The mental and emotional scar tissues of these wounds form the nine different ways we cope with their pain, molding tragic character flaws we often overidentify with, aiding in the development (or malformation) of our personalities.

Sevens feel an inner compulsion to maintain access to opportunity as a way of experiencing freedom.

the Enneagram’s Childhood Wound idea is better understood as an attack on our original innocence or our original Virtue, not necessarily a physical or emotional trauma (though both could be true).

Gurdjieff also believed the Enneagram was constantly in motion and must be taught through movement and choreography. He was considered a collector of mystical dances that he taught his disciples as a way of transmitting the wisdom of the Enneagram.

When we give ourselves to the hard work of integrating what we have come to learn about ourselves, the Enneagram becomes a sacred map of our soul, one that shows us the places where we have vulnerabilities or tendencies to get stuck as well as the possibilities of where we can go for deeper freedom and inner peace.

There’s no better way to live into our new life or original essence than with the help of contemplative practice.

Like Dorothy, sometimes we become so disenchanted by the ordinary that we can’t help but create a colorful illusion in which to live. Yet ironically, this fantasy-building only takes us farther from home. The Enneagram, through its unabashed truth-telling, invites us to return to our essential nature, the home for our souls.

For type Seven, resting in silence helps muffle the ever-persistent, future-forward mental activity that frustrates their ability to remain content in the present moment.

Because of this profound capacity to understand others, it’s hard for them to take a position or hold an opinion, especially if it’s contrary to that of their partner or community.