#9 types

Type One: Even the perfectionist can make mistakes

Type Two: Even the kind can be cruel

Type Three: Even the ambitious need to relax 

Type Four: Even the honest can have secrets

Type Five: Even the smartest can be wrong

Type Six: Even the reliable need someone to rely on

Type Seven: Even the funny can be serious 

Type Eight: Even the strong need help

I made this 9 Types Test and I got Type 5 and Type 9 (6 points) but also Type 6 (5 points). I’m gonna make cursive what I think is true for me.

The Observer (the Five)

Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.

How to Get Along with Me

Be independent, not clingy.

Speak in a straightforward and brief manner.

I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts.

Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable.

Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity.

If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place.

don't come on like a bulldozer.

Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy.

What I Like About Being a Five

standing back and viewing life objectively

coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects

my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure

not being caught up in material possessions and status

being calm in a crisis

What's Hard About Being a Five

being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world

feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all

being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be

watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally

Fives as Children Often

spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on

have a few special friends rather than many

are very bright and curious and do well in school

have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers

watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information

assume a poker face in order not to look afraid

are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict

feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected

The Peacemaker (the Nine)

Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.

I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advatage of this.

Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.

Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.

Ask me questions to help me get clear.

Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.

Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.

I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.

Let me know you like what I've done or said.

Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.

What I Like About Being a Nine

being nonjudgmental and accepting

caring for and being concerned about others

being able to relax and have a good time

knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around

my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator

my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now

being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being a Nine

being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive

being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline

being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally

being confused about what I really want

caring too much about what others will think of me

not being listened to or taken seriously

Nines as Children Often

feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant

tune out a lot, especially when others argue

are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

The Questioner (the Six)

Questioners are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

Be direct and clear.

Listen to me carefully.

Don't judge me for my anxiety.

Work things through with me.

Reassure me that everything is OK between us.

Laugh and make jokes with me.

Gently push me toward new experiences.

Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Six

being committed and faithful to family and friends

being responsible and hardworking

being compassionate toward others

having intellect and wit

confronting danger bravely

being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Six

the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Sixes as Children Often

are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

Our evolution as human beings has required three basic survival strategies, known as the basic instincts:

Self-preservation – responding to perceived threats and needs

Social – creating social structures within communities

One-to-one – primary relationships or coupling

In Enneagram terms, the word “subtype” describes how the three basic instincts are expressed in everyday life, influenced by an Enneagram type’s driving emotional energy or passion. This explains much of the variation among people of the same type, as all of the nine Enneagram types have three instinctual variations, totaling 27 subtypes – each with a distinct flavor.

Type 1: the Perfectionist

Self-preservation: Anxiety – The Pioneer Either very anxious or self-controlled, this subtype channels concerns about survival and security into material achievements as a way to be a good person and do the right thing. It seems important to subdue nature and to impose order on the natural world. Family, home, food preparation, etc. take precedence over other needs. However, too much self-sacrifice can fuel physical tension and resentment.

Social: Inadaptability – The Social Reformer Comfortable with a secure social role and a clear set of rules, this subtype is usually quite friendly and gregarious on one’s own turf. But an emphasis on doing things the right way can make it hard to adapt to new situations, and also can generate resentment or criticism toward others who may be acting “incorrectly.”

One-to-One: Jealousy/Zealousness – The Evangelist With clear rules and standards for correct behavior, this subtype keeps a highly charged instinctual center under strict self-control, leading at times to over zealousness in everything. Keeping a partner’s attention is vital to avoid self-recrimination. Jealousy toward a partner is common, and also may be experienced toward others who seem to have more room for self-expression.

Type 2: the Giver

Self-preservation: Privilege – The Nurturer Excelling in creating warm, personable relationships with many kinds of people, this subtype spends much attention on supporting and nurturing others, which can lead to a feeling of entitlement when it comes to getting one’s own needs met. This can contribute to a prideful attitude, or an insistence on going last that supports another kind of specialness, as in false modesty.

