Enneagram 101: Enneagram Intelligence Centers
by Rev. Rhonda Abbott Blevins, DMIN
Author’s note: This article is part of a series entitled “Enneagram 101.”
Previous Post: “Enneagram Types Explained.”
The Western mind has long recognized the brain as the center of intelligence. Recent studies in the field of neurobiology suggests there might be two more centers of intelligence. Research by Dr. J. Andrew Armour reveals that the heart contains a complex neural network, giving the heart the ability to learn, feel, sense, and remember.1 In the same vein, Dr. Michael Gershon published his work detailing research about the “enteric brain” or “gut brain”—the gut contains over 500 million neurons, sending and receiving signals throughout the body. The gut, like the heart, can learn and store memories—it can perform complex independent processing.2 The emerging science around three centers of intelligence isn’t true just for humans, it’s true for all mammals. It’s exciting when modern science catches up with ancient wisdom, like wisdom from the Enneagram.
The Enneagram has long proposed three centers of intelligence:
The “Instinctive” or “Body or “Gut” center,
The “Feeling” or “Heart” center, and the
The “Thinking” or “Head” Center.
OVERVIEW OF THE THREE CENTERS OF INTELLIGENCE
The “Instinctive” or “Body” or “Gut” Center includes Enneagram types Eight, Nine, and One. Body types are driven by strong instincts; they possess a gut-level knowing. Body types tend to be practical, action-oriented, and focused on survival and self-preservation. With their attention on personal security and control, social belonging is important for body types, as well as taking right action. Body types lead with the body—they can act quickly and decisively in difficult situations. They’re determined and resilient and focused on achieving results.
The “Feeling” or “Heart” Center includes Enneagram types Two, Three, and Four. Heart types lead with the heart—they perceive the world through emotional intelligence. They are typically sensitive to the needs of others and are good at reading emotions. They tend to be emotionally expressive and empathetic; they are often motivated by the desire to connect with others and be of service. Heart types are focused on connection, love, approval, and recognition. They want to create a positive self-image.
The “Thinking” or “Head” Center includes Enneagram types Five, Six, and Seven. Head types are independent thinkers who value intelligence and knowledge. Often analytical, rational, and logical, Head types are good at problem-solving, as they are driven by the desire to understand and make sense of the world. Head types lead with ideas, gathering information, and figuring things out. They engage reason before acting. Head types want to create certainty and safety. They like having multiple options.
Each of the three centers has a core emotion—a feeling underneath the behavioral responses that form our primary personality type.
For Body types, that core emotion is anger or rage. For Heart types, the core emotion is shame or sorrow. For Head types, it’s fear or angst. The three personality types within each center react differently to their core emotion.
HOW BODY TYPES RESPOND TO ANGER/RAGE
A person who fixates at type Eight processes anger externally. Eights tap into their rage as a defense mechanism to avoid vulnerability. Eights often respond to this anger physically—raising the voice or taking intimidating postures.
Someone who fixates at type Nine is out of touch with the core emotion of anger. Because harmony is such a high value to Nines, they will dissociate from their anger, preferring to deny their anger rather than allowing it to get in the way of peace. They turn to fantasy, and focus on an idealized world.
Enneagram Ones internalize their anger. They direct their anger inwardly, at themselves, becoming self-critical. Instead of expressing anger, they react in passive ways, by trying to control themselves and their environment. A One’s anger often shows up in strong opinions or judgments.
HOW HEART TYPES RESPOND TO SHAME/SORROW
Enneagram Twos externalize their shame, sharing their feelings and emotions with the world around. They avoid shame by trying to earn affection from other people. This fixation often results in neglecting their own needs.
Type Three individuals are out of touch with their feelings, especially their core emotion of shame. They crave positive validation from others to enhance their sense of self-worth. Success and accomplishments —this image Three’s present to the world—is so that they can mask the shame that lies at their core.
Enneagram Fours internalize shame/sorrow and use it as part of their identity. Keenly aware of their sense of longing, Fours use emotion as a defense from rejection. They sometimes seek attention by displaying lesser emotions—this helps Fours avoid deeper feelings of inadequacy.
HOW HEAD TYPES RESPOND TO FEAR/ANGST
Enneagram Fives react to their fear through withdrawing—they retreat into their minds. Fives minimize their personal needs. They invest their intellectual pursuits in mastery of something so they can feel safe. Fives observe instead of anticipate. This enables them to understand the world around them.
Individuals who fixate at type Six react to their fear through worry and worst-case scenario planning. They constantly think about what could go wrong and prepare for potential crises. Sixes lean on authority figures for guidance and for reassurance; they might also resist this authority figure if they begin to feel too dependent. This is yet another way sixes self-protect.
Enneagram Sevens avoid their fear by reframing negative situations as positive. Ameliorating painful or uncomfortable feelings, Sevens seek new and exciting things to do or to consider. Sevens fear being trapped by painful emotions; keeping their minds occupied enables them to avoid these emotions.
As you continue your Enneagram discovery, you’ll learn that individuals connect with each of the three centers of intelligence in different ways. The less fixated we are in our personality type, the more balanced we’ll be with our engagement of the three centers.
That’s a brief introduction to the Enneagram Centers of Intelligence. If you want to continue your journey of transformation, I hope you’ll check out my next blog post: “Enneagram Lost Childhood Messages.”
Visit AscendEnneagram.com for opportunities for Enneagram coaching, typing, team building opportunities or group encounters.
1 J. Andrew Armour, “The Little Brain on the Heart,” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Volume 74, February 1, 2007. Accessed April 22, 2023: https://fohs.bgu.ac.il/develop/DB2/Heart%20memory/Armour,%202007.pdf
2 Adam Hadhazy, “Think Twice: How the Gut’s ‘Second Brain’ Influences Mood and Wellbeing,” Scientific American, February 12, 2010. Accessed April 22, 2023: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/