What is our special key to freedom? One size does not fit all, but the Enneagram can enlighten us about what our unique key to freedom is about. In this 3rd part of the 3-part series, you can read reflections on keys to freedom for enneatypes 7, 8, and 9.

Enneagram Sevens
For type Sevens, the issue is very different from any other Enneagram type. Sevens already think they are free, so why need a key to freedom when they believe they already have it? But do they? Sevens think of freedom as their having no limitations whatsoever; they believe no one has the right to limit them. Of course, in real reality, there are always limits – for example, in sports, in work, in love relationships, and more. If limits are everywhere, then how free are Sevens, really?
Key to freedom | The first aspect of even finding the key to freedom is for Sevens to realize that their mental assumption that they are already free because no one can restrict them is a false idea. Once they recognize that freedom comes from within – to follow their own dreams and aspirations unobstructed – they realize that the notion that they are already free is a core obstacle to real freedom. From this place, Sevens then need to go within, to rediscover all of their heart – not just the joyous heart – and to explore and embrace their sadness and fear. The key to their freedom is also the key to their wholeness.

Enneagram Eights
For type Eights, their freedom lies with their ability to do two things: (1) realize that the world will not fall apart if they are not wholly holding it up in their embrace of strength, and (2) access and acknowledge, to both themselves and others, their vulnerable places where they don’t know what to do and truly need the support of other people. This is a big ask for Eights, but it is also something, at some level, that they long for. But Eights are used to going big!
Key to freedom | The key to their freedom is in their hearts, going deep into their heart beyond emotions. It is the deep and vulnerable heart that many Eights describe as fragile and bleeding. In another sense, it is the heart that has been covered over with anger, strength, and boldness since they were children. This heart is the heart of their inner child, and it can and will be scary. So go there slowly, and with support from others if you have people in your life who can handle the bigness and pain in that area. What will emerge is a great capacity, a heart muscle that needs to be exercised on a gradual and consistent basis.

Enneagram Nines
For type Nines, their freedom lies in being willing to be personally powerful. That is a tall order because Nines have, unconsciously, traded their robust personal power for keeping the peace. From a place of personal power, Nines can do just about anything. But with a body that they’ve put to sleep such that it no longer feels much anger, doesn’t quite know what to do, and doesn’t assert its wants and needs, freedom is near impossible.
Key to freedom | Come back home! As a Body Center type, your body, especially your belly, is a crystal palace ready to serve you at your will. It is a red and deep place, full of energy and vitality available to you at your command. So go there. Be willing to re-inhabit all of your body. Feel your anger, express it. Find your voice and use it. Stand tall, completely filled with your somatic energy.

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, the author of five best-selling Enneagram-business books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs for professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications, and is past-president of the International Enneagram Association. Visit her website: TheEnneagramInBusiness.com. ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com