Excessive worry or fear due to stress is often the definition put to the
term “anxiety.” Although its dictionary definition encompasses most of
the main points to anxiety, such as dread, sweating, and worry, it fails
to define the reason for anxiety in a way that can explain the actions
of a type 6—fear of the unknown.
[Tree with Gnarled Roots by Max Beckmann]
For this examination, one must look to the roots of the tree displayed
in this piece. In relation to the idea of fearing the unknown, the tree
roots represent a person grabbing at straws to identify the most likely
outcome for a situation. As different ideas or “roots” grow in eir’s
mind, they begin to overlap with each other, pulling at various details
to resurface with a conclusion that seems plausible. Time and time
again, I have felt this dread as I attempt to invent reasons or ways to
accomplish a task. Especially during assignments for school, I have
immense difficulty starting a project because I constantly imagine how
my concept could be perceived wrong.
“I just hoped Sam had chosen to eat today. When I entered the practice
gym (5 minutes late), I was surprised to discover she still hadn’t
arrived…[Sam’s] complexion seemed more vibrant, but the exhaustion still
remained on her face. Suspicious.”
As I leave for volleyball practice, I assume Sam may not have eaten on
that day either. Although I make an effort to hope for the best, I still
thoroughly examine Sam the minute she walks in to try and ease my mind.
When mentioning the phrase “security-oriented,” one may assume it in a
physical sense of being paranoid. In the context of a personality trait;
however, “suspicious” is simply an umbrella term for a person who
requires reassurance before trusting something or someone
wholeheartedly.
“Currently, Sam was sat on the floor looking absolutely exhausted. “You
okay?” I question... Her complexion seemed more vibrant, but the
exhaustion still remained on her face.”
When I notice Sam has not been participating with the rest of my team
mates, my thoughts race. Alerted by the red flag, I assess the situation
by analyzing her appearance. As I can visibly see her exhaustion, I
question Sam and mentally begin to keep tabs on her. The following week,
I watch Sam like a hawk unsure if anything has changed. Once I identify
the changes, I confer with her, and only then do I allow myself to
relax. Once I know she’s actually been eating a little more, I return to
my talkative self.
[Night Guard by Jacob Kainen]
The multitude of bold strokes scattered across the painting represent
walls put up by individuals to maintain confidentiality with those they
trust. Once past these barriers, an outsider obtains the ability to view
other versions of the same person. Kainen employs a brighter color
palette and softer figures to convey this idea of only showing one’s
true personality to those one can trust. By keeping conversations to
individuals that one trusts, ey does not risk having to deal with
posisible leakage of sensitive topics.
“The following week, as I pack my bag for volleyball practice, I grab a
packet of Goldfish along with a bottle of water. It wasn’t much, but
some amount of food was better than none.”
For context, a mother is responsible for her child in that she will
protect and nurse the child. After spending so much time with Sam
throughout the volleyball season, I could not help feeling like she’s
become my little sister. I feel responsible for her well-being and
guilty for not seeing her eating problem sooner.
“It will bear
Until it is sure to break
Even then
It
will still bear it all
Just so another will not have to fall”
-- Sacrifice of Friendship by Nicole Pettit, Lines 22-26
An individual with a type 6 enneagram is more than likely that one person
who “goes down with the ship.” In other words, so incredibly loyal you’d
believe they were physically stuck to their friend group. A type 6 goes to
great lengths to keep relationships stable, often sacrificing free time or
their well-being for the needs of others. Generally, I tend to sacrifice
my free time for my friends, and I end up regretting it more often than
not. In fact, in situations where it’s a group of my friends against a
single friend, I usually choose the one friend to lessen the blow. Again,
I usually regret it as their values differ from my own, but in the moment,
my mind is only focused on providing support to the friend.
“When I entered the practice gym (5 minutes late), I was surprised to
discover Sam still hadn’t arrived. As I would not be able to check on
her before practice, I made a mental note to provide her with the food
regardless of her food status for the day.”
Although being 5 minutes late is only a slight inconvenience, it displays
a small sacrifice I make to bring Sam food. By also creating a mental note
for myself, I leave a part of my consciousness in a state of worry for
Sam’s well-being and do not engage my entire brain in the act of playing
volleyball. I show my loyalty to Sam by sacrificing my ability to enter
“the zone” when practicing.
Enneagram Type 6 : The Loyal Guardian
Theme
You may or may not have noticed the recurring topic that comes up
throughout the text. The traits used to define a type 6 individual (me)
are also characteristics I use to keep order. I am responsible so I can
control a person’s situation to prevent them from making decisions that
jeopardize the stable balance in my life. I am anxious because I cannot
control the future and anything could happen that destroys the world
I’ve created. I am loyal to keep the ropes tethering my friendships
together from snapping and leaving me alone on the harsh mountain we
call “life.” I’m security-oriented because I need something to fall back
on. I can’t take a risk because I need the reassurance that all will be
well after if I do. I desire order. I need order. Without it, my world
crumbles.
