PART 2: Discovering Essence—The Nine Types and Their “Medicine”

Introduction

Welcome back to our three-part series on Embodying Essence. In Part 1 we explored why integrating somatic awareness with the Enneagram is so powerful, and how this approach can move us beyond theory into lived transformation. Now, let’s take a closer look at the Nine Types and what I like to call their “medicine”—the universal, sacred ingredients that each type brings to life when we embody their core essence.

A Quick Refresher: What Is Essence?

Essence refers to the deeper, unchanging core of each Enneagram type, existing beneath any personality strategy or defense mechanism. When we lose touch with essence, our nervous system tries to fill that void or defend against perceived threats—creating the characteristic fixations and reactive patterns we know all too well.

But by consciously sensing each type’s essence in the body, we rediscover a “home base” of nourishment, where tension and anxiety naturally soften. Think of these qualities as universal nutrients—like sunlight, fresh water, or the grounding energy of the Earth—that we can consciously tune into for real healing and growth.

Nine Types, Nine “Medicines”

Below, you’ll find an expanded overview of each type’s essence quality. Notice how these descriptions speak to both life and nature, suggesting that these are truly universal aspects of human experience. Also pay attention to how embodying these qualities enhances—rather than negates—other important facets of our lives.

Type One: Goodness, Purity, Integrity

• Essence Quality
  Reflects the purity and natural goodness that permeates life—like a crystal-clear spring or the pristine simplicity of a seed before it sprouts.

• Felt Sense
  A clean, fresh, aligned feeling (like the spirit of stepping onto fresh snow in the morning) can relax chronic tension and soothe self-criticism. When Ones sense this innate integrity in their bodies—perhaps as gentle uprightness in the spine or a cool, refreshing breath—they experience that everything (including themselves) is already “good enough.”

• Why It’s Healing
  Tapping into this “goodness” eases perfectionism by softening the nervous system. Crucially, it doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes or halting improvement; rather, it shows Ones that genuine growth arises from an inherent worthiness, not relentless self-criticism. This lets Ones continue pursuing meaningful reform in the world while feeling whole, aligned, and pure in their bodies—no longer driven by a sense of fundamental imperfection.

Type Two: Universal Love

• Essence Quality
  Symbolizes an ever-present flow of connection—like morning sunlight gently warming everything it touches.

• Felt Sense
  An expansive warmth (akin to a sunrise glow) can spread through the chest and shoulders. When Twos allow themselves to feel this, they realize love isn’t something that must be earned; it’s an abundant, shared resource.

• Why It’s Healing
  Grounding in universal love relieves the compulsion to seek approval, allowing Twos to give and receive care without strings attached. Rather than losing their ability to nurture others, they deepen it—recognizing they can genuinely serve while also respecting their own needs, no longer driven by the fear of being unloved.

Type Three: Intrinsic (Universal) Value

• Essence Quality
  Embodies a kind of grounded worthiness—like fertile earth that continually nourishes what’s planted in it.

• Felt Sense
  A solid grounding in the feet, legs, and pelvis, as if you can feel the stable pull of gravity beneath you. The breath may deepen, and the chest may loosen, reminding Threes their worth isn’t tied to accolades.

• Why It’s Healing
  Recognizing intrinsic value breaks the cycle of overachievement. This doesn’t rob Threes of ambition; instead, it enriches their drive with authenticity. They can still excel and inspire others but do so from a place of genuine passion—rather than chasing external validation to prove their worth.

Type Four: Belonging, Origin, Depth, Beauty

• Essence Quality
  Conjures the richness of an old forest or the dawn over a tranquil lake—simultaneously simple and profound, radiating quiet beauty.

• Felt Sense
  A calm, steady breath or gentle warmth in the heart area evokes the feeling of being “at home” in the universe. Like stepping into a sacred grove at first light, Fours discover that beauty and belonging are already present.

