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Resources for the Six
I find some resources more helpful than others when learning about the Six.
The first book I read about the Enneagram, The Road Back to You, convinced me that I wasn't a Six.
He started the chapter on Sixes talking about some ultimate survival guide book and said that all the Sixes were out buying it.
Since I hadn't, nor wouldn't, buy that book, I automatically assumed I wasn't a Six.
Also, the way the author described Sixes as always imagining the worst case scenario threw me off.
I don't sit around worrying about the worst-case scenario.
THE worst-case scenario is a nuclear bomb being dropped where I live and my children being the only survivors.
And honestly, I don't spend much time thinking about that (not that the fear hasn't crossed my mind).
That said, just the other day my 15 year old daughter cut her foot on a rock in a river and I was CERTAIN she was going to die of either staph, tetanus, or a flesh-eating bacteria. No lie. That was my first thought and what I considered almost certain to happen. (She's fine, btw.)
I've now realized that I always imagine what I consider the worst-case scenario in every situation:
I frankly don't resonate with the way many authors talk about Sixes. Maybe it's because I'm a little more counterphobic than phobic, but maybe it's because non-Sixes just don't get us.
That said, here are the resources I've found the most helpful for me. If you've found something helpful for you, would you leave a comment and let me know?
The first book I read about the Enneagram, The Road Back to You, convinced me that I wasn't a Six.
He started the chapter on Sixes talking about some ultimate survival guide book and said that all the Sixes were out buying it.
Since I hadn't, nor wouldn't, buy that book, I automatically assumed I wasn't a Six.
Also, the way the author described Sixes as always imagining the worst case scenario threw me off.
I don't sit around worrying about the worst-case scenario.
THE worst-case scenario is a nuclear bomb being dropped where I live and my children being the only survivors.
And honestly, I don't spend much time thinking about that (not that the fear hasn't crossed my mind).
That said, just the other day my 15 year old daughter cut her foot on a rock in a river and I was CERTAIN she was going to die of either staph, tetanus, or a flesh-eating bacteria. No lie. That was my first thought and what I considered almost certain to happen. (She's fine, btw.)
I've now realized that I always imagine what I consider the worst-case scenario in every situation:
- My daughter doesn't answer when I call her? She's just been killed in a car wreck.
- My husband doesn't pick up when I call him? He's having dinner with another woman.
- I notice that I'm bloated? I must have stage 4 ovarian cancer.
- My friend doesn't respond to my text? I've offended her and the friendship of 20 years is over.
I frankly don't resonate with the way many authors talk about Sixes. Maybe it's because I'm a little more counterphobic than phobic, but maybe it's because non-Sixes just don't get us.
That said, here are the resources I've found the most helpful for me. If you've found something helpful for you, would you leave a comment and let me know?
My Favorite Books About the Enneagram
All three of my favorite books explore the enneagram from a Christian perspective.
  I've linked to some podcasts where Chris Heurtz has been interviewed. I think he's my all-time favorite for how he teaches about the enneagram in general and the Six in particular.
"Constant threat forecasting keeps Sixes distracted, unable to connect with the gift of the present moment and incapable of hearing the voice of God. But when Sixes emphasize silence as their contemplative prayer posture, they are forced to turn down the noise of all their inner anxiety and listen to what is true... that they are going to be okay because ultimately they are a source of courage." (pg. 219) |
  I love the encouragement that Marilyn Vancil gives in her book. She gave me hope that as a Six, I really could be strong and courageous. The way she wrote about the Authentic Self of the Six gives me a vision of what is possible for me.
"Sixes are strong and courageous when they rely on the undergirding guidance and protection of God. When they pay attention to their own inner voice, they can trust themselves to make good decisions and act in accordance with their valued principles." (pg. 113) |
  What spoke to me the most in Alice Fryling's book is how she described those in the Head triad. As a Six, we are in the middle of the head triad. Both of our wings are in the Head triad. So it makes sense that the description of the Head triad would fit so well.
"{Sixes} look for safety by continually putting their inner world in order...Head triad people may hesitate to take meaningful action... When people in the head triad open to God's transformation they begin to realize they do not need to understand life in order to live it." (pgs. 42-44) |
My Favorite Podcast Episodes About the Six
Sleeping at Last Podcast
My favorite part of this episode is the interview with Chris Heurtz.
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That Sounds Fun with Annie F Downs
Annie starts with Beth McCord describing the Type Six, then she interviews two Sixes, a male and female. I love hearing the male perspective on the Six.
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