<![CDATA[The Enneagram Playground - The Enneagram Gallery]]>

<![CDATA[The Enneagram Playground - The Enneagram Gallery]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:55:30 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Happiness, Strengths and the Enneagram]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2014 15:57:02 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/happiness-strengths-and-the-enneagram

Studies have shown that knowing our 'character strengths' and using them regularly boosts our happiness. If you know your enneagram type you already have a head start with self-awareness and should be able to identify your strengths more easily. I've linked the 9 types with nine of the 24 strengths from the VIA classification (click to learn more about strengths and Positive Psychology).

1: Self-Regulation
Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one's appetites and emotions.

2: Kindness
Doing favours and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.

3: Perseverance
Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of
obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks.

4: Creativity
Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do
things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it.

5: Love of Learning
Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one's own or formally; obviously related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows.

6: Teamwork
Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share.

7: Zest
Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things half-way or half-heartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated.

8: Bravery
Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it.

9: Humility
Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.

]]><![CDATA[Enneagram Christmas Music]]>Sun, 15 Dec 2013 12:44:37 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/enneagram-christmas-songs

If each enneagram type were to write a pop song for Christmas, what would it sound like? The following list might give you an idea. Although the singers might not correspond to the type, the lyrics do.

1. Little Drummer Boy
I found One the most difficult type for this list. However, this song shows the little drummer boy sets himself high standards ('I played my best for him,') and this lovely version by Bing Crosby and David Bowie has extra lyrics that with high standards for others too ('Every child must be made aware, every child must be made to care'.

2. Do they know it's Christmas?
The choice for the Two has good intentions but its understanding of others' needs is out of touch with reality. Africa is apparently a place, 'where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow.' Who did the research for this exactly?

3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
'Folks dressed up like eskimos', 'Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow', 'Yuletide songs being sung by a choir'. This Threeish song is firmly focused on a picture-perfect Christmas, and Nat King Cole's delivery is very posed and polished.

4. River
Joni Mitchell is a Four, and her song is melancholy, emotionally honest as well as being a unique artistic expression of a frosty season. 'I wish I had a river I could skate away on...'

5. I Believe in Father Christmas
The Five's song is all about knowing the truth about Christmas, not blinding believing what you are told and superficially going along with the commercial aspect. Fives are naturally inclined to have a perspective that is different from that of the masses. 'They sold me a dream of Christmas...'

6. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
The choice for a Six shows a heightened awareness of authority, ('He sees you when you're sleeping'), of following rules ('You'd better not cry, you'd better not pout') and of being either 'bad or good'. I like Bruce Springsteen's (who is a Six apparently) version but you have to skip ahead a few minutes on this video to get to the music.

7. I Wish it could be Christmas Every Day
This immediately came to mind for the Seven's Christmas song: fun, colourful, greedy and hedonistic. The video says it all (even the title does!).

8. Fairytale of New York
Like Eights, the characters in this song tell it like it is (He: 'I could have been someone. She: 'Well, so could anyone!') and are not afraid of a confrontation (She: 'You're a bum, you're a punk.' He: 'You're an old slut on junk'.)

9. Driving Home for Christmas
Nines are all about going with the flow, which is perfectly expressed in this lovely, peaceful song about being stuck in traffic at Chistmastime but not getting annoyed about it. 'It's gonna take some time, but I'll get there.'

]]><![CDATA[Enneagram Timepieces]]>Fri, 20 Sep 2013 22:22:02 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/enneagram-timepiecesAnother timely collection of images from Walter Suleyman!

1. Time to be perfect.

2. It's time for me to measure whether you appreciate me enough or not.

3. Can you be precise, practical and show off at the same time? Of course you can.

4. It takes some effort to understand its uniqueness, but it's worth the time.

5. Mechanical, complex, precise... like a time machine.

6. A waterproof, shockproof timekeeper, because you never know what might happen...

7. Time to plan all the details for the next moment of fun.

8. Strong, reliable, Swiss army watch with bold numbers. Time's up!

9. Can give your time, or maybe his time, or maybe her time, maybe my time...

]]><![CDATA[Enneagram on the Move]]>Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:20:27 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/enneagram-on-the-move

1. Rational, efficient, organized. Some Ones, when they ask an inflexible question, need to be ready for a negative answer.