Social: Ambition – The Ambassador Gaining self-esteem through both social approval and visible accomplishments, this subtype empathizes and attunes to other’s needs to create an important, even indispensable role within an organization or cause. Being allied with the right people is usually more important than taking center stage.

One-to-One: Seduction/Aggression – The Lover This subtype uses all of the Two’s capacity for interpersonal attunement to make a connection and win the approval of selected people in a one-to-one relationship, even a brief one. The use of body language and feeling tones can be experienced as seductive, although not necessarily in a sexual sense. The same capacity also can show up in a more aggressive style that demands personal attention and recognition.

Type 3: The Performer

Self-preservation: Security – The Company Man/Woman With this subtype, the Three’s ability to work hard, perform well and maintain the right image are placed in the service of material success. With considerable drive and energy, this subtype can accomplish goals of financial security, a nice home, etc. The danger is losing contact with one’s real self in this effort, and becoming overly identified with one’s role at work.

Social: Prestige – The Politician The drive for success is directed toward winning social approval, knowing the right people, and achieving power in social institutions, whether in government, business or community groups. There can be genuine social leadership or simply self-aggrandizement through propaganda and image-making.

One-to-One: Femininity/Masculinity – The Movie Star The ability to create a successful image is focused on gender identity and issues. Personal power or charisma rests on being attractive as a woman or man. Yet underneath, there may be confusion about one’s real sexuality. This subtype tends to stay in the performer role, whether on stage or in personal relationships.

Type 4: The Romantic

Self-preservation: Dauntlessness – The Creative Individualist This subtype is willing to jump into new situations, to pack up and move, to get going or take risks when the preservation instinct is triggered, or when an authentic life seems elsewhere. To others, these actions may seem reckless, like throwing caution to the wind, but it can work well with an unorthodox, creative or artistic style. The tension here is between wanting to acquire material security and feeling detached from it all.

Social: Shame/Honor – The Critical Commentator Feelings of deficiency can be provoked by social situations, with envy directed toward other people’s status or appearance of belonging. This subtype seeks to establish an acceptable social role, possibly as the emotional truth-teller for the group, and often feels a need to resolve the tension between the quest for individual authenticity and social expectations.

One-to-One: Competitiveness – The Dramatic Person Competition with others helps to overcome feelings of inner deficiency and create motivation for a personal agenda. This subtype takes the power or strength of others as a personal challenge, and one’s own value tends to rise and fall in comparison.

Type 5: The Observer

Self-preservation: Home – The Castle Defender Home is one’s castle and a place to retreat from the world and feel safe. This subtype is concerned about having enough supplies, which can lead to hoarding. Or the opposite may be a true, with a lack in allegiance to any geographical location, forever traveling or moving from place to place.

Social: Totem/Symbols – The Professor This subtype has a hunger for knowledge and mastery of the sacred symbols and language of the group or society (totems). Yet at the same time, this subtype can become trapped in the role of observer or learned teacher by over-emphasizing analysis and interpretation, which can get in the way of participating with others.

One-to-One: Confidentiality – The Secret Agent This subtype will share confidences from the inner, private world in one-to-one relationships. A secretive quality or profound reserve can reflect some of the tension between the need to make contact and the need to preserve autonomy.

Type 6: The Loyal Skeptic

Self-preservation: Warmth – The Family Loyalist Overcoming fear by making connections and agreements with others through personal warmth, this subtype doesn’t want to be left out in the cold. Experiencing a lack of warmth or a threat to their security early in life can create a fear of taking risks and a need to stay within well-known boundaries.

Social: Duty – The Social Guardian Being clear about one’s role in the group or society is an overriding concern. To overcome fear and avoid rejection, this subtype needs to know the rules and create clear agreements with friends and colleagues. Yet there may be ambivalence about belonging. Doing one’s duty can be both a calling and a burden.

One-to-One: Strength or Beauty – The Warrior The first style is based on overcoming or avoiding fear through willpower and feats of physical strength and bravery, or through the strength of one’s intellect and fierce ideological positions. In the second style, fear and self-doubt are handled by channeling one’s idealism and keen perceptiveness into creating beauty in the environment. This helps create some stability and control.

