Enneagram stances: how to develop your repressed center of intelligence

In its simplest form, the Enneagram teaches that humans have three centers of intelligence: doing, thinking and feeling. Most of us don’t use all of them to the same extent. We are very skilled in using one of our intelligences and (unconsciously) underuse another.

One key of becoming a well-rounded human being is to integrate and balance the three centers of intelligence. A first step is to explore which center you repress. The answer might surprise you, but holds some of the most important clues to personal development that the Enneagram has to offer.

Stances

The Enneagram categorizes its nine personality types into three groups: compliant (also called dependent), aggressive (also called assertive) and withdrawn. They are grouped on the basis of how individuals relate to the world around them and which center of intelligence—doing, feeling, or thinking—is repressed for each group.

Let’s explore these stances and their associated repressed centers of intelligence, and, most importantly, what you can do to develop your repressed center.

1,2 and 6: compliant or dependent stance

Thinking repressed

Ones, Twos and Sixes may be suprised to hear that they repress thinking – they think all the time! And don’t we all? But what the Enneagram means is not that these types don’t think, but that their thinking is ineffective.

These Enneagram types often struggle with overthinking, self-criticism, and rigid adherence to their beliefs and values. Their thinking often takes the shape of a conversation with an inner critic, a kind of commentary on life instead of objective analysis and productive thinking.

Developing their thinking center can help Ones, Tows and Sixes to achieve a more balanced perspective and become more open to diverse viewpoints, while at the same time be more in tune with what they really want.

6 tips to develop your repressed thinking center

1. Mindfulness and observation: Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts and beliefs. Observe your thinking patterns without judgment. Meditation and journaling can be helpful.
2. Question assumptions: Challenge your automatic thought processes and beliefs. Listen to people or news channels that you disagree with. Ask yourself if your thoughts are based on facts or assumptions. Are they helpful or hindering?
3. Connect with yourself: As a compliant or dependent type, you are concerned with the larger group and relationships. Spend time with yourself to explore your own desires and try doing things you want instead of doing what’s right (type One), what’s good for others (type Two) or what brings you security (type Six).
4. Learn something new: Engage in activities that require critical thinking, problem-solving, or learning new skills. This can help exercise your thinking center and may challenge your established assumptions.
5. Balance planning and spontaneity: While your type may prefer structure, try to embrace spontaneity occasionally. Allow room for creativity and flexibility in your plans that may require thinking on your feet!
6. Practice mindful decision-making: When making decisions, take a moment to pause and reflect on the options. Consider both the logical aspects and your emotional reactions to arrive at balanced choices.

3,7 and 8: assertive or aggressive stance

Feeling repressed

Enneagram types Three, Seven and Eight are classified as feeling repressed because they tend to prioritize action, achievement, and control over their emotional experiences. Of course they have feelings, but these types may struggle to connect with and express their own emotions and can sometimes overlook the emotions of others. Feelings often just stand in the way of what they want!

Developing their feeling center can help Threes, Sevens and Eights become more empathetic, emotionally aware, better at connecting with both themselves and those around them, and find which goals truly matter to them.

6 tips to develop your repressed feeling center

1. Explore your emotions: Of course, the first step is to start by acknowledging your emotions. Useful tools to become more aware of your feelings can be journaling, vision boarding or a mood tracker app.
2. Empathy practice: Work on empathizing with others. Put yourself in their shoes to understand their emotions better. This can improve your emotional intelligence.
3. Mind-body practices: Engage in activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These practices can help you connect with your emotional side.
4. Express yourself and practice vulnerability: Connect with friends or a therapist who can provide emotional support and guidance. Talking about your feelings with a trusted individual can be cathartic. Share your feelings and concerns openly, and be willing to accept support and empathy from others.
5. Listen actively: Practice active listening when communicating with others. Pay attention to their emotions and try to respond empathetically.
6. Artistic expression: Explore creative outlets such as painting, writing, music, or dance to express your emotions. Art can be a powerful way to tap into your feelings.

4, 5 and 9: withdrawn stance

Doing repressed

These Enneagram types are labeled as doing repressed because they have a tendency toward introspection, contemplation, and avoidance of conflict or action. They may even have problems with procrastination, inaction, and a lack of motivation to initiate tasks or projects. Again, this is of course not to say that they never do anything – but it may take a long time before they take action and lead to unproductive busywork.

It’s not as easy to get away with not doing as it is to get away with not feeling or not thinking – it’s easier to get caught and be held accountable. Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile describes this as a disadvantage that is also an advantage: take this as an external stimulus to work on your repressed center of intelligence!

Developing their doing center can help Fours, Fives and Nines become more goal-oriented, proactive, determined, and engaged in the external world, leading to a more fulfilling and productive life.

6 tips to develop your repressed doing center

1. Set goals and initiate projects: Identify your goals and break them down into actionable steps. Create a routine or plan to help you stay motivated and on track and work on your time management skills. And most importantly: just get started!
2. Physical activity: Engage in sports or other activities that involve movement. This can help you become more in touch with your body, the seat of action.
3. Mind-body connection: Explore practices like yoga or tai chi that emphasize the mind-body connection. These can help you become more aware of your physical sensations.
4. Connect with others: Sharing your interests, ideas and plans with others will get you the encouragement, inspiration, and accountability you may need to put your thoughts into practice. Tip: find someone who is doing dominant (Three, Seven or Eight) as accountability buddy!
5. Practice assertiveness: As a withdrawn type, you retreat into your mind to get your needs met. Work on asserting your needs and boundaries. Learning to say no when necessary can be empowering.
6. Expand your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone regularly. Trying new activities or taking on responsibilities you might usually avoid can help you build confidence in your ability to take action.

Working with the Enneagram is about finding balance. Understanding what center of intelligence your type represses is a first step; the next is to work on engaging it so you can add it to your toolbox to navigate life and relationships. Remember that it may not be easy, but hopefully the above tips give you some ways to get started.

Need help?

Do you need help exploring your Enneagram type and how it can help your personal growth? Consider booking an Enneagram coaching session or package.

The painting at the top of this article is Chair Car (1965) by Edward Hopper.