One – The Reformer wants to improve what is. Passion: Anger (Resentment)

Nothing is as it should be! When I become aware of my Passion of Anger active in me, I will likely see that it is a result of my effort to change or fix what is. I am angry at someone or myself for not being good enough. Awareness brings the Virtue of Serenity.

Two – The Helper wants to be of service in his/her relationships. Passion: Pride
I believe it is I who can save you. When I become aware of this Passion of Pride active in me, I can see that I have been trying to be appreciated and to be loved by giving “selflessly.” Awareness brings the Virtue of Humility.

Three – The Achiever wants to be the best that they can be. Passion: Vanity (Deceit)
I see myself through your eyes. When I become aware of this Passion of Vanity active in me, I can see that I am trying to impress others in order to feel valuable. Awareness brings the Virtue of Integrity.

Four – The Individualist wants to be authentic (different, unique or special). Passion: Envy
I have an intense desire for something that is missing in my life. When I become aware of this Passion of Envy active in me, I see that I am comparing myself to others and feeling superior or inferior in order to be special. Awareness brings the Virtue of Equanimity.

Five – The Investigator wants to understand and figure things out. Passion: Avarice
My own personal resources are enough and I don’t want to be invaded. When I become aware of this Passion active in me, I can see that I have been withholding myself from the experience of life and interaction with other humans. Awareness brings the Virtue of Generosity.

Six – The Loyalist wants to ensure security. Passion: Fear (Anxiety)
I have to be aware of what the pitfalls might be so they can be averted. When I become aware of this Passion (fear) active in me, I can see that I am trying to find something secure to rely on when that something is really right there inside of me. Awareness brings the Virtue of Courage.

Seven – The Enthusiast wants to experience everything! Passion: Gluttony
I think a variety of options will satisfy and me. When I become aware of this Passion of Gluttony active in me, I can see that I am living in the future (in the world of potentials) rather than here and now. Awareness brings the Virtue of Sobriety.

Eight – The Challenger moves forcefully ahead with conviction. Passion: Lust (intensity).
Asserting myself is a natural way to control events and the people around me. When I become aware of this active in me, I can see that I act and react aggressively in order to protect my own vulnerability. Awareness brings the Virtue of Innocence (childlike surrender).

Nine – The Peacemaker wants to maintain inner and outer peace. Passion: Sloth (indifference)
If I stay unaffected by the things around me, I will not be disturbed. When I become aware of the Passion of Sloth active in me, I can see that I am resisting engagement in everyday experience in order to keep my peace of mind. Awareness brings the Virtue of Engagement.

“If we stay present to our discomfort, we will also feel something else arising, something more real, capable, sensitive, and exquisitely aware of ourselves and our surroundings. This ‘something’ feels compassionate and strong, patient and wise, indomitable, and of great value. This something is who we actually are. It is the ‘I’ beyond name, without personality — our true nature.”  Excerpt from The Wisdom of the Enneagram, p. 37