Do you know what Enneagram type you are? I’m a 5w4, which means one of the things I’m prone to do is read, research, learn, and generally busy myself in an effort to stave off my deepest fear: being incompetent or uninformed.

All this personal growth gave me an idea—what if we could craft a supportive intention based on the shadow side of our enneagram? I’ve been using this in my yoga nidra meditations, but you can also write it in your journal, stick it on a post-it, and repeat it to yourself whenever you need.

To develop the intentions, I used an Instagram post by @enneagramandcoffee as inspiration, which shares a thoughtful list of things to leave behind in 2019.

It should be noted that I’m not an enneagram expert, but since this tool can be so powerful in helping us understand our unique qualities and tendencies, it’s ripe for using in our meditations as well. Let’s have a look! 

TYPE 1: THE REFORMER

• Greatest challenge: Self-criticism

• Supportive intention(s): I am whole / Progress is perfection

TYPE 2: THE HELPER

• Greatest challenge: Expectations 

• Supportive intention(s): I am open / I embrace possibilities 

TYPE 3: THE ACHIEVER

• Greatest challenge: Comparison 

• Supportive intention(s): I follow my own path / My life is unfolding as it should

TYPE 4: THE INDIVIDUALIST

• Greatest challenge: Waiting for the timing to ‘feel’ right

• Supportive intention(s): I feel guided by my intuition / I trust myself

TYPE 5: THE INVESTIGATOR 

• Greatest challenge: Not feeling qualified

• Supportive intention: I am worthy

TYPE 6: THE LOYALIST

• Greatest challenge: Trying to tell the future

• Supportive intention(s): I embrace the present moment / I feel safe

TYPE 7: THE ENTHUSIAST

• Greatest challenge: Fear of missing out (FOMO)

• Supportive intention: I’m rooted in the present

TYPE 8: THE CHALLENGER

• Greatest challenge: Assuming ill intent

• Supportive intention: I am open to trust

TYPE 9: THE PEACEMAKER

• Greatest challenge: Shielding others from your opinions

• Supportive intention: I confidently share my truth