How Enneagram Type 5 Informs The False Core Pattern

In the Unique Self Coaching Process we use the Enneagram particularly because the “cognitive-emotional habit” of each type helps in the discovery of one’s False Core Belief. Each week we are exploring one of the Enneagram types in order to give you a sense of each type’s particular beliefs and mini practices to help you become more aware of your own pattern with the intent of beginning to unloosen the grip of your False Self Pattern.

In the last three weeks we’ve explored the Feeling Center Triad with Enneatype 2, 3 and 4. As we explained in our introduction to the centers, each type has its particular way of mediating energy through them. The centers give us the ability to receive and to express energy through gut/head/heart which correspond to the physical/ intellect/ feeling.

Today, we’ll continue the journey around the Enneagram wheel by looking the last center, the Head Triad which hold points 5 6 7. The energy of these points is masculine, linear, and detached. People whose home base is at this center have the potential to be particularly aware of ideas and the mental dimension of life. We’ll start with Enneatype 5 who adopts a strategy that allows them to spare their inner resources out of a perception of scarcity and fear of depletion.

False Self Contraction in Fives is revealed in the way they detach from their emotions or distance themselves from people and find refuge in their minds to avoid overwhelm.

Here are the False Core Sentences/Beliefs followed by descriptions of patterns that are common to Fives.If one of these sentences, and/or pattern feels familiar to you, you might want to explore the practices that accompany the pattern. Each of these practices is geared towards creating more awareness of the ways into which you contract. Creating awareness is the first step towards dismantling your False Core Pattern. Practices are most effectively when used daily.

Common False Core Sentences:

I’m not enough

I will never make it

I don’t deserve more


I am not safe

I am alone

Common Patterns:

Worrying about not having enough energy to do things or interact with people

Observation Practice: Observe how you operate from the assumption that your time, energy, and other resources are scarce. Also notice any ways you hoard time, materials or private space.

Daily journaling:

• What did you notice in your behavior when you act from a sense of scarcity of energy and resources?
• What strategies do you use to protect yourself from being “invaded” or      “depleted”?

Observing others from a safe distance and/or detaching from your feelings while distancing yourself from situations and people that might stir up emotions

Observation Practice: Notice how you rationalize not feeling your feelings and avoid an acceptance and experience of others’ feelings.

Daily journaling:

• Are there some emotions you feel more than others?
• Are there some emotions you avoid more than others?
• What ideas and reasons do you base these choices on?

Next week, we’ll explore Enneatype Six, the first of the Head Center. In the meantime, and if you do not personally resonate with Type Five, we invite you to ask yourself who in your close surroundings might be a Four, and how does this description of their way of functioning in the world, might help you understand them better? And if you think it’s appropriate, you might want to share this post with them.

If you are uncertain about your type and would like to take a free inventory we recommend either the Enneagram Institute or Enneagram Dimensions.

We are offering a Unique Self Coaching Process online called: Loosening the Grip Of Your False Core Pattern, which begins April 4^th. This six-session course will meet every other week so you’ll have time to engage fully in each practice. Visit our website at www.uniqueselfcoaching.com for more information and to register.