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You’re as precious as a jewel.
By Roland Legge — Written on Jan 31, 2019
While we're all unique, there are traits, characteristics and personal strengths and weaknesses associated with categories of personality types that can help you learn far more about yourself than you would simply staring in a mirror.
In particular, the Enneagram of Personality is an ancient typing system that identifies which primary type you most closely align with, according to the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI®) test. Learning more about your primary type can help you gain greater self-awareness regarding the patterns you often act out unconsciously in your life and relationships.
Of the nine Enneagram personality types — the Reformer (type 1), the Helper (type 2), the Achiever (type 3), the Individualist (type 4), the Investigator (type 5), the Loyalist (type 6), the Enthusiast (type 7), the Challenger (type 8) and the Peacemaker (type 9) — the rarest is Type 4: the Individualist.
Part of the reason you don’t meet a lot of Types 4's is that this personality type tends to keep to themselves and are often introverts. You are more likely to encounter a Type 4 in a small group or one-on-one situation.
If you identify with the Type 4 personality, you like to connect with others at a deep heart level.
If you recognize these as your 5 greatest personal strengths and weaknesses, chances are you possess the personality traits and characteristics of a rare Enneagram Type 4, aka the Individualist.
1. You live through your emotions and often feel misunderstood
You feel like no one understands you. You want to fit it with others, but you also don’t want to fit in if you are expected to be like everyone else. You want to find your own unique niche in life.
Finding your true vocation can be a difficult goal to achieve, but it's hard because you are also very hard on yourself. You always think there is something better to come even if it is staring you in your face.
2. You go to great lengths to show the world how different you are.
Maybe you like to wear leather. Perhaps, you like to color your hair. Or you dress in very funky clothes that get you a lot of attention. You always seek to stand out from the rest.
You have a flair for design, color, and beauty. Your home stands out from others in how you decorate your house or apartment. You have a gift for knowing what looks good in a room and you always have your eye out for art that will make your home unique.
3. Every day, you go through many emotions that are neither good nor bad
If you are a Type 4, you often have your favorite emotions — powerful feelings of sadness, aloneness, and misunderstanding. When you are stressed, it is easy for you to feel despair.
These emotional energies become your way to deal with your stress. Unfortunately, it only makes things worse for you and the people who love you. It's like you get stuck in one emotion and you can't get out of your irritableness and depression until you get back into living in the moment.
If you are a Type 4, the best way to get out of your depression is to find a practice that helps you become grounded.
And there are many ways to become grounded or stay present. Find a practice that will help you open up to the wisdom of your body, mind, and heart. Take a few moments, several times a day, to intentionally breathe to help you find your equilibrium.
4. Connecting with the wisdom of your body can be difficult
Thus, it is essential for you to pay attention to your body by paying attention to the sensations of your organs and muscles.
A great way to become more aware of the sensations of your body is by taking part in a body scan meditation. You can find excellent body scans on the Insight Timer app. And you can do it on your own.
Lie down and start focusing your attention on your feet. As you move your awareness up your body, spend at least 30 seconds on each part of your body — feet, lower legs, knees, and so on.
You may find this hard, and it takes time and practice to become aware of your body, but it is worth the effort.
5. Others you meet may find you intimidating
Due to the intensity of your emotions, some people will not be prepared to communicate with you at the deep level that you would like. Give them time and they will be touched by your desire to connect, heart-to-heart.
You are a beautiful person! You are unique! You are special!
Trust that you have something important to contribute to the world. Remember, we all have a bit of Type 4 in us. Sometimes, your answers to your big questions are a lot closer than you think. Pay more attention to what is rather than dreaming of what could be.
When you feel stuck in an emotion, find a way to ground yourself. Remember that feelings are in constant flux and they change from moment to moment.
When you ground yourself, you will know what you are feeling in each moment.
Learn to enjoy the moment. Fully experience all of what life is offering you a moment-to-moment with all the ups and downs.
When you feel down, know that it will pass. The wisdom of your body, mind, and heart will show you the way.
Roland Legge is a Life Coach with REL Consultants who works with individuals, couples, families, and executives to help them to be the best they can be. For more information, reach him out to him via email.
This article was originally published at REL Consultants. Reprinted with permission from the author.