Type 7: The Epicure

Self-preservation: Family – The Gourmand This subtype likes to enjoy an abundant lifestyle within family and a circle of friends. The emphasis is on sharing good ideas and conversation, preparing elaborate meals or dining out, and planning fun projects. This subtype can have problems with over-talking, over-eating, and over-stimulation.

Social: Limitation/Sacrifice – The Utopian Visionary A paradox exists for the social Seven who needs friends and group projects to express both social idealism and love of life. Harnessing oneself to the greater good of the group or community creates a sense of sacrifice, as participation with others requires limitations to personal expansiveness and planning for future outcomes.

One-to-One: Suggestibility/Fascination – The Adventurer Suggestibility works both ways. This subtype can be influenced easily by the attraction of new ideas, adventures and people, falling into a state of fascination or entrainment. The one-to-one Seven also has great powers of suggestion, and can use personal charm to lead people into a new paradigm, a new purchase or a new relationship.

Type 8: The Protector

Self-preservation: Satisfactory Survival – The Survivalist In this subtype, the Eight’s aggressiveness and excess are channeled into physical survival and material security. In a hostile world, the self-preservation Eight will either win or go down fighting. Fiercely protective of friends and family, this subtype can establish more territory and stockpile more supplies than anyone, but in a friendly world, may miss the boat altogether.

Social: Friendship/Social Causes – The Group Leader/Gang Leader A sense of powerlessness or injustice is overcome by being part of an aligned group, usually in a leadership role. This subtype’s anger and aggression are mediated by the group’s needs, and harnessed for a common agenda. Loyalty to friends and social causes take precedence over personal feelings and needs.

One-to-One: Possession/Surrender – The Commander A one-to-one Eight uses forcefulness and self-assertion to possess (or control) a partner or significant others. At times unable to adapt or let go, a strong enough yearning to be met fully can help this subtype let go of control and turn it over to a partner.

Type 9: The Mediator

Self-preservation: Appetite – The Collector This subtype excels at creating the practical infrastructure and the daily rhythms that support instinctual life. But there is a tendency to fall asleep to personal needs or narcotize oneself with food and other kinds of material consumption. (They are often collectors.) A life of material abundance and comfort can preclude efforts toward personal or spiritual growth.

Social: Participation – The Community Benefactor Blending well with the style and agenda of their friends and different social groups, this subtype can show great leadership and selfless contribution for the common good (on the high side) but tends to fall asleep to personal priorities in a comfortable social role or through indiscriminate activities (on the low side).

Mediators believe that to be loved and valued, you must blend in and go with the flow. Consequently, Mediators seek harmony and are inclusive, amiable, easygoing, comfortable and steady; they also can be self-forgetting, conflict-avoidant and stubborn.

Focus of attention - Other people’s agendas and the external environment

Life lesson - To reclaim yourself and wake up to personal priorities

Speaking style - Nines are non-confrontational, friendly, other-focused and inclusive of both feelings and facts. Others may perceive Nines as indecisive, scattered, unclear and overly conciliatory.

What Type Nines tell us about themselves

As a harmonizer, I can see all sides to every issue.

I avoid conflict and want a comfortable solution.

I have difficulty saying “no” and can get resentful later for agreeing to something I don’t want to do.

I am ambivalent or unsure about my own needs and wants.

It’s much easier to go along with others than to rock the boat.

Relating to Nines

Ask them what they want and need, and give them time to discern the answer.

Avoid coming on too strong, getting impatient or creating pressure.

If you sense they are reluctant or unsure about something they said “yes” to or agreed to do, let them know that it’s ok to say “no.”

Encourage them to determine their priorities and support them to take action

Stay present to them when they are angry.

Share body-based activities such as walking, exercising, cooking or eating.

Psychology Seeking harmony in their environment, Nines excel at seeing all points of view but share a problem with inertia. Whether lazy in the traditional sense or hard workers constantly on the move, Nines are self-forgetful and find it difficult to set priorities, change directions or shift their attention to what is most important. 

