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Enneagram Type 8: The Protector
 Definitions used in describing each type
“Lost” essential quality:
The knowledge that everyone begins in innocence and can sense the truth in all others.
Compensating
belief: This is a hard and unjust world in which the powerful take advantage of the innocent and impose their personal truths on others.
Attention/coping strategy: Becoming strong and forceful to gain respect. Imposing your personal will and truth. Using anger and confrontation if necessary. Denying personal vulnerability. Attention going to power, control and injustice.
Trap: Gaining protection and prevailing through power and invulnerability.
Driving energy: Lust for life and excess – a big energy that fuels the personality.
Avoidance: Weakness, becoming vulnerable and powerless.
Strengths: Courage, fairness, magnanimity, intensity.
Paradox:
Power creates counter-force. Vengeance leads to retaliation. Hiding vulnerability creates vulnerability.
Path of development:
- Reclaim innocence
- Learn how much force is necessary
- Moderate impact on others
- Appreciate others’ truths
- Allow personal vulnerability
Ultimate task: Reclaiming the ability to come freshly to each situation without prejudging and overpowering it, and appreciating that truth exists in all others.
More on Enneagram Type 8:
Enneagram Type 8 Practices
for Growth | Enneagram Type 8 Key Themes
Next: Enneagram Type 9
Tour the types: Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 5 Type 6 Type 7 Type 8 Type 9
Registered? Learn how type 8 differs from all other Enneagram types
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