How the Enneagram Can Help Heal the Impulse for War
Introduction
In our world, conflicts often arise from the struggle for resources. While some wars are fought over tangible needs like land or money, many conflicts stem from deeper, less obvious sources. These psychological and emotional battles are inwardly destructive and tragically lead us to the literal battlefield. But what if the key to resolving these conflicts lies not in the external world, but within ourselves? This is where the Enneagram comes in.
Understanding War and Resources
War, at its core, is about resources. Beyond the physical— such as land—there are intangible resources that we all seek: security, autonomy, identity, and value. These are the things that give our lives meaning and fulfillment. When these needs are unmet, conflicts arise.
Even in the example of land, there is a psychological need at play. Often, the land we are fighting over is not about our most basic needs but about what more land would bring us—a sense of fulfillment based on specific essential resources like recognition, value, or importance.
Maslowian Needs and Psychological Trauma
It's important to acknowledge that some conflicts are truly about basic survival needs. In situations where people are starving or lack shelter, their struggles are real and immediate. However, many wars and societal conflicts are rooted not in these basic needs but in deeper psychological traumas. These are the invisible wounds that drive nations and individuals to clash over perceived scarcities.
The Enneagram: A Framework for Inner Resources
Conventionally, the Enneagram is seen as a map of personality types and their fixations. However the Enneagram can be interpreted as a framework for understanding our intrinsic resources. Each point on the Enneagram represents an essential quality—an unconditioned aspect of our true essence.
These essential qualities are profound inner resources that, when cultivated, can provide the sense of fulfillment we often seek externally. The Enneagram reveals that these resources are always available to us, independent of external conditions. By connecting with these inner qualities, we can begin to heal the inner conflicts that manifest as outer wars.
Cultivating Inner Fulfillment
Cultivating these essential qualities involves practices that foster self-awareness and inner fulfillment. This might include somatic exercises, meditation, and reflective practices tailored to each Enneagram type. By shifting our focus from external to internal resources, we can address the root causes of our conflicts.
Healing the Conflict Drive
When individuals and societies learn to connect with and cultivate these inner resources, they can begin to heal the deep-seated traumas that drive conflict. This doesn’t mean ignoring real-world issues of poverty or injustice but addressing the psychological needs that fuel many conflicts.
Conclusion
The Enneagram offers a unique lens through which we can understand and heal the impulse for war. By focusing on the essential qualities within each of us, we can transform our inner experience and, in turn, create a more peaceful world. It’s a profound journey that starts with recognizing the resources we already possess and learning to nurture them.
Call to Action
After discovering your Enneagram type, begin the journey of connecting with your essential qualities of wholeness. By cultivating these inner resources, you can contribute to healing both personal and societal conflicts, one step at a time.