Basic Proposition - You gain belonging by merging with others, and comfort by dispersing your energy into objects and activities.

Strengths - Excellent mediators, caring, supportive, adaptive, steady, receptive, non-judgmental

Challenges - Stubborn, ambivalent, self-forgetful, indecisive, conflict-avoidant

Defense Mechanism Narcotization – using food, drink, entertainment or repetitive patterns of thinking and doing to “put oneself to sleep”

Nines use narcotization to avoid conflict, manage their anger and maintain a self-image of being comfortable or harmonious. Even productive activities can keep Nines sedated if they become too habitual. Avoiding conflict with others keeps Nines from being fully present in relationships. Avoiding internal conflict leads to inertia and becoming sidetracked from personal priorities.

Awareness Practice Observe your habit of mind or focus of attention with as little judgment as possible. Ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:

In what ways do I just go along with others’ agendas?

How do I get distracted from my real priorities?

How am I stubborn?

How do I respond when I feel tension, discomfort or conflict?

What makes me angry?

Somatics Paradoxically, as body-based types, Nines can be out of touch with their bodies. The intuition and common sense of the gut is operating, but they aren’t necessarily paying attention. While they can hold tension in their bodies, they prefer to stay comfortably undercharged and commonly lack muscle tone. Low-energy Nines suffer from inertia and physical laziness, while high-energy Nines stay constantly active. 

If you are a Nine...

Protectors believe you must be strong and powerful to assure protection and regard in a tough world. Consequently, Protectors seek justice and are direct, strong and action-oriented; they also can be overly impactful, excessive and impulsive.

Focus of attention - Injustice, not being controlled by others, and getting things moving in work or play

Life lesson - To harness the life force in productive ways, integrating self-assertion with vulnerability

Speaking style - Eights are direct, authoritative, zestful, firm, and oriented to truth and justice. Others may perceive Eights as confrontational, intimidating, loud and controlling.

What Type Eights tell us about themselves

I thrive on having lots of energy in my body and enthusiasm for life.

I am strong and protect the weak.

I am direct, willing to confront when the need arises, and express my anger immediately.

People see me as aggressive, intimidating, intense and impulsive.

I have trouble staying with my own vulnerability and sad feelings.

I have a strong sense of knowing what is fair or right in my body center

Relating to Eights

Be direct and forthright, yet flexible and open.

Stay steady and present in the face of confrontation and conflict; hold your ground.

Call them on destructive or threatening behavior, while being empathetic to their underlying hurt feelings.

Express your own feelings, including softer, tender ones.

Join them in getting things moving in work or play.

Psychology Eights take charge of situations and step into leadership roles. They place a high priority on fairness and justice, and will assert control over their environment to protect themselves and anyone else who is part of their family or group. Eights’ challenge is to combine assertion and control with interdependency and cooperation, and to curb their often excessive appetites. 

Basic Proposition - You gain protection and respect by becoming strong and powerful, imposing your personal truth and hiding your vulnerability.

Strengths - Courageous, strong, fair, truthful, determined, generous, protective of others

Challenges - Excessive, angry, dominating, lustful, afraid of vulnerability

Defense Mechanism Denial – the forceful re-directing of attention and feeling based on willfulness and control

Eights use denial to avoid vulnerability and to maintain a self-image of being strong. They seek to impact the world and other people rather than be receptive. The pressure to deny vulnerability reduces their emotional energy and keeps them from receiving all of life’s gifts.

Awareness Practice Observe your habit of mind or focus of attention with as little judgment as possible. Ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:

How does my big energy express itself?

When do I just go for what I want without thinking?

In what ways do I assert control, power or my sense of justice over others?

How do I divert attention away from my own fears of being hurt?

In what ways do I forget to be sensitive or tender toward myself and others?

Somatics As assertive body-based types with good access to their instinctual energy, Eights toughen up to avoid vulnerability, which results in chronic patterns of physical tension. With excessive energy and enthusiasm, they tend to over-exert and over-consume.

If you are an Eight...

