Arrows Part 2: Integration

By Rev. Rhonda Abbott Blevins, DMIN

Author’s note: This article is part of a series entitled “Enneagram 101.”

Previous Post: “Enneagram Arrows Part 1: Stress Responses”

In my last article, I introduced Enneagram arrows—the lines along the inside of the Enneagram that connect each Enneagram type to two other types. That article specifically related to how one of those lines will be the direction of stress or disintegration—pointing to behavioral patterns that can manifest when normal behavioral patterns aren’t getting the desired results.

In this article, “Arrows Part 2,” I will describe the arrows and connections that emerge as we grow and integrate and become more whole—or as I like to say, as we become “the best version of ourselves.” In Enneagram theory, the idea of “integration” refers to the process of developing and integrating the positive traits of the type to which an individual’s growth arrow points.

Take someone at Type Eight, for example. The line toward Type Two is the growth arrow—the pathway of integration. As individuals at Type Eight move toward Type Two, they may work on developing and integrating traits such as empathy, compassion, and sensitivity—the superpowers we find at Type Two.

This process of integration can help an individual become more well-rounded and balanced and can also help them become less fixated on the negative traits associated with their core Enneagram type.

Let’s explore the pathway for growth for each Enneagram Type using the Enneagram arrows.

Starting at the top of the Enneagram, Type 9, the “Peacemaker,” we see that direction for growth and integration is toward Type 3, the “Achiever.” As Type 9 individuals grow and develop, they can begin to integrate the positive qualities of Type 3, such as increased self-motivation, goal setting, and assertiveness. They may become more focused on their own needs and desires, while maintaining their natural empathy and ability to connect with others. Ultimately, growth along this arrow can help Type 9 individuals find their own sense of purpose and direction in life.

Type 3, the “Achiever,” will move toward Type 6, the “Loyalist,” as they grow in wholeness. As Type 3 individuals grow and develop, they can begin to integrate the positive qualities of Type 6, such as increased self-awareness, humility, and a deeper connection to their own values and beliefs. They may become more willing to slow down and consider the long-term consequences of their actions while maintaining their natural drive and ambition. Ultimately, growth along this arrow can help Type 3 individuals find a more authentic and fulfilling sense of purpose, grounded in their own values and priorities.

Type 6 individuals, the “Loyalist,” move toward type 9, the “Peacemaker” in growth. They will begin to integrate the positive qualities of Type 9, such as increased inner peace, acceptance, and an ability to see different perspectives. They may become more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, while maintaining their natural sense of loyalty and responsibility. Ultimately, growth along this arrow can help Type 6 individuals find a greater sense of inner security and stability, while also learning to balance their own needs with those of others.

At Type 1, the “Perfectionist,” the direction of growth is toward Type 7, the “Adventurer.” As Type 1 individuals grow, they can begin to integrate the positive qualities of Type 7, such as a greater sense of playfulness, flexibility, and an openness to new experiences. They may become more willing to let go of their need for control and perfection, while maintaining their natural sense of responsibility and integrity. Ultimately, growth along this arrow can help Type 1 individuals find a greater sense of balance, enjoyment, and spontaneity in their lives.

“Adventurers,” Type 7 individuals, move toward Type 5, the “Sage,” in growth. Sevens will begin to integrate the superpowers of Type 5, like focus, introspection, and a desire for deeper understanding. They may become more comfortable with stillness and silence, while maintaining their enthusiasm. Ultimately, growth along this arrow can help Sevens find a greater sense of inner depth and fulfillment, while also learning to appreciate the value of solitude and reflection.

Fives, the “Sages” of the Enneagram, move toward Type 8, the “Challenger” as they grow and develop. They can take on the positive type 8 qualities like self-confidence, assertiveness, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. They may become more comfortable with risk taking and asserting themselves, while maintaining their curiosity and independence. Growth along this arrow can help the Five find agency and empowerment, discovering they can balance their needs with the needs of other people.

Individuals at Type 8, the “Challenger,” move toward Type 2, the “Helper,” in growth. They can integrate the positive Two qualities like compassion and empathy and the desire to help others. They may become more comfortable with vulnerability and expressing their own needs, while maintaining their natural sense of strength and assertiveness. Growth along this arrow for Type 8’s will mean greater connection and fulfillment in their relationship.

Type 2 “Helpers” will move toward Type 4, the “Individualist” in growth. They can begin to integrate the Type 4 superpowers like self-awareness, emotional depth, and a desire for authenticity. They may become more comfortable with their own unique identity and expressing their own needs while maintaining their own abilities for helping and supporting others. This growth pattern enables Twos to discover greater inner richness and fulfillment, while also learning to set healthy boundaries and care for their own needs.

Type Four “Individualists” will move toward Type One, the “Perfectionist,” as they grow and develop. Integrating the positive traits of Type One, Fours will discover increased self-discipline, clarity, and a desire for improvement. They may become more comfortable with structure and routine, while maintaining their natural sense of creativity and authenticity. Fours growing in this way will enjoy greater inner stability and purpose, learning to balance their emotional intensity with a rational and principled approach to life.

And that completes the growth arrows for each Enneagram type.

One of the things you’ll notice as your Enneagram journey continues, is that as you grow in consciousness, your personality fixations will diminish. Less imprisoned by habits of personality, you will have greater access to the positive characteristics available to you from your wings as well as from your arrows. This empowerment leads to less reactivity and greater freedom. This is the pathway to wholeness.

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