Peter O’Hanrahan

The enneagram is a holistic system and our type structure is based in all three centers of intelligence – mind, heart and body. Learning about our enneagram type usually begins with our intellect and developing awareness of our patterns. Then further work, deeper work, requires attention to our emotions and the body patterns that are so important for our health and growth.

Here I will present the embodied patterns of each enneagram type including breathing styles, body armor, and primary emotions which create the nine “somatic profiles.” We’ll practice some simple body exercises, share our experience in type groups, and explore the signals from our bodies that can alert us to our patterns.

In order to change our type patterns we must address our neurobiology. For example, some Sixes are cautious, they hold back, they worry a lot (phobic types). Others rush into things, challenge authority figures, create conflict (counter phobic). How can these different behaviors come from the same enneagram type? Well, Sixes have the most easily triggered alarm system of all the types which activates the flight, freeze, or fight responses. Working with the body is necessary to reduce fear and fear-based aggression while relaxing the mind.

Peter O’Hanrahan has applied the enneagram in his practice of counseling and body therapy since 1978. He has many years of “hands on” experience with all the types. He has taught the enneagram to a wide variety of audiences for over 40 years and is a trainer for the Narrative Enneagram.