Brief History
The word Enneagram (any-a-gram) comprises of the Greek word “Ennea” meaning nine and “gram” meaning figure. The Enneagram is a powerful and dynamic personality system that describes nine distinct and fundamentally different patterns of thinking, feeling and acting.  Its origin can be traced back to the 1700’s. 

This system was taught to the Jesuits who taught it to the seminarians.  From there it migrated to South America and then to North America where it is now being taught in many universities around the world as well as being used by psychologists, psychiatrists, religious institutions and individually for self-awareness and growth.  It is a non-dimensional and aligns with any religious, spiritual or personal beliefs.  It is unique from other systems like Myers Briggs, Disk, Colours or any other personality system in that it shows you the behavior to develop to grow out of the limiting behavior of your personality. 

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
Determine which of the nine types most describes your motivation for putting your energy into the world.  (This will be part of  - Level I course process)

As children we learned how to be a certain way to get our needs met and in doing so learned patterns of behaviours which as adults have now become non-conscious patterns that determine the quality of our lives. We developed a filter through which we process information and experiences based on genetic predisposition and early childhood environment.  By the time we are adults, this filter is so ingrained in us that we don’t even know it is there.  This accounts for blind spots – those things about us that others see but we don’t, blocks – those things that keep us from being our best selves, and triggers – those things that set us off into negative reaction instead of being able to stay present and in conscious choice about our actions. 

Blind spots, blocks and triggers are the secret saboteurs in our life.  They keep us from being what we want to be and getting what we desire.  Understanding not only what you do but also why you do it increases acceptance and compassion for yourself.  This leads to less resistance in your life and the ability to change in more powerful, positive ways.  Having a heightened awareness allows you to let go of the drama and negative energy restricting the flow.  


More determining factors that add depth
The wing types -The types on either side of a particular type, i.e., adjacent to a particular type on the Enneagram circle, flavor or influence the type.  Usually there is a habitual leaning toward one wing or the other.

The stress or action type - This is the type that a person manifests characteristics of at times of stress, tension, pressure or mobilization for action. On the Enneagram figure the stress type is indicated by the direction to which the arrow points.
 
The security type - This is the particular type that a person manifests characteristics of at times of security or relaxation, or paradoxically, when exhausted or overwhelmed. On the Enneagram figure the security type is indicated by the direction away from the arrow.  

Most other Personality Typing systems such as Myers Briggs deal with the conscious mind and were developed to assist with job placement scenarios.  This typing often leaves people somewhat frustrated as it seems they are stuck there within that typing even though they have experienced growth. 

The Enneagram is unique from other systems in that it is multi-dimensional and identifies a Path of Development for each perception so that we truly can "Move Out of the Box " of our Personality, reduce stress and conflicts, let go of fear, doubt, worry, anger and resentment while creating better communication and richer relationships.  

When you become aware of what it is that you are doing and how you are keeping yourself stuck, you then can begin to develop the behaviours to "get out of the box"  and Become The Person You Were Meant To Be!