Epicures believe you must stay upbeat and keep your possibilities open to assure a good life. Consequently, Epicures seek pleasurable options, and are optimistic and adventurous; they also avoid pain, and can be uncommitted and self-serving.

Focus of attention - Multiple options and idealized future plans

Life lesson - To reclaim and accept all of life, the pleasures and the pains, in the present moment

Speaking style - Sevens are exuberant, fast-paced, spontaneous, analytical and idea-oriented. Others may perceive Sevens as quickly shifting topics, making excuses, self-absorbed and indifferent to others’ input.

What Type Sevens tell us about themselves

Life is an adventure!

I seek pleasure and have an insatiable appetite for new experiences.

I am optimistic, active and energetic.

I see multiple options, but have difficulty with commitment.

I do not like limits and avoid boredom.

Relating to Sevens

Join them in having fun and envisioning new possibilities.

Appreciate their stories and positive ideas.

Let them know what you want or need from them.

Support them to move into painful situations and commitments.

Listen to their suggestions and avoid insisting on one way of doing things.

Psychology As movers and forward thinkers, Sevens usually are optimistic and positive with an interest in many topics and activities. They avoid limits and prioritize fun in travel, adventure and intellectual pursuits. They can be critical, frustrated or bored when reality doesn’t meet their idealized vision. Sevens find it challenging to focus in depth or to stay the course in work and relationships. Slowing down, being in the moment, and learning to tolerate their own and other people’s suffering can bring needed balance.

Basic Proposition - You can avoid pain and frustration by inventing options, opportunities and adventures.

Strengths - Adventurous, playful, imaginative, energetic, optimistic, quick-thinking

Challenges - Self-absorbed, dispersed, uncommitted, impatient, unrealistic

Defense Mechanism Rationalization – staying in the head, or explaining away or justifying feelings and behaviors in order to avoid pain or accepting responsibility

Sevens use rationalization to avoid suffering and to maintain a self-image of being OK. They tend to see life through rose-colored glasses, reframing everything positively. Thinking of new options and possibilities allows Sevens to leave the present moment with its limitations and live in a seemingly boundless future.

Awareness Practice Observe your habit of mind or focus of attention with as little judgment as possible. Ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:

How am I distracted by new and exciting ideas and activities?

How do positive options and opportunities absorb my attention and energy?

In what ways do I forget others’ feelings or needs?

How do I respond to challenges or obstructions to my plans, ideas or actions?

In what ways do I avoid distress, pain or negative feedback?

How am I insatiable?

Spirituality Type Seven’s journey is to welcome all of life as it exists in the present moment – fear, pain, sadness, boredom and limitation, as well as pleasure, joy, excitement and options. Their tasks are to simplify their lives, delay gratification, empathize more with others, and steady their attention in the here and now.

Path of Integration

Mental: Planning > Work Emotional: Gluttony> Constancy

The aspect of awareness called the Inner Observer allows us to witness the internal patterns that drive outer behavior. The practice consists of focusing inwardly and becoming aware of the thoughts, sensations and other objects of attention that arise within us. As we become more fully present, our type patterns begin to relax and we become more receptive.

For Sevens, take a moment to reflect on the following principles:

Uncomfortable or “negative” emotions are an integral, valuable and unavoidable part of being human.

Noticing hunger for stimulation and gratification is a reminder to return to the present.

When we stay on the surface, we miss the depth of experience and pleasure.

Feedback and criticism are opportunities for learning and growth.

There is a difference between a real feeling and the idea of a feeling.

Somatics As mental types, Sevens’ energy and attention tend to go up into the head and out into the world. Physically loose and flexible, their body armor is less about muscular tension and more about patterns of avoidance as seen in the upper chest and shoulders. Sevens retreat from sad or painful feelings into their minds; their challenge is to stay grounded in their bodies.

If you are a Seven...

Loyal Skeptics believe you must gain certainty and security in a hazardous world that you just can’t trust. Consequently, Loyal Skeptics are intuitive, inquisitive, trustworthy, good friends and problem-solvers, but also can be doubtful, accusatory and fearful.

