In Enneagram wisdom, there are three centers of intelligence: head, heart, and gut. Each one is the go-to for a set of numbers. 5s, 6s, and 7s are centered in the head, finding their natural reaction to circumstances by thinking. 2s, 3s, and 4s, are centered in the heart, finding their natural reaction to circumstances by feeling. 8s, 9s, and 1s, are centered in the gut, finding their natural reaction to things by doing.
Though each of us is naturally centered in a certain place, it is the task of our lifetimes to become more practiced at engaging our non-dominant centers and engaging our dominant centers as mindfully as possible.
This week on Instagram, we’ll be exploring spiritual practices to support our dominant centers in a mindful way and engage our non-dominant centers in creative ways.
Let’s start with us head types. As you know, I am an Enneagram 7, which means I naturally tend to process life through thinking. I have to work hard to engage my gut and heart in decisions. Here are some ways I try to do that:
Engage your gut:
- Go for a run or engage in some other kind of vigorous, challenging, sweaty exercise.
- Breathe deeply – I mean, so deeply – send that breath allllll the way down to the base of your torso, your pubic bone, your vulva, the area chakra practitioners would call 1 or 2 (or both). Allow your belly to expand as you slowly move air vertically, connecting your mouth with your tailbone.
Engage your heart:
- Lie down on the ground. Roll up a towel and place the tube under your spine. When you lie down, it should elevate your heart. Rest. Let your heart lead.
- Listen to meaningful, emotional music for yourself. Keep tissues handy. Slow down and absorb the music with your whole being. Watch the emotions rise up. Avoid the temptation to explain them or fix them.
Engage your head:
How do you do this? As a 7, I tend to engage my head is always on. I’m always thinking and strategizing. I have to really try hard and stop. Enlighten me! What do you do to consciously engage in thinking?
Want more Enneagram and real life?
Listen to my interview with Annie Symens-Bucher, a fabulous Enneagram 1.
