The Enneagram and the Sabbath

Sabbath teaches us that there’s a rhythm of six-plus-one to our lives. Six days to make and create and hustle and be productive. One day to be restored and celebrate everything that the work represents.

The Enneagram teaches us that each of us is different. We are each driven to work for different reasons, and by the same token, we are restored in different ways.

You get to be “off” one day in seven. When we strive 24/7 to fill these needs in ourselves and the people we love, we lose track that only God makes us whole. It’s God who fills these needs we have.

But, man, it’s so compelling to believe we can do it ourselves, right?

And that’s why Sabbath cuts us like a knife. It’s the sharpest reminder that the world does not depend on us. The deepest needs of our souls are not manageable by our own efforts alone. The Sabbath forces us to make room for God, to remind us that a peaceful and caring God provides and takes care of us. Our deepest needs are not satisfied with our hustle and productivity.

What restores your humanity? What is a gift to your being human? What makes you a whole person—mentally, emotionally, physically? Because who you are spiritually is interconnected with all of these.

Sabbath teaches us to be human again.

Just as there are certain people you like to hang out with because they bring out the best in you, each Enneagram type is connected to another type, leading it into a more mature place. Sabbath can be a weekly check-in to lean into that way of being a more balanced and whole human being.

Below are ways that each Enneagram type might live into a restorative Sabbath rhythm:

Type 1: The Perfectionist

Ones have a distinct sense of a right way and wrong way of doing things. You may express it as a moral code or as aesthetic taste. Regardless, everything is in its right place. Like Eights and Nines, the One is keenly aware of the body, and makes decisions by their instincts.

In security, a One takes on the mature characteristics of a Seven (The Enthusiast). So a Sabbath day for a One would mean there’s no to-do list. Be spontaneous. Go on an adventure. Try something new. Get out of your comfort zone. Make a plan of making no plans and go with the flow. See what happens. If you’re able, be present with children (who tend to resist being controlled). Write a poem and be happy with the first draft. Create something for the sake of enjoying yourself, all the while resisting the urge to tinker and perfect.

Type 2: The Helper

Twos are innately relational people. You have a gift of noticing and responding to the needs. Along with Threes and Fours, Twos live in their hearts and are right at home in the world of feelings. For Twos, you can notice when someone else’s well is dry but can have a blindspot to your own empty well.

In security, Twos move towards the healthy qualities of Fours. This means you become more aware of your own feelings, in a mature way. So on a Sabbath, resist the urge to serve others. Take some time in solitude. Indulge yourself. Refresh yourself. Notice yourself as a person worthy of love and service. Rest in the love of God.

Type 3: The Performer

Threes are driven by a need to achieve. Threes get stuff done. With the Twos and Fours, Threes are heart people. You have a gift of inspiring and motivating people by tapping into their emotions.

In security, a Three develops the positive characteristics of a Six (The Loyalist). Silence and solitude can be restorative to a Three as you receive feedback and applause from God himself rather than other people. Make a list of things God has done. Bask in grace. Know you are loved because that’s just how God is, not because of what you’ve achieved. Celebrate others.

Type 4: The Romantic

Fours cherish what’s beautiful. You revel in the unconventional. The arts and creative expression are your home. With Twos and Threes, you live in the world of feelings. And you don’t just live there, it’s your playground.

In security, Fours take on the positive aspects of Ones. This may mean that you find freedom in a little structure. More than other types, Fours can embrace the different-ness of Sabbath. They intuitively know it’s subversiveness. Show gratitude to people in your life. Make a list of things you’re thankful for. Sit and listen to someone else’s story. Relish the present moment.

Type 5: The Investigator

Fives see things. No, Fives see everything. Learning new things is second nature to a Five. You’re driven by a constant craving to understand how everything in the world works. With Sixes and Sevens, Fives live in their heads.

In security, Fives embrace the virtues of Eights (The Challenger), which means they become more confident and expressive. For Sabbath, you might get yourself outside. Go for a walk in the neighborhood. Do something physical. Exercise. Make something with your hands. Be available and vulnerable to others. Spend time with someone who makes you laugh. Lean in to the mystery of God and God’s creation.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Sixes need the world to be safe. You are compassionate, loyal, and responsible people. Sixes are most in their element when rules and boundaries are crystal clear. With Fives and Sevens, Sixes live in their heads.

In security, Sixes move to the mature characteristics of Nines (The Peacemaker). This means you’re less prone to be paralyzed by anxiety and fear. For Sabbath, stretch yourself out of your comfort zone. Invite a neighbor for a meal. Talk to a stranger. Try something new. Rest in the knowledge that God—and not your worst case scenario—is your refuge and fortress.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Everybody needs a Seven in their life because Sevens plan the parties. Sevens thrive on adventure. You can never have enough of the good stuff in life. With Fives and Sixes, Sevens operate out of their heads.

In security, Sevens take on the mature elements of Fives. They’re able to go deeper and contribute rather than just consume. For Sabbath, try silence and solitude. Choose any particular spiritual discipline and stick with it for a season. Read a book to learn something you didn’t already know. Visit someone who’s sick. Intentionally slow down.

Type 8: The Challenger

For better and worse, Eights live to fight or debate. You’re most alive when there’s a cause to champion. You’re naturally attuned to a sense of justice in the world, and when you catch a whiff of injustice, you’re off to the races. With Nines and Ones, you are physical creatures, at home in your bodies.

In security, Eights move to the mature qualities of Twos. You can give yourselves, not out of a sense of right and wrong, but out of sincere love. For Sabbath, try being vulnerable with someone else. Acknowledge your own weakness, trusting that’s where God is most present to you. Serve from a place of love rather than indignation. Rest in the knowledge that it’s God who makes the world just, safe, and secure for others.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Nines are the mediators of the world. You are the bridge-builders. You can see every side of every story. And because you so value the perspective of everyone, you easily lose sense of your own view. With Eights and Ones, you live in your physical space.

In security, Nines move toward the positive elements of Threes. Here, you’re decisive and confident in themselves. For sabbath, express your true voice. Take some time to journal, noticing your own thoughts and feelings instead of the opinions of others. Do what you want to do, rather than simply going along with others.

Sabbath is for restoring our souls. Each of our souls is unique, and so the specifics of just what restores us is also unique. What restores you may not restore those around you or those in your immediate family. How do you help one another experience the sabbath as rest?

Sabbath is about living life to the fullest as God made it.

If you want to explore more about the Enneagram, you should check out The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile (my review) or The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr.