Navigating Life with the Enneagram!
welcome to the soaring blog. We are so glad you're here!The Enneagram is one of the best tools for self-discovery and personal growth. If you haven’t figured it out yet – we love it!
One of its lesser-known yet powerful pieces is the concept of stances and orientation to time. Say what?!
There’s a lot of great information here. Grab your favorite drink and let’s go!
Stances: The Way you Move Through Life
We’ve talked about the Centers of Intelligence (or Instinctive Center), which represent how we take in the world, like inhaling through your heart, head or body. In everyday terms, this means your approach to handling experiences through feeling, thinking, or doing.
Stances, on the other hand, are our primary way of interacting with the world, like exhaling. Centers of Intelligence tell you what you want, while stances tell you how to get it.
Stances are also connected to which particular center we tend to repress when we are stressed. We instinctively rely on one center over the others. Effectively managing stress requires utilizing all Centers of Intelligence.
There are three stances, each representing a unique approach to getting your needs met and managing your interactions:
Aggressive (Assertive) Stance: Types 3, 7, and 8.
Repressed feeling.
If you’re in the aggressive stance you are forward-moving and action-oriented. You assert your desires on people, places, and situations to achieve your goals.
This group is independently focused.
You tend to take charge, initiate actions, and are often seen as a leader.
Dependent (Compliant) Stance: Types 1, 2, and 6.
Repressed thinking.
If you’re in the dependent stance you seek approval and guidance from others.
You align your actions with external expectations and norms.
You are cooperative, loyal, and strive to meet the needs of others or adhere to a set of principles.
Withdrawing Stance: Types 4, 5, and 9.
Repressed doing.
If you’re in the withdrawing stance, you retreat from the environment to process your experiences.
You often need space and time to reflect.
You get your needs met internally, pulling from your past experiences.
You are introspective, reserved, and might struggle with taking direct action in the external world.
Understanding your stance can help you recognize your natural tendencies and develop a more balanced approach to life. For example, if you’re in the aggressive stance you should learn to slow down and reflect, while someone with a withdrawing stance might work on becoming more proactive.
Orientation to Time: How We Relate to Past, Present, and Future
The Enneagram also sheds light on our orientation to time, which shapes how we live our lives, perceive, and respond to our experiences. Here’s a breakdown of how each type tends to focus on time.
Past-Oriented: Types 4, 5, and 9.
You often reflect on memories, analyze previous experiences, and can be nostalgic or regretful.
You can provide valuable insights and wisdom but might linger on past mistakes or missed opportunities.
Present-Oriented: Types 1, 2, and 6.
You are concerned with what is happening right now and are often alert, attentive, and responsive to current situations. While this helps you stay grounded and practical, you might struggle with planning for the future or letting go of immediate concerns.
Future-Oriented: Types 3, 7, and 8.
You are driven by goals, possibilities, and visions of what could be.
You are forward-thinking and proactive.
You can inspire progress and innovation but might also lead to anxiety about what is yet to come or neglect the present moment.
Integrating Stances and Time Orientation
By combining an understanding of stances and time orientation, you will gain a comprehensive view of your behavior, patterns, and motivations.
For instance, a Type 3 (future-oriented, aggressive stance) may constantly push forward to achieve future goals, sometimes at the expense of present enjoyment or past reflection.
Alternatively, a Type 5 (past-oriented, withdrawing stance) might spend considerable time analyzing past data, potentially missing out on current opportunities or future planning.
Using the Stances to Grow
Self-Awareness:
Reflect on your stance and time orientation. How do they influence your daily interactions and decisions? What strengths and challenges do they present?
Balance:
Strive for balance by incorporating the strengths of other stances and time orientations. For example, if you are future-oriented, practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present.
Relationships:
Understanding the stances and time orientations of others can improve your relationships. It will help you be more empathetic and help you communicate more effectively by appreciating different perspectives.
Goal Setting:
Use your awareness of time orientation to set realistic and fulfilling goals. Ensure you are considering past lessons, present realities, and future desires.
So, whether you are an assertive get-it-done type, a compliant collaborator, or a reflective thinker, remember that understanding and balancing your natural tendencies is key to thriving in all aspects of life.
We totally get this information can be overwhelming. We can give you guidance navigating through your core type, stance, and orientation to time. If so, we’d love to work with you.
Get started here. ❤️
On your side and in your corner,
Lori
