Ennea-Notes : Journal prompts
For every Enneagram type
Subscribe for your type's EnneaThought from the Enneagram Institute & journal briefly each day in response to the email you receive.
Type 1
Give your Inner Critic's voice a name. What would you say to it if it would actually listen? Write out what you might say and reflect on this.
Other than working to improve what is currently in front of you, what or who needs your attention? How can you shift your focus?
What resentments are you carrying around? Can you feel it's effect on your body? What do you need in order to release these tensions?
Type 2
What needs attention other than your relationships right now?
Read something (non-fiction) & reflect on what it has to say to YOU, without immediately thinking of how it might be helpful to others. Reflect on whatever that might be in writing.
Make some time for solitude to journal. What thoughts, feelings, or questions arise?
type 3
What in you is valuable that is not related to what you’re able to accomplish, do, or achieve?
Do you believe these things are enough with nothing added to them? That people love you for who you are & not what what you do?
Who does/could love you like that?
How can you connect with her/him on a feeling level?
What pain are you trying to fix that you could instead take some time to be present to & feel fully before taking action?
Type 4
Brian McLaren says, “What you see determines what you miss.” As a 4, you are naturally seeing what is missing in any given situation or person. By focusing on what’s missing (not there) you are missing what good IS there. Can you shift your focus? What/who is present? Make a daily list of at least 3 things you are grateful for.
The fog of melancholy or depression lifts with activity and connection. Who do you need to reach out to? What do you need to get done? Take action and come back to reflect in writing how you see increased confidence in your worth and stamina.
How are you using your vivid imagination right now? To intensify your feelings & create unrealistic expectations for your life and relationships that leave you disappointed? Or for making some of your many creative ideas tangible in the world? For choosing hope over despair by imagining a good future and working toward it? For seeing the best in people, but letting go of your attachment to the imagined reality of them you may have created? Reflect in writing on these questions and how you might best employ your imagination for good.
Type 5
Put the notebook down, and go move your body. Then come back.
Ideas for moving your body:
Take a walk.
Do some yoga (at home with videos online or at a class).
Pilates.
Take a jog.
Lift some weights.
Swim some laps.
Or just clean the house, garage, yard, etc.
What have I been planning that it’s now time to take action on? Make a detailed checklist & do the things until they’re all checked off.
With whom do I need to risk the energy expenditure of engaging more fully in relationship through conversation, initiating activity, or in some other way? How will you try to do this? Prepare a plan & try it out.
Type 6
What have you been hesitating to do because of your self-doubt? Write yourself an actual “permission slip” and post it somewhere that you will see it each day to boost your confidence.
List your top 5 fears & ask yourself these questions. Reflect in writing:
Are these realistic possibilities?
If not, what could your energy go to rather than preparing for a worst case scenario?
If they are realistic, how will you healthily deal with your anxiety? Write out a plan and take action.
Type 7
What are you feeling today other than excitement or frustration?
What pain or fear are you distracting yourself from and how? How can you engage with that pain and fear directly? Do you need ask anyone to walk alongside you in that?
How much time are you spending anticipating the future &/or planning the next activity? How can you be more present? Why do you think it's less natural for you to stay in the present moment or look at the past than it is to focus on the future?
Type 8
How are others reacting to you? Ask yourself & answer in writing...
Have I overwhelmed anyone?
Is there any “mess” I need to go back and help clean up?
Have I been accessing my nurturing side lately? If not, why is that?
What are you feeling other than anger, passion, or intensity?
What if you slowed down? What/who would that make time and space for that needs it?
Type 9
How have you been numbing lately? And what are you avoiding by numbing?
What are you doing outside of work? Are there tasks that you've been putting off? How can you prioritize your time more effectively?
Do you believe that your presence matters? What evidence is there that your presence and what you are contributing is valuable to others and the world around you? List at least 3 examples.