• Why It’s Healing
  This deep sense of origin and connection eases the longing for what’s missing. Rather than losing their emotional depth or individuality, Fours become more authentically creative—no longer fueled by the ache of separation, but by the joy of inherent belonging.

Type Five: Quiet Wisdom, Wonder, Knowing

• Essence Quality
  Reflects the stillness and clarity of a starry night sky—vast, calm, and luminous with possibilities.

• Felt Sense
  A spaciousness around the head, neck, and shoulders—like opening a window in a quiet room—releasing mental strain. In this openness, Fives can sense a deeper wisdom that isn’t confined to intellect alone.

• Why It’s Healing
  Experiencing quiet wonder dissolves the need to hoard energy or withdraw defensively. Fives don’t lose their analytical gifts; they amplify them with embodied insight—freely sharing their knowledge while feeling safe to connect.

Type Six: Security in the Unknown

• Essence Quality
  Evokes the steady foundation of the earth beneath our feet, even when storms or changes sweep by.

• Felt Sense
  A soft expansion in the chest and torso—like the gentle reassurance of a stable hand on your back—helps Sixes realize they can handle life’s uncertainties without chronic tension or over-preparation.

• Why It’s Healing
  This internal sense of security counters the habit of scanning for threats. Sixes don’t ignore real risks; they simply trust themselves enough to move forward wisely. In this state, their loyalty and vigilance become assets, not burdens, empowering them to foster genuine safety for themselves and others.

Type Seven: Contentment and Freedom

• Essence Quality
  Suggests the peaceful expanse of a clear sky—infinitely open, yet serene.

• Felt Sense
  A relaxed belly and a light, open breath (like lying on soft grass under that endless sky) remind Sevens that true freedom isn’t about constant stimulation; it’s about having inner space to fully inhabit the present moment.

• Why It’s Healing
  Embracing contentment soothes impulsive behaviors and anxiety about missing out. Sevens don’t become dull or limited; rather, they gain the freedom to truly savor life’s richness without the restless urge to chase novelty at every turn.

Type Eight: True Strength

• Essence Quality
  Conjures the image of a steadfast mountain—solid, powerful, yet open to shifting weather and seasons.

• Felt Sense
  A rooted stance with an expansive, balanced breath—like feeling the earth’s unwavering support. Eights realize that real power doesn’t come from force but from presence, groundedness, and openness.

• Why It’s Healing
  This embodied strength replaces the need for intimidation or defense. Rather than losing their assertiveness, Eights deepen it—tempering might with vulnerability. They continue championing justice and protecting the vulnerable, but from a place of balanced authority rather than unyielding force.

Type Nine: Harmony that Includes Aliveness

• Essence Quality
  Evokes the tranquil hum of nature at dawn—serene, yet vibrant with possibility.

• Felt Sense
  A cozy warmth in the core (belly or solar plexus) combined with a subtle vibration of energy—like gentle waves lapping against the shore. Nines feel both calm and awake, rather than numb or merged.

• Why It’s Healing
  By embracing both harmony and aliveness—connection and power—Nines move past passivity, tapping into a balanced sense of self that’s deeply linked yet alert. They no longer believe they must sacrifice unity or connection when they set boundaries or feel fully empowered. Instead, they uphold both genuine engagement and healthy individuality.

Why “Medicine”?

I use the term “medicine” because these qualities have an active healing effect on the body and psyche. When you let these sensations take root in your muscles, breath, and posture, they neutralize the stress, anxiety, or numbness behind your type’s typical patterns, allowing you to act from a place of authentic alignment.

Moving from Concept to Direct Experience

As you read these descriptions, remember that simply knowing about essence won’t bring lasting change. True transformation happens when you embody these qualities—deliberately cultivating, recognizing, and anchoring them in your everyday life. In other words, to heal the somatic roots of your personality, you need to engage your body’s wisdom.

In our final post of this series, we’ll explore a 5-Step SE/Enneagram Essence Embodiment Model to help you make these “medicines” a lived reality. I’ll walk you through an example with Type One, although the method applies to every type.