Just as the Childhood message is the beginning of the deeper dive into your True Self, so is the Passion. Recently in the class I’m taking, the instructors called it our “suffering.” What they mean by suffering, is our separation from Source through personality/ego. The further away we become from our True Selves, the closer we associate ourselves with our ego and personality.
The Passion in Enneagram terminology is our Shadow. I have to tell you, I wasn’t big on thinking about Shadow work. I remember privately admitting to only myself I didn’t think I had any work to do - ridiculous! This is when, in a typing session, I can get to the heart of someone’s type. I say, “the shadow is something you have that you don’t want to admit to yourself or anyone else.” This is a great way to determine your type. Look through the Passions below and see which one feels icky. That is probably your Shadow and in turn, your type. I have included a link to the blog I wrote about each type’s Path to Wholeness. It is through the recognition of our Shadow that we can release its grip and move closer to our True Self (strength). Once you’ve landed on your type, be sure to click through and read about your Path to Wholeness.
Let’s explore them:
Type One: Anger - This anger is often channeled into hostility toward imperfections and a strong desire to fix what is not ideal.
Type Two: Pride - Twos struggle with a need to be important to others. They cycle between self-elevation and self-devaluation, often believing they can deliver help without needing anything in return (while subtly using expectations as a manipulation tactic).
Type Three: Deceit - Threes tend to over-identify with their outer persona or personality. They may believe they have to earn love by being worthy.
Type Four: Envy - Fours experience envy and a sense of lacking something essential. They often compare themselves to others and feel that they are missing out.
Type Five: Avarice (Greed) - Fives fear depletion and scarcity, leading them to hoard knowledge, time, and resources. They struggle with letting go.
Type Six: Fear (can present as anxiety) - Sixes experience anxiety and fear, often anticipating worst-case scenarios. They seek security and loyalty.
Type Seven: Gluttony - Sevens fear missing out on experiences, so they seek pleasure, novelty, and distraction. They avoid pain and discomfort.
Type Eight: Lust - Eights fear vulnerability and weakness, so they assert control and power. They can be excessive in their actions and desires.
Type Nine: Sloth - Nines fear conflict and disconnection, so they avoid taking action or making decisions. They merge with others to maintain peace.
Do they look familiar? They are the Seven Deadly Sins plus Fear and Anger for Types Six and One. Don’t get caught up in the biblical reference (if this Catholic school girl can let go of it, so can you!). Most importantly, what are we to learn from this? Sin doesn’t mean we are immoral, it means we are off-track and when we associate with our personality more than our Essence, we are off-track, hence the SIN and suffering as mentioned above.
So which sin/passion/shadow/suffering resonates with you? Why? How does it show up in your world? Have other people said something about this and maybe you have denied it? (that is a sure sign it is your shadow).
I know, it does feel kind of icky, but very powerful stuff! The deeper you go with this work through observation, reflection, and development, the more purposeful you will feel in this world, sharing your gifts as the Universe as always intended. Yay, you! And another reason to LOVE THE ENNEAGRAM!