Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
Albert Einstein
Overview of N.I.N.E.
“The Peacemaker” is a trusting, easygoing type known for their supportive nature. These types want everyone to get along and they strive to minimize conflict. They have optimistic minds, agreeable temperaments, and a self-effacing sense of humor.
- Strengths: creativity, openness, support.
- Weaknesses: stubbornness, conflict-avoidance, passiveness.
- Basic Desires: to attain inner peace and tranquility.
- Basic Fears: to lose what they love or to be separated from comfort.
Center of Intelligence: Body
Enneagram Nines are located in the Instinctive Center. This means that they have the potential to be grounded and alive in their bodies. Nines use their gut instincts to help resolve conflict, support loved ones, and attain personal peace. They are concerned with justice, seek autonomy, and emotionally struggle with anger. Nines, in particular, often deny or suppress their anger to avoid offending anyone.
Adjacent Wings: 9w8 and 9w1
Wings play a major role in expressing type diversity within the Enneagram. Wings can only be adjacent to the dominant type, so an Enneagram Nine can have an eight-wing or a one-wing based on its position in the Enneagram.
Nine wing eight
Nines who have an Eight-wing will display independent, assertive, and supportive tendencies. 9w8’s are very motivated individuals who try to avoid conflict and maintain inner peace. They are encouraging of others and want to be understood themselves. Strengths include asserting themselves in productive and professional ways, connecting with and leading others, and adapting to ever-changing circumstances. Weaknesses include downplaying emotional matters, attempting to balance assertiveness and passiveness, and engaging well in conflict-heavy situations.
Nine wing one
Nines who have a One-wing will display hardworking, serious, and idealistic tendencies. 9w1’s are highly moral individuals who want balance in their lives. They are prone to “numb” themselves to their problems and overlook their own needs. Strengths include a strong work ethic, taking the moral high ground, remaining open-minded, and desiring self-improvement for everyone. Weaknesses include conflict-avoidance, being overly critical of themselves and their work, and feeling indifferent when stressed.
Directions of Growth and Stress
Direction of Growth (Integration)
When an Enneagram Nine is moving in a direction of personal growth they go toward an Enneagram Three. The usually passive and agreeable Nine will become more productive and assertive as they move toward Three. Their focus will shift from sacrificing their needs for others to guarding over their needs as they embrace personal accomplishment.
Direction of Stress (Disintegration)
When an Enneagram Nine is moving in a direction of stress they go toward an Enneagram Six. The usually tranquil and accepting Nine will become more anxious and security-oriented as they move toward Six. Their focus will shift from being calm in the present to being worried about the future.
The Stances: Withdrawn
In times of conflict, Enneagram Nines assume a Withdrawn Stance (there are three potential conflict stances within the Enneagram). This means that they will move away from conflict and turn inward when they face difficult situations. In the Withdrawn Stance, Enneagram Nines will pull away from others and become more independent, they may feel like their presence doesn’t make a difference, they turn inward for safety, and they get lost in thoughts and daydreams as a way to manage their stress.
The Subtypes
The three instincts of the Enneagram, also called the subtypes, are basic instincts present in every human being. Although all three exist in the body, one will be a driving force.
Self-Preservation Nines
Self-Preservation types, in general, are concerned with safety, comfort, and getting their physical needs met. Self-pres Nines focus on practical, physical activities such as eating healthy, sleeping enough, reading, exercising, etc. These strategies make them appear extremely motivated and grounded on the outside but can cause inner turmoil as they avoid facing harsher realities of life. Self-pres Nines may collect material possessions as a way to feel safe. They need substantial time alone in order to feel protected and charged.
Intimate Nines
Intimate types, in general, are concerned with one-on-one connection and depth. Sx Nines are deeply connected with their significant other and use that close bond to feel secure and safe. They want to knock down boundaries and walls with their partner to achieve blissful oneness. Their deep need for passion and fusion may put unnecessary strain on their personal relationships and impact other areas of life. Sx Nines have a tendency to forget about their own needs and should spend extra time dwelling on their goals and values in order to feel fully satisfied with life.
Social Nines
Social types, in general, are concerned with their social standing and whether or not they are accepted by the tribe. Soc Nines have a deep desire to be involved in the group and they enjoy abiding by social norms and customs. The often end up “in the middle of drama” as they assume the role of mediator in conflict situations. This Nine is a friend to everyone and may end up neglecting their own needs as they seek to meet the needs of their friends, family, and community members. They often fear missing out and want to be involved in as many activities as possible.
Personality City 