RESISTANCE TO VULNERABILITY - Fear of being deprived or limited.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY - Facing and addressing underlying pain or discomfort rather than seeking constant distraction.
ACTIVITY TO MOVE TOWARD VULNERABILITY - Set aside time for introspection and reflection, which allows you to explore and process emotions without constant external stimulation.

Vulnerability = growth

The thing that feels extremely hard & vulnerable to you is actually the thing that will bring you the deepest level of growth.

Addressing your vulnerability is like unlocking the door to becoming the best version of yourself. When you confront your fears, peel back the layers of your ego, and embrace authenticity, you pave the way for genuine connections and profound self-discovery. It's through vulnerability that you find strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of your true desires and goals. By acknowledging and navigating your vulnerabilities with courage, you not only break free from the constraints of your ego but also open yourself to transformative experiences and authentic connections with others. So, as you explore the nuances of your Enneagram type and its relationship with vulnerability, remember that the journey towards the best version of yourself begins with the brave act of embracing your vulnerabilities. It's the key that unlocks the door to a more authentic, fulfilling life.