The Emotional Movement of Each Enneagram Type

“Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection, and influence.”  — Robert K. Cooper. Ph.D.

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.” — David Caruso

Emotions matter. It seems so simple and yet, how many of us disregard our emotions? We stuff them inside, ignore them, and talk ourselves out of feeling everything that makes us uncomfortable. This tamping down of our emotional life comes at a cost: to our relationship with ourselves (self-love), our relationships with others, and it can adversely affect our physical and mental health. Emotions are neutral and they are informational. They point to what’s really going on; what areas in our life need love and attention.

Below is the emotional flux of each Enneagram Type as they move through the various stages of health, autopilot, and stress. None of these words are good or bad; they’re simply descriptive, and should be used like we’re all love detectives, investigating the emotional landscape in order to know more and feel it all.

The Emotional Flux of a Type One:

Stressed 4 – envious, depressed, resentful

Average 1 – Morally-minded, blunt, strict

Health 7 – Expansive, optimistic, spontaneous

The Emotional Flux of a Type Two:

Stressed 8 – Hostile, authoritative, shamed

Average 2 – Ingratiating, creative, unaware

Health 4 – Open, secure, expressive

The Emotional Flux of a Type Three:

Stressed 9 – raging, numbed, accusatory

Average 3 – insincere, charming, boundless

Health 6 – altruistic, courageous, devoted

The Emotional Flux of a Type Four:

Stressed 2 – resentful, needy, worthless

Average 4 – entitled, yearning, self-effacing

Health 1 – prolific, spacious, feeling geniuses

The Emotional Flux of a Type Five:

Stressed 7 – Anxious, manic, self-loathing

Average 5 – Curious, distant, insecure

Heath 8 – Energized, empowered, centered

The Emotional Flux of a Type Six:

Stressed 3 – frantic, deceptive, driven

Average 6 – alert, doubting, warm

Health 9 – intuitive, relaxed, trusting

The Emotional Flux of a Type Seven:

Stressed 1 – Agitated, critical, picky

Average 7 – joyful, avoidant, magnetic

Health 5 – Present, awe-filled, controlled

Emotional Flux of a Type Eight:

Stressed 5 – isolated, calculating, negligent

Average 8 – provocative, power-hungry, excessive

Health 2 – tender, attentive, intuitive

The Emotional Flux of a Type Nine:

Stressed 6 – worried, pessimistic, reactive

Average 9 – apathetic, serene, accommodating

Health – passionate, self-loving, driven

*Be sure to check out my new Enneagram Self-Love Downloads you can print and use instantly!*


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