Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
The Enneagram is a personality system that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. However, it is more than just a tool for understanding personality types. When explored in a different way, the Enneagram can also be a path towards spiritual growth—in other words essence.
The Basics
The Enneagram is based on the idea that there are nine basic personality types, each with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and fears. These personality types are not just arbitrary labels, but rather they are rooted in deeper spiritual principles that are essential to your growth and development towards living in your essence.
A Key Way the Enneagram Can Lead to Spiritual Growth
One of the key ways in which the Enneagram can lead to spiritual growth is by helping you to understand your core motivations and desires. Each Enneagram type has a basic desire that underlies all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Some Examples of the Enneagram and Spiritual Growth
For example, Type One desires to be perfect, while Type Four desires to be unique and special. By becoming aware of these core desires, you can begin to see how they shape your thoughts and behaviors, and how they may be leading you astray from your true path.
Releasing Attachment
Once you understand your core desires, you can begin to work on letting go of your attachment to them—finding a portal that can lead you to essence. This is where the real spiritual growth begins.
As you release your attachment to your desires, you become more open to the deeper truths of your existence. You begin to see that your true nature is not defined by your desires, but rather by something deeper and more eternal—your essence.
Another Way
Another way in which the Enneagram can lead to spiritual growth is by helping you to recognize your patterns of behavior and thought.
Each Enneagram type has a particular pattern of behavior and thought that they tend to fall into when under stress or facing challenges. By becoming aware of these patterns, you can begin to see how they limit you and keep you stuck in unhealthy cycles.
Becoming Aware
As you become aware of your patterns, you can begin to work on movement towards spiritual enlightenment. This requires a great deal of self-awareness and mindfulness, but the rewards are profound. As you move from your patterns, you become more open to new experiences and new ways of being. You begin to see the world in a new light, and you are able to experience more joy, peace, and fulfillment—your essence.
Finally, the Enneagram can lead to spiritual growth by helping you to develop compassion and empathy for others. Each Enneagram type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each type struggles with its own unique set of challenges. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type, you can begin to see others in a more compassionate light. You can see that everyone is doing the best they can with what they have, and you can learn to accept others for who they are.
As you develop compassion and empathy for others, you also begin to develop these qualities within ourselves. You become more patient, understanding, and kind. You begin to see yourself and others as part of a larger whole, and you are able to connect more deeply with the world around you.
Keep in Mind
The Enneagram is much more than just a tool for understanding personality types. When used correctly, it can be a path towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. By helping you to understand your core desires, recognize your patterns of behavior, and develop compassion and empathy for others, the Enneagram can lead you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.
If you are interested in spiritual growth, I encourage you to explore the Enneagram and see what it has to offer.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Wendy Van de Poll is a twelve-time best-selling author on Amazon. She is also holds a certification in Essence of Enneagram. Check our her service page to explore everything she offers for her clients. Wendy works with clients who want to write, self-publish their own books, and explore the enneagram. The genre’s she writes in are pet loss, children’s picture books, human-animal bond, and cozy mysteries. You can reach her to talk about your new project or the Enneagram. You can also visit her at Center for Pet Loss Grief.