Beyond Your Number

Classic Replay: Understanding the Enneagram Triads (Gut, Heart, Head)

Faith and Community Season 3 Episode 116

We’re dipping back into the archive with a foundation episode on the Triads—Gut (8-9-1), Heart (2-3-4), and Head (5-6-7). Damon and Kelly break down what each triad prioritizes, the core emotion it wrestles with (anger, shame, fear), and how that shapes decision-making, relationships, and self-care.

You’ll hear practical prompts (like “What was I angry about today?” for Gut types), why Heart types often read your feelings before their own, and how Head types can get stuck in analysis paralysis. It’s a clear, friendly primer you’ll want to revisit and share.

Triads at a glance

  • Gut (8, 9, 1): independence, visceral “felt-sense,” quick to act (ready–fire–aim).
    • Growth prompts: “What was I angry about today?” Notice body cues (shoulders, stomach, jaw). Add a pause before acting; check head + heart.
  • Heart (2, 3, 4): relationships, recognition, reading the room; often tuned to others’ feelings first.
    • Growth prompts: Schedule solitude; name your feelings; practice “I’m worthy even when I’m not helping/performing/standing out.”
  • Head (5, 6, 7): thinking, planning, safety; vulnerable to analysis paralysis.
    • Growth prompts: Set decision deadlines; move the body (walks, workouts, nature); notice what fear is asking for—and act anyway.

Decision-making tips by triad

  • Gut: Add thinking time + a quick feelings check.
  • Heart: Ask, “What do I feel and need—apart from others’ reactions?”
  • Head: Limit research; choose one next step; time-box the decision.

Try this this week

  • Journal one line per day:
    • Gut: “Today I felt anger when… and I felt it in my…”
    • Heart: “Today my feeling was… not just others’.”
    • Head: “Today I decided ___ by ___ o’clock and took the first step.”

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