The ancient Enneagram is a profound and elegant approach to communication, character and culture. Based on ancient sources--versions of the Enneagram appear in Homer, HaKaballah, Chaucer, Dante, and in modern times, the Gurdjieff Work -- the Enneagram describes nine different character types or worldviews: the ways that people and groups think, act, feel, and most especially, relate to one another.

Each of the nine primary types manifests a distinct mental style, body language and aesthetic sensibility, with attention rigidly over-focused in some areas and avoidant in others. When we use Somatics in conjunction with the Enneagram system, specific patterns of physical and emotional holding and expression actually become visible by type.

Sophisticated yet exquisitely transparent, the system accurately predicts how one style will get along with another, the nature of the difficulties the two are likely to have, and the opportunities for partnership and co-creation. Embodying the various styles of relating can help to catalyze spontaneous expression, empathy and compassion.

• Motivation: To avoid mistakes and do the right thing.
• Strengths: Body-based, Principled, Rational, Responsible, Good, Disciplined, Direct
• Limitations: Body-based dominant, Judgmental, Repressive, One Right Way Thinking, Inflexible, Unconsciously Angry
• Body Armoring: Chronic resentment limits breathing and tightens muscles to create an angry attitude interferes with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the territorial response (the expression of healthy anger).
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Breathwork, Feldenkrais, Relaxation Massage, Practicing a "no pleasure, no gain" approach all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than thoughts.

• Motivation: To sense and support the emotional needs of others in order to feel important, needed and loved.
• Strengths: Heart-based, Empathetic, Caring, Generous, Exuberant, Warm, Appreciative
• Limitations: Heart-based dominant, Dependent, Manipulative, Competitive, Over-emotional, Irrational
• Body Armoring: Chronic need for approval causes hyperventilation (hysteria triggered by emphasis on inhalation) and weak internal muscle control that interferes with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the bonding response.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Deep Tissue Massage, Rolfing, the practice of containment, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than feelings and thoughts.

• Motivation: To achieve recognition for accomplishments. To be as successful and to look good.
• Strengths: Heart-based, Personable, Self-assured, Efficient, Accomplished, Enthusiastic, Marketing Personality
• Limitations: Heart-based dominant, Type A, Unprincipled, Deceitful, Superficial, Impatient, Insensitive
• Body Armoring: Need to win propels forward action w/little awareness of 360 reality, defeating natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the bonding response.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Deep Tissue Massage, Rolfing, Deep Rest, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than feelings and thoughts.

• Motivation: To find love, meaning, and fulfillment through self-expression and deep connection.
• Strengths: Heart-based, Original, Intuitive, Introspective, Authentic, Capacity to empathize with suffering
• Limitations: Heart-based dominant, Melancholic, Cup half empty thinking, Entitled, Over-sensitive
• Body Armoring: Chronic feelings of defectiveness and loss cause breath anorexia (emphasis on exhalation or depression), inhibiting excitement and interfering with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the bonding response.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Deep Tissue Massage, Rolfing, Meditation, Practicing a "no pleasure, no gain" approach, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than feelings and thoughts.

• Motivation: To protect privacy by limiting desires and accumulating knowledge.
• Strengths: Head-based, Mental Brilliance, Dependable, Self-Sufficient, Objective
• Limitations: Head-based dominant, Detached, Restrictive, Restrained, Unavailable, Secretive
• Body Armoring: Mind over matter approach plus fear of invasion interferes with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the fight/flight response which ends up chronically on red alert.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Feldenkrais, Breathwork, Relaxation Message, Martial Arts, Practicing a "no pleasure, no gain" approach, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than thoughts.

• Motivation: To feel safe, secure and prepared in a threatening and dangerous world.
• Strengths: Head-based, Loyal, Trustworthy, Intuitive, Warm, Great Trouble Shooter
• Limitations: Head-based dominant, Paranoid, Anxious, Insecure, Overly cautious
• Body Armoring: Worst-case scenario thinking creates chronic fear in the body that interferes with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the fight/flight response, which ends up chronically on red alert.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Polarity Therapy, Shaitsu, Relaxation Massage, Practicing a "no pleasure, no gain" approach, all w/attention on sensation rather than thoughts.

• Motivation: To enjoy and experience life to its fullest.
• Strengths: Head-based, Optimistic, Playful, Inventive, Visionary, Charming and Disarming, Quick Minded
• Limitations: Head-based dominant, Impatient, Narcissistic, Commitment Phobic, Charlatanism
• Body Armoring: Monkey mind and demand for instant gratification interfere with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the fight/flight response which ends up chronically on red alert.
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Relaxation Massage, Rolfing, Martial Arts, Slowing down, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than thoughts.

• Motivation: To be powerful and in control. To gain respect by protecting the weak and the innocent.
• Strengths: Body-based, Truthful, Courageous, Fair, Decisive, Self-assertive, Inspiring Leaders
• Limitations: Body-based dominant, Vengeful, Dominating, Combative, Excessive, Messy
• Body Armoring: Braun over mind approach stiffens joints and numbs body to interfere with natural instinctive responsiveness, specifically, the territorial response (the expression of healthy anger).
• Recommended Body Modality: Centering thru Breathwork, Feldenkrais, Relaxation Massage, Meditation, all w/attention on sensation and emotion rather than thoughts.