Thoughtful Thursday & The Enthusiast
Understanding the Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast | Embrace Joy and Growth
One of my favorite people is an Enneagram Type 7, often known as "The Enthusiast." For those who identify as Type 7, life is an adventurous journey filled with the pursuit of joy, excitement, and new experiences.
The Core Traits of Enneagram Type 7:
Joy-Seeking Adventurers: Enneagram 7s are driven by a deep desire to avoid pain and discomfort, often by immersing themselves in pleasurable and exciting experiences.
Optimism and Enthusiasm: Known for their spontaneous and upbeat nature, Type 7s thrive on variety and are often involved in a multitude of interests and ideas.
Dynamic and Fun Companions: Their zest for life makes them dynamic and enjoyable to be around, always ready for the next adventure.
Challenges and Growth for Enneagram Type 7:
However, the same desire to avoid discomfort can sometimes lead to a tendency to escape from deeper emotions or challenging situations. Type 7s might distract themselves with constant activity rather than facing difficult feelings or staying present in the moment.
Embracing the Full Range of Emotions:
One of the key challenges for Type 7s is learning to embrace all their emotions, including the difficult ones. True personal growth for Enneagram 7 involves:
Slowing Down and Being Present: Learning to find contentment in stillness and allowing oneself to process pain, fear, or sadness.
Mindfulness and Inner Peace: Recognizing that true joy and fulfillment come from within, not just from external experiences.
Balancing Adventure with Reflection: Cultivating a deeper sense of inner peace by facing fears and discomforts, leading to a more grounded and content life.
Questions for Reflection:
If you resonate with the characteristics of a Type 7, consider pondering these questions:
What memories or feelings are you avoiding?
Can you forgive yourself or others for past hurts?
Are you able to sit with negative emotions like anxiety, frustration, or sadness without escaping them?
When you begin to fantasize about the future, can you pause and bring yourself back to the present moment?
What would a daily mindfulness or meditation practice look like as you learn to ground yourself in the here and now?
By exploring the richness of our personalities, we empower ourselves to live fully and authentically, embracing both the joys and challenges of our journey.
To learn even more about the Enneagram, I suggest the book, The Road Back to You, by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile.
Click HERE to grab my Pause Principle Mini Course.
