There is an ancient proverb that reads:
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. Proverbs 24:6
An amazing characteristic of good literature and ancient scripture is that there are many layers of meaning encapsulated in each line or story or character.
From a personality standpoint, it is undeniable that we all come from a set view-point. This angle is a well-worn and well-known pattern of human behavior. Psychology has now proven that human behavior patterns are quite predictable. They are hard-wired from childhood. When we understand how the personalities are constructed, and what the elements of the traits are, it is easy to see why people do what they do.
While there are many systems we can use to understand human behavior, Enneagram is one that offers a dynamic and expansive understanding of the many complex layers of it. An additional gift that this tool offers is a spiritual layer, for those interested.
Waging war could mean an actual war between nations and the truth holds at that level. But for me, a middle-aged woman living in Florida in the early 2000s, navigating the conflicts of my relationships is closer to home. As a conflict avoidant Type, I would always rather find a peaceful solution than engage in mortal combat. Most people would agree.
The Enneagram is a fantastic tool to help us understand the foundational emotions beneath our personality structure and the gifts that brings. It can allow us to give grace to ourselves and forgiveness to others once we become aware of their come-froms. Each of the Nine Types described in the system have very specific (and limited) ways of viewing reality. This includes you and me. Meaning, I am always seeing things from my perspective and you from yours. We can have moments of objective clarity, and increasingly so as we practice, but at the end of the day, our vision stays true to our core Type in significant ways.
The mind-blowing part of it is that we are all seeing valid parts of reality. At the same time, we are all seeing only a portion of that reality. What you see has truth in it and what others see also has truth in it. None of us see 100% clearly. Wisdom teaches us that somehow it is the multiplicity of viewpoints that gives us the best developed picture of reality. To use only one Type is to be myopic.
This is why having many counselors (and sound guidance from all of them) is important before we engage in something as terrible and destructive as war.
What Could Expand Our Vision?
As we practice growth with the Enneagram and our main Type, we learn to take different paths other than our originally programmed ones. We expand ourselves into more courageous, serene and genuine versions. We connect our Souls to God, and reflect the Light and Love of the divine into the world, which is our truest calling.
After practicing that with focus and diligence, we begin to notice how other Types see things. This is because our own personality often dabbles in others. When this happens, we can start to see things from their perspective too. Perhaps we don't agree with their perspective entirely, but we can at least see how someone, with good intentions, could arrive at their same conclusions.
If we were them (in all aspects of gender, health, race, age, culture, family, education, personality, relationships, etc.), we would see it the same way they do.
And if we can debate an issue (debate here meaning in the most civilized and respectful way) on behalf of multiple Types, we are growing in understanding and grace. If we learn the complexities of the Nine Types, and can "see" where they are coming from in love, we can navigate conflicts towards victory. Victory defined as a loving solution that takes all into account, not tyrannical force, manipulation or self-erasing.
Every Type has a beautiful "counselor" come-from that is honorable
Type 1 wants what is correct and fair
Type 2 wants others to feel loved and cared for
Type 3 wants to motivate us to our best self
Type 4 wants everyone to be seen in authenticity
Type 5 wants sufficient information and analytics
Type 6 wants teamwork and safety for all
Type 7 wants everyone to innovate and enjoy the day
Type 8 wants everyone to be protected and reach potential
Type 9 wants everyone to experience harmony and inclusiveness
The ideal solution will incorporate as much as possible ALL 9 counselors.
It all belongs.
Let there be peace, beginning with me,
Jessica
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