The Art of Life

thepostgrad:

I’m an Enneagram Type 4. I’ve typed up this summary for my fellow Type 4s and anyone interested in learning more about Type 4 personalities. 

If you’ve done the Leadership Color exercise, Type 4s are a mix of Orange and Blue personalities—-often leaning more towards the Blue color. 

Type 4’s are notorious for quite a few things. Out of the many types, Type 4s pride themselves on being unique, different, and emotionally invested in their relationships. They see themselves as individuals (and rightly so). Type 4s tend to have a keen eye for things that are beautiful and push against the mundane grain of everyday life. 

In all relationships—-be it work, love, sex, or friendships—-Type 4s are incredibly honest with their emotions. They own up to their strengths and shortcomings as spiritual beings and are not afraid to see themselves as incomplete. As such, Type 4s experience large and sometimes overbearing moments of wanderlust and “completion seeking”. Their lives are often spent looking for missing pieces. 

The life of a Type 4 can be nomadic. Their identities shift frequently, thus causing them to be intriguing characters. It is said that Type 4s are never set in their ways, but are constantly shapeshifting. This doesn’t mean that Type 4s are liars or co-opt identities; rather, they see themselves as having unlimited potential to grow. 

Things can definitely be difficult for Type 4s. They often have low-self esteem and hate being alone (if the isolation is unhealthy or inappropriate). Even though they pride themselves as unique beings, Type 4s actually want to experience moments of belonging and security. Letting go can also pose a challenge for Type 4s. Because their feelings dominate their personality and core, Type 4s may hold eternal grudges. In other words, inflicting emotional pain on a Type 4 can lead to some stormy times. 

Do not mistake Type 4s are hypersensitive beings. While it is true that Type 4s are keen to emotions and experiences, they also have strong foundations in logic. It just so happens that they value emotion over everything. Type 4s are not the ones to cry and feel hopeless—-rather, they allow themselves to feel (unlike other personality types who have discomfort with open emotional expression). 

Type 4s tend to be strong allies and support systems. They allow others to enter their most intimate spaces. And as such, Type 4s are willing to listen and give positive feedback. If you’re experiencing emotional troubles and need spiritual/healing advice, Type 4s can provide that. Type 4s are also genuine in their comments, thus allowing them to play an affirmatory role quite well. Type 4s also strive to bring out the inner beauty in others. Therefore, Type 4s can serve as muses and personal mirrors to your own strengths. 

Type 4s can pose difficulty in regards to logic and calculation. Because they often daydream and drift between experiences, Type 4s will not anchor themselves to one place. Keep in mind that Type 4s like to experience everything and anything. Again, this does not speak to a habit of infidelity or lack of commitment. Rather, be prepared for a Type 4 to shift course suddenly for sake of exploration. Since Type 4s are often looking for “something”, they have no trouble setting sail for other shores. 

This is often the confusing nature of Type 4s. They want to belong, but often travel round and round in hopes of finding a solid home. 

All in all, Type 4s are strong in their emotional being. The raw nature of their expression should not be viewed as a weakness or something to take advantage of. Exploiting a Type 4s honesty and emotional trust will only cause a large amount of pushback and negative energy. Telling a Type 4 things such as, “Quit overreacting”, “It was just a joke”, or “You’re so sensitive” may cause distance between you and a Type 4. If distance occurs, it can be difficult for the emotional relationship to rebuild and heal. 

Their overt expression of emotion is not to be taken lightly. Rather, when their emotions are exposed, they are living in strength and claiming their individual soul. 

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For Type 4s looking to balance their lives and explore other modes of processing, here are some quick tips/daily meditations. These questions, as provided by Enneathoughts, are meant to push against hyperactive Type 4 behaviors and bring Type 4s back to the healthy perspective. 

Again, these are meditations and questions to ask yourself 

- Today, notice if you are shifting your attention away from reality and reworking the world in your fantasies. Is it really helpful to you to indulge your imagination so much?

- Remember that Fours can use their imaginations to stir up their feelings and to hold onto certain moods that they feel express who they really are. Watch for this tendency today.
 
- A major feature of your personality is the tendency to heighten the impact of beauty upon your emotions in an attempt to replace a sense of inner loss. Watch for this in yourself today.

- Today, notice if you are playing the role of the “Special One,” or the “Mysterious Outsider?” Do you need to base your self-image on how unlike other people you are? Does putting your own personal stamp on everything really make it more valuable?

- Avoid putting off things until you are “in the right mood.” Commit yourself to productive, meaningful work that will contribute to your long-range good and that of others. 

- Can you fully experience your Presence here and now? Connect with the sensations of life in your body, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet today