The Somatic Enneagram: An Introduction to the Mind-Body Connection in Personality Types
The Enneagram is a personality typing system that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is based on the idea that there are nine distinct personality types, each with its own unique combination of traits, motivations, and behaviors. The Somatic Enneagram is an additional lens that is an invitation to deeper internal work. It lives in addition to a more traditional “personality-focused” Enneagram work.
The seminal work of the Somatic Enneagram was developed by Marion Gilbert and she is the leading voice on the Somatic Enneagram as a process for doing the deeper spiritual work using the Enneagram. The Somatic Enneagram engages the three centers (head/logic, heart/emotional, gut/intuition) with breathwork and invites response to body and tissue sensation. In the origin of type structure (aka ego) we develop a sense of effort which ultimately is a defense mechanism.
One of the key principles of somatics is that the physical body is a manifestation of the individual's unconscious patterns and habits. This means that the physical body can provide valuable insight into an individual's psychological and emotional state. Dr. David Daniels and Helen Palmer recognized Marion Gilbert’s work in this area and were supportive as she developed her technique and process which she is teaching and training people in today.
In the somatic work, each of the nine personality types is associated with a defense mechanism which can show up uniquely in the body. The Defensive Strategies are the culprit that creates patterns of being for each type. Each individual experiences these patterns unconsciously since before they could speak. By exploring the relationship between personality and the physical body, individuals can observe a deeper and less judgemental understanding of their personality. Once they can observe themselves, individuals can work to address any underlying issues and develop new, healthier, conscious habits and patterns.
However, this work isn’t for the faint of heart. There is a level of voluntary suffering that goes with the change of pattern. Our bodies and brains are not very welcoming of change. The process, often accompanied by emotional release, should be practiced with a safe and trained witness. While the work can be difficult the outcomes can be life changing. Using the facilitated breath work, as developed by Marion Gilbert, a person can embody an internal grounded center, less reactivity and internal security to face the resistance they once couldn’t face.
Whether you are a practitioner or simply interested in exploring the Enneagram, the somatic Enneagram is a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection in personality types.
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Aaron is a certified, teaching faculty member with the Somatic Enneagram & Marion Gilbert.
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