I was always a little concerned for the guy with the big nose in the game operation. There he was, just lying there with a bunch of people looking at his naked body trying to take out pieces of his body. Clearly, I didn’t go into medicine!

I think a lot of us can feel this way when we first venture into self-awareness with tools like the Enneagram. Most people squirm a bit when they land on their core type. (I mean except Sevens. We take a bit longer to have the “oh, crap” moment because we’re just so excited to be fun, and we’ve already reframed it.)  

It can feel very exposing, almost dangerous, seeing the deep parts of our soul out in the open. It feels that way because it is!

Sometimes it’s just helpful to admit the truth.

But there is hope, my friend! Because freedom begins with truth. Every time.

Mark Groves says, “If you want to be free, stop settling for a lesser, dishonest version of yourself.” Ouch. But isn’t that what lots of us are doing?

Though I didn’t go into medicine, I do know not to treat an ear infection with prescription sunglasses. Transformation—deep, changing work—can only happen when you recognize what’s really inside your heart, the reality of how you think, & what you do in your life.

“If you want to be free, stop settling for a lesser, dishonest version of yourself.”

That is the value of understanding yourself. Also, the importance of being compassionate with yourself. The Enneagram is like an observer that reflects the inner world without judgment. It invites us on a path of growth, helping us learn what to put aside to become more of who we really are, to find freedom.

The Enneagram is like an observer that reflects the inner world without judgment.

Are you open?Go to jennwhitmer.com/enneagram & get a free Enneagram booklet. Ready for Enneagram coaching? First session’s one me!