Best Self & the Enneagram

I recently wrote about the reasoning behind the best self (read here), but I wanted to take some time this week to review what each enneagram type looks like as their best self.

My whole life, I was lucky enough to have been championed and encouraged to achieve, achieve, achieve - but there came a point in time as an eighteen-year-old that that ended up being the expectation that cut me to the soul, and I just couldn’t do it and be my whole, free self at the same time. Jesus did a lot of work in my heart during this process; I got to know myself again by sitting in the silence and away from the manic life I was living; and the enneagram just started to simmer in my spirit. It was when I was chatting with a mentor who encouraged me deeply, "Sierra, just walk into a room and believe that everyone there already loves you,” that truly changed my heart and framework (and compulsive need to please people). Understanding yourself takes some time, let me tell ya. But it was from there that I was able to build boundaries (although I’ll forever be working on that one), understand what the “best self” meant from a holistic manner.

We collected what each type appreciated and affirmed about themselves personally, and connected it with each person’s “best.” While it might be easy to stereotype what type is a “people” type or a “task” type or a “challenge” type, it’s important to remember that each individual has a personal story and framework that goes along with that. These particular aspects affirm each type, but are also for everyone. The old adage, you only see what you look for comes to mind.

Do any of these ring true for you? What are some other aspects of yourself and your type that you connect to and appreciate?

XO,

SIERRA MACKENZIE

To read more about levels of health, storytelling, conflict management, & for an interactive test to help determine your type, my book, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ENNEAGRAM, based on the pillars of Home, Love, Work, & Play, is now available in North America, Australia, and Europe. Order here with my partner vendors, or pick up a copy at your local bookstore.