2. Loving, caring, emphatic. Some Twos need to remember that pretending to care can be the same as manipulation.

3. Success oriented, efficient, glamorous. Some Threes need to see that image is not of absolute importance.

4. Expressive, creative, passionate. Some Fours could learn to be a little less dramatic.

5. Analytic, objective, wise. Some Fives need to know the basics of driving before getting too complex.

6. Loyal, caring, helpful. Some Sixes need to relate to themselves more than to authority figures.

7. Enthusiastic, fun, imaginative. Some Sevens need to slow down and be a little less outrageous!

8. Direct, authoritative, energetic. Some Eights need to be less domineering when inviting you to their homes.

9. Pleasant, peaceful, open-minded. Some Nines need to let their individuality shine through a little more clearly.

]]><![CDATA[Enneagram of Abandoned Places]]>Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:31:40 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/enneagram-of-abandoned-placesCreated by Walter Suleyman, this is a haunting but beautiful collection of images. A place may be abandoned but the enneagram 'ghosts' still linger.

1. 'It was the silliest of things, meant to be a joke, but when he said, 'It looks like there's no more power left to tidy things up'. It was then when, without any reason, I started to cry.'

2. ' I said to him I wanted the honeymoon there. If he says yes... that will prove he really loves me!'

3. 'There's nothing really behind the screen.'

4. 'It just struck me: what about if, maybe, our perception of reality is not 100% accurate? Our imagination plays a huge role too!'

5. 'You can call me neurotic, but I'm an ascetic, really.'

6. 'Well, we bought it years ago. Our little cosy fortress.'

7. 'Yes! And with some painting here and there, I think it's going to be great. Let's start...tomorrow!'

8. ' I know, I know, next time I won't crack 'em and smash 'em, I will give 'em a smile, play polite.'

9. 'And in my dream I saw what felt was my home, and it was full with dry sand, boring, slippery, infinitely monochromatic sand, everywhere... No no, not a clue what that means.'

]]><![CDATA[Enneagram Cocktails]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:44:53 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/enneagram-cocktailsOf course, I'm not encouraging over-indulgence, but if you fancy a tipple that suits your type look no further!

1. Gin and Tonic. A rational One would appreciate unwinding with a dry, clean and modest cocktail that originally had a very sensible purpose (repelling mosquitoes).

2. Shirley Temple. Twos pride themselves on being 'good' and often have sweet, youthful innocence about them. A sugary, non-alcoholic cocktail is a great option, though if you wanted more of a kick you could substitute the ginger ale with alcoholic ginger beer or ginger wine.

3. Martini. A symbol of glamour, success and fame, this cocktail is a good choice for a Three. It's associated with the USA (a Three culture), and James Bond (also a Three) and, like a Three, has many faces (espresso martini, breakfast martini, dirty martini, appletini...).

4. Black Velvet. Originally invented to mourn the death of Prince Albert, this unusual drink creatively mixes the elite sparkle of champagne with the dark richness of Guinness. The right choice for emotionally intense, dreamy Fours.

5. Bloody Mary. With its complex blend of ingredients, an interesting etymology and bizarre taste/appearance, this cocktail will satisfy a non-conformist, learned Five.

6. Sangria. Sixes don't like to be alone, so they will especially enjoy a cocktail to share with a group of friends. This is the fruity, winey solution, served in a bowl or jug.

7. Long Island Iced Tea. Sevens love to try everything and get overwhelmed by having too many options. This cocktail solves the problem by containing what seems like the whole drinks cabinet (but the flamboyant decorations are optional).

8. Jägerbomb. A shot of potent Jägermeister dropped into a glass of Red Bull. Powerful stuff which is not for the faint-hearted or easily intimidated (so no problem for an Eight!).

9. Sea Breeze. A natural, gentle cocktail for sipping on a peaceful beach somewhere away from all troubles: heaven for a Nine.

]]><![CDATA[The United States of Enneagram]]>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:33:19 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/the-united-states-of-enneagramAmerican culture is often typed as an Enneagram Three. When you look a little more closely, however, you see a different story.

1. Massachusetts. Originally a puritanical colony, this clean and refined New England state still makes a stand for what it believes is morally right (it was the first state to legalise same-sex marriage, for example).

2. Mississippi. 'The Hospitality State' tops the charts for being the most charitable of all US states and is also known for its friendly, welcoming inhabitants.

3. California. Projecting a image of success, attractiveness, fame and glamour, California is 'The Golden State' (would a Three be content with Silver or Bronze?).

4. Tennessee. The home of blues artists and heartsick country ballads, it is also high-up on the charts for having the most cases of chronic depression of all the states (a telling sign of melancholy Fourishness).

5. Alaska. This isolated wilderness is the perfect place for Fives, who often like to distance themselves physically or mentally from the mainstream of society. Hermits, eccentrics and people who want lots of time to think can find solace here.

6. Utah. Sixes like to form an alliance, as they like the feeling of 'safety-in-numbers'. Apparently, 63% of Utah residents are Mormons. This, along with the fact that Utahns have been found to be extremely hard-working, cooperative and reliable, makes it the most Sixish state.