Focus of attention - What could go wrong, worst-case scenarios and how to deal with them

Life lesson - To reclaim trust in yourself, others and the world, and live comfortably with uncertainty

Speaking style - Thoughtful, questioning, engaging and information-oriented. Others may perceive Sixes as pessimistic, contrary, challenging, doubting or controlling.

What Type Sixes tell us about themselves

I am preoccupied with safety and security concerns.

I greet everything with a doubting mind and contrary thinking.

My vigilance, active imagination and intuition help me anticipate and avoid problems.

I question authority and people until they gain my trust.

I procrastinate because I fear making the wrong decision.

Relating to Sixes

Be consistent and trustworthy.

Disclose your own personal feelings and thoughts.

Appreciate their attention to problems; agree on rules and procedures.

Join them in acknowledging what can go wrong before moving ahead.

Put your cards on the table as much as possible – don’t be ambiguous.

Psychology Sixes use their perception and intellect to understand the world and figure out whether other people are friendly or hostile. They focus on guarding the safety of the group, project or community. Sixes are good at anticipating problems and coming up with solutions. They can oscillate between skepticism and certainty, rebel or true believer. When phobic, Sixes are cautious, tending to hesitate, worry and procrastinate. Counter-phobic Sixes rush into action and brace themselves to overcome their fears. As Sixes learn to trust themselves and others, they become more flexible and develop the courage to act, even in the presence of doubt or ambivalence.

Basic proposition - You can assure life and certainty by avoiding harm (the phobic stance) or facing it (the counter-phobic stance) through vigilance, questioning, and either battling or escaping perceived hazards.

Strengths - Perceptive, sensitive, loyal, warm, witty, courageous and strategic thinking

Challenges - Anxious, hyper-vigilant, pessimistic, contrary, over-active imagination

Defense mechanism Projection – attributing inner concerns and fears to others and external situations

Sixes use projection to avoid personal rejection and maintain a self-image of being loyal. To assure safety and justify loyalty, they project positive feelings onto a relationship or an external authority figure. To explain internal feelings of fear and distrust, Sixes project negative feelings onto others, and then look for evidence to support these projections.

Awareness practice

Observe your habit of mind or focus of attention with as little judgment as possible. Ask yourself the following questions, while noticing your feelings and how your body responds:

How do I get fearful, alarmed or anxious?

How do I question and doubt in my internal dialogue?

How do I magnify situations in my mind?

How do I project my positive or negative feelings onto others?

When has fear of making a wrong decision held me back?

Spirituality Type Six’s journey is more obvious and straightforward than for any other type. The child who experienced the world as threatening and unpredictable, and fell into fear and doubt, needs to regain faith and trust in self, others and the world. Faith is a big stretch for the Loyal Skeptic because faith comes before proof.

Path of Integration

Mental: Doubt > Faith Emotional: Fear > Courage

The aspect of awareness called the Inner Observer allows us to witness the internal patterns that drive outer behavior. The practice consists of focusing inwardly and becoming aware of the thoughts, sensations and other objects of attention that arise within us. This allows us to be fully present, thus relaxing type patterns and increasing receptivity.

For Sixes, take a moment to reflect on the following principles:

Insecurity is part of life.

Flight, fight and freezing are all reactions to fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is moving ahead in spite of it.

When we relax our vigilance and stay in the present moment, we notice that everything is ok.

When we cultivate faith rather seeking certainty, we begin to trust in the process of life.

Somatics As mental types, Sixes use their keen perception to anticipate problems, find solutions, and establish rules and procedures that create safety and security. Some Sixes are cautious while others jump into action. But all Sixes have a very sensitive neurological alarm system that puts them on high alert when there are signals of danger, even when the danger is imagined or magnified. Cautious or phobic Sixes tend to withdraw, either by physically leaving situations or going into their heads. Counter-phobic Sixes tend to accumulate more muscular tension and rigidity. The diaphragm and throat are control centers, which can result in a halting or stuttering style of breathing and speaking.

If you are a Six...