levels of maturing for type 9

self-possessed guide
1: liberation
  • independent, dynamic, self-aware, exuberant, and serene
  • inner stability and peace of mind
  • fully empowered, in union with self and universe
  • let go of forced peace and self-image
  • let go of belief that their participation is unimportant.
receptive person
2: psychological capacity
  • peaceful, humble, gentle, and steadfast
  • “i am a peaceful, easygoing person”
  • emphasize own peace, stability, harmony, and gentleness
  • reject passions, strong emotions, assertion
  • basic fear: loss of connection
  • basic desire: having inner stability and peace.
supportive peacemaker
3: social value
  • relate to others primarily through supporting and mediating
  • feel that they are good when everyone around them is getting along
  • desire: create and maintain peace and harmony in their environment
  • strategy: reinforce self-image through supporting, reconciling, and comforting others.
wake-up call accomodating myself to others, always saying "yes"
accomodating role player
4: imbalance (social role)
  • tend to withdraw into imagination to heighten sense of peace
  • avoidant of conflicts and self-assertion
  • agreeable, self-effacing, “whatever is fine”
  • take on social role of nobody special
  • modest and not wanting to inconvenience anyone.
disengaged participant
5: interpersonal control
  • manipulate others by “tuning out” the pressure to change
  • slothfullness (shadow) arises when they resist change and fail to develop individuality
  • insists on being seen as peaceful and easygoing
  • desire to maintain status quo.
resigned fatalist
6: overcompensation
  • dismissive and indifferent
  • wishful thinking, stubborn, resistant (peace at any cost)
  • desire to minimize problems
  • undermine others by making them feel that they’ve lost connection with the 9.
red flag fear reality will force me to deal with my problems
defying doormat
7: violation
  • accommodation has turned into being exploited
  • resist dealing with reality or change
  • incapable of acting and neglectful of responsibilities
  • desire to defend the illusion that everything is ok
  • violate self-image of nobody special through neglect of self and others.

adapted from Riso & Hudson: Wisdom of the Enneagram