Book SummaryThe Journey Toward Wholeness, by Suzanne Stabile

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Journey Toward Wholeness

Attaining equilibrium between the trio of Intelligence Centers, namely cognition, emotion, and action, is essential.

Upon our arrival into this world, we come equipped with the inherent abilities to think, experience emotions, and act, which we utilize to interact with the environment around us.

Every individual's initial reaction to information or circumstances is shaped by a predominant Center of Intelligence.

Stabile clarifies that each individual inherently has the ability to think logically, feel deeply, and initiate actions. The Enneagram shows us that we engage with the world through these intelligences, each representing a different way of interacting with and understanding our experiences. The foundational element of your personality, whether it is influenced by intellect, feelings, or an inclination towards action, dictates your automatic reactions to fresh situations or information. When you come across unfamiliar information or a difficult circumstance, do you naturally question your own emotions, thoughts, or intended actions? Your natural reaction distinctly reveals the Center of Intelligence you predominantly depend on.

Your primary center should be regarded not as an obstacle to overcome or a trait requiring modification. Your understanding of yourself is deeply connected to this aspect. Recognizing the primary foundation of your actions is essential because it shapes your perspective and the way you engage with other people.

Context

• Cultural background and social environment can influence which center is more developed or valued, affecting how individuals express their predominant center.
• This center involves logical analysis, planning, and problem-solving. People who lead with this center often prioritize information and rationality in decision-making.
• It is used as a tool for personal growth, helping individuals understand their core motivations, fears, and desires, and how these influence their interactions with the world.
• The foundational element of personality is shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors, which influence which center becomes dominant.
• When individuals encounter new or challenging situations, their dominant Center of Intelligence influences their immediate response. This automatic reaction is a subconscious process shaped by their primary way of engaging with the world.
• Awareness of your primary center can guide personal development efforts. For example, if you primarily rely on thinking, you might work on enhancing emotional intelligence or action-oriented skills.

Relying too heavily on just two out of the three Centers...

The Journey Toward Wholeness Summary Each dominant Center introduces unique obstacles that are intrinsically linked to the Enneagram triad.

Individuals belonging to the Feeling (Heart) Triad frequently struggle with anxiety, express their emotions with great intensity, and often have difficulty acknowledging their own needs.

Twos are known for openly displaying their emotions, whereas Threes often set their emotions aside, and Fours experience their emotions intensely.

Individuals identified as Twos, Threes, and Fours prioritize their connections with others and the emotional ties they share. They demonstrate a keen sensitivity to the requirements of those around them. They often evaluate their environment by asking themselves what their feelings are communicating. Each person in this group engages with the core element in their own distinct way. Individuals commonly known as Twos typically project their feelings outward, mirroring and reacting to the sentiments they perceive in others. Threes often regard their feelings as hurdles that interfere with their quest for productivity and achievement. Fours have a tendency to absorb and amplify their feelings, constantly seeking a more profound insight and bond within their realm of emotions.

The three personality types often seek validation and...

The Journey Toward Wholeness Summary The Enneagram describes three distinct stances—Withdrawing, Aggressive, and Dependent—that each limit a particular Intelligence Center.

People who identify with the numbers Four, Five, and Nine and exhibit the Withdrawing Stance often use introspection as a coping strategy, which may result in a reluctance to take initiative.

Individuals identified as Fours, Fives, and Nines adjust their engagement with their environment by tempering the impulses linked to their specific Center of Intelligence. They frequently look inward for solace and certainty instead of trying to affect their environment. Each individual adapts their behavior in alignment with their distinct Enneagram profile.

Fours often struggle to initiate action, despite their profound emotional engagement with their environment.

Fours, while passionate and deeply emotional, frequently struggle with moving from feeling emotions to initiating action. They may become ensnared in a pattern where they intensely contemplate and internalize their feelings, while overlooking the practical elements of existence, struggling to articulate their inner experiences in a tangible way to others.

Practical Tips

• Pair up with an "action buddy" for mutual accountability. Find someone who also wants to improve their initiation skills. Set up regular...