“What type are you?” is a question I began studying when obtaining a Masters Degree in counseling. I was introduced, then, to typology–understanding what makes a person tick by digging down to understand gifts, talents, differing strengths. We’re each built and carved out–certainly!!–as luscious and special individuals. Yet there’s some great wisdom in learning more about patterns of how personalities and character develop.

Have you heard much about the Enneagram? It’s a tool, ancient and examined, as old as the Sufi traditions. I find myself now in a work setting where we reference it practically daily on our team. So I’ve been nudged to knuckle down and learn more about my Enneagram type (7),  as well as the other eight types on the ‘wheel,’ each with blessings and challenges.  A friend gave me an incredible book for this journey by Riso and Hudson: Wisdom of the Enneagram, the Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types. It’s rich with insight, counsel and spirit-work.

One of the things that can tend to be true about Enneagram 7′s, God love ‘em, is that they bring abounding energy and enthusiasm to tasks and projects. They’re endlessly interested in learning more. They are *drawn to* ..or help stir up…Fun.  But here’s a good important part: to use the authors’ phrase, once we ‘find our type’, we study our spirit work with a “sense of elation and chagrin.” In other words, reading more about our type feels true, feels like coming home–but also points out pretty clearly what it is we can work on for improvement, balance, and healthy development.

A key thing I’m reading about is that…gulp….7′s need to learn better to feel their feelings. We can (er, I can..) tend to revel in the fun, the light, the color, the tempo. When dynamics turn challenging, or the hard part comes on in the movie, we sort of brace ourselves and grit our teeth–waiting and hoping for the sun to come out. The problem is, is living a life like that, we need good, firm, gentle reminders to Feel Our Feelings. To not get lost in the moment or swept away by things, but to learn to be in touch. To be present. To be grounded and to look even the dark or sad parts right in the eye.

This–I am finding–does not come naturally to me. But it’s an incredible nudge, to be made aware of this. To learn to be. And be present. To lean into and trust and work through the hard parts, the daunting parts. And to feel my feelings. It’s a challenge that I’m being nudged to do, apparently, by the Life Forces and I’m intrigued and willing and on my way.

Not easy, indeed–but my how it makes the days richer.

Claudia Brogan is a lifelong trainer and educator, having worked and taught at universities in student leadership, psychology, student advising, and counseling. Lately, she's foraying into doing training in the public health arena, which is a very different world indeed, a risk in itself! She'll try anything once, if it sounds fun, and so she’s joining this circle of resourceful, colorful, gutsy women – what the hell?! Claudia can be reached on Facebook.
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