We hear a lot of language around using Enneagram arrows in this "growth" and "stress" language, and we'd like to be a part of putting that theory to rest. At least, we'd like to offer a better alternative to thinking of it in a simpler, and also slightly more accurate way. We want to "hit the bullseye" when it comes to our arrows.

You can go to your first arrow--what we call the "energizing" arrow--in both growth and stress. You can also go to your second arrow--what we call the "resolution" arrow--in growth and stress as well. Just as you can go to either of your wings in growth and stress, the same is true with arrow work. We discuss what going to your first arrow means, as well as your second. We clarify the terms so that it is clear that it doesn't have to do with stress whether we are going to the first or second. It happens in either. The bottom line is that in terms of growth work, we aim for the high sides of our arrows, which typically means we are going their consciously and intentionally until we have developed the memory muscle (so to speak) to inhabit the higher sides with less effort and greater efficacy.

This is all growth work. None of it is easy per se. But we'd like to improve upon how we use some of our terms to help make the work a little more clear and a little more accurate. In that way, we're offering up a simpler way to conduct the conscious development of our growth work.

Time Stamps:

What are wings? 1:24

Arrow theories and how they challenge conventional wisdom.

Wings are not subtypes.

The difference between style and type. 4:30

What does a really healthy one have to teach me? 7:46

Being aware of unconscious tendencies to withdraw. 9:03

Awareness of tendencies both in five and three.

Bigger jumps. 11:50

Direct vs. confrontational energy. 15:07

You can go to either one of the arrows. 18:13

The enneagram is not just another typology. 21:03

Find out more about Big Self School

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