7. Florida. Theme parks, wetlands, beach parties, water parks, islands, boating, space travel... with unlimited fun options and a famously sunny outlook, this is the most Sevenish state of them all.

8. Nevada. In tough cowboy country, this state is famous for confrontation (one of its nicknames is 'The Battle Born State') and money-making. The original large casinos in Las Vegas were allegedly funded by the mob.

9. Hawaii. This warm, laid-back archipelago benefits from its harmonious Polynesian culture.The ancient Hawaiian practice of hoʻoponopono is way to let go of stress and reconcile confrontations... very Nineish.

]]><![CDATA[The Enneagram in Fairy Tales]]>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:49:05 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/the-enneagram-in-fairy-talesExplaining the enneagram to children can be made easier when you realise that all fairy tales contain examples of the enneagram types. Here's a few to start you off.

1. The princess from 'The Princess and the Pea'. She shows how a One's attention goes directly to even the smallest imperfection.

2. 'Rumplestiltskin'. He seems so helpful and kind at first, but underneath it all he expected huge rewards.

3. The queen in 'Snow White'. Obsessed with her own image and being the best, she is also a master of disguise when she transforms herself into an old crone.

4. 'The Little Mermaid'. She fourishly develops an intense crush, then suffers heartbreak and ends up full of despair and melancholy.

5. The witch from 'Hansel and Gretel'. Isolated from society, she is skilfully inventive and totally eccentric.

6. The third of the 'Three Little Pigs'. Like a Six, he is hard-working and suspicious and builds a fortress against fears.

7. Goldilocks from 'The Three Bears'. A adventurous, pleasure-seeking character who has to try everything.

8. Jack in 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. He's fearless, strong and resourceful: it's not surprising he beats the giant.

9. 'Sleeping Beauty'. She symbolises the Nine's habit of drifting away from wakefulness into a daze.

]]><![CDATA[The Enneagram of Christmas]]>Wed, 12 Dec 2012 06:52:46 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/the-enneagram-of-christmasIt's the most wonderful (and Enneagrammy) time of the year.

Merry Christmas!

1. Christmas Cards. Especially Oneish if a christmas card list was drawn up in November to give a sensible amount of time to write and send them.

2. Santa Claus. The ultimate Twoish giver (but he would appreciate it if you left him a mince pie).

3. Christmas lights. The competitive Threeish facade for the festive season. Although the surface looks good, who knows what sort of Christmas they are having inside?

4. Carols by Candlelight. Candles are so much more authentic than electric lights, aren't they? And the carols get back to the deeper meaning of Christmas - though can be a bit Fourishly depressing ('In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds made moan...').

5. Scrooge. One of the most famous literary Christmas characters is definitely a hermit-like Five. Luckily, as the ending shows, Fives can enjoy Christmas too.

6. Christmas Dinner. Having family and friends all sat around the table together is a special Sixish time of the day.

7. Christmas Crackers. Just in case Christmas dinner gets boring, here's the remedy. Each has a joke, a fact, a silly hat, a toy and a big bang to shake things up a bit. How Sevenly!

8. The Big Sell. It's that Eightish time of year when the big corporations seize the opportunity to maximise profits and cash in on the red-and-white pound.

9. Chestnuts roasting on an Open Fire (and all other cosy things). After the meal it's time to lie back and have a warm, peaceful, Nineish doze.

]]><![CDATA[The Enneagram Fixations in Art]]>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:19:07 GMThttps://www.enneagramplayground.com/the-enneagram-gallery/the-enneagram-fixations-in-art

1. American Gothic (Grant Wood). The perfect posture and the critical gaze are perfectly captured.

2. Song of Angels (William Bouguereau). Caring, loving angels epitomise a Two's self-image.

3. Masterpiece (Roy Liechtenstein). Insincerity and focusing on image and success are Three trademarks.

4. The Broken Column (Frida Kahlo). A Four's obsession with suffering is evident here.

5. The Thinker (Auguste Rodin). All the focus and attention is in the mind - as if thinking can solve everything.

6. Barbara Kruger (Untitled [Questions]). Questioning authority is Sixish and the amount of questions reflects the anxious mind-chatter a Six experiences.

7. Slides (Carsten Höller). Making art a fun, physical experience is typical of a Seven.

8. The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (Damien Hirst). This is confrontational, dominating and no-nonsense, like the Eight fixation.

9. Bassin Aux Nympheas (Claude Monet). The gentle tranquility of a human-free environment reminds me of how Nine's mentally detach themselves from conflict.

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