The Enneagram is a personality tool. It helps us understand ourselves better. One important idea in the Enneagram is the “Centres of Intelligence.” This idea tells us how different people make decisions and respond to life.
If you missed our first part of Enneagram, you can read more about it here.
What are the Centres of Intelligence?
There are three Centres of Intelligence in the Enneagram:
- The Head Centre (Thinking)
- The Heart Centre (Feeling)
- The Body Centre (Doing)
Each centre explains how people naturally react to situations. Knowing your centre helps you understand why you act the way you do.
The Head Centre (Thinking)
People in the Head Centre use their minds a lot. They think carefully before deciding. They often ask “Why?” and like to understand things clearly. But sometimes, thinking too much can cause worry or fear.
- Enneagram Types: 5, 6, and 7.
- Common feelings: Anxiety, fear.
- Strength: Clear thinking and good planning.
- Challenge: Overthinking and doubt.
Examples:
- Type 5 (The Investigator): Likes learning new things and values knowledge. They enjoy spending time alone reading or exploring new ideas. This shows their strong thinking skills. But they might feel stuck if they think too much and not take action.
- To overcome this: Take small steps to share what you’ve learned. Practice connecting with others and taking action even when you don’t feel fully ready.
- Type 6 (The Loyalist): Wants to feel secure and safe. They often prepare for the worst and look for answers. This shows how their thoughts guide their actions. But they may struggle with fear and doubt.
- To overcome this: Build trust in yourself. Practice making decisions even when you feel unsure. Breathe deeply when you feel anxious.
- Type 7 (The Enthusiast): Loves new adventures and experiences. They are always thinking of fun plans and new ideas. This shows how they use their minds to escape boredom. But they might avoid thinking about hard feelings.
- To overcome this: Practice staying present. Don’t rush to the next fun thing. Reflect on your deeper feelings with journaling or talking to someone you trust.
The Heart Centre (Feeling)
People in the Heart Centre focus on their feelings and the feelings of others. They often ask “Who am I with others?” They want to be loved and appreciated. But sometimes, this can make them worry too much about what others think.
- Enneagram Types: 2, 3, and 4.
- Common feelings: Sadness, shame.
- Strength: Caring, helpful, and understanding others.
- Challenge: Worrying about acceptance and self-worth.
Examples:
- Type 2 (The Helper): Enjoys helping others and being needed. They feel happy when others appreciate them. This shows how they act based on feelings. But they may forget their own needs.
- To overcome this: Set time for yourself. Practice saying “no” sometimes. Know that you are worthy even without helping.
- Type 3 (The Achiever): Likes success and being praised. Their actions come from a need to be seen as worthy. Their feelings push them to do well. But they might hide their real emotions.
- To overcome this: Slow down and reflect on your feelings. Let others see the real you. You don’t always need to achieve to be loved.
- Type 4 (The Individualist): Values being unique and expressing themselves. Their deep emotions help them connect with others. This shows how feelings shape their identity. But they may feel left out or misunderstood.
- To overcome this: Focus on what’s going well. Practice gratitude. Stay grounded in the present instead of living in your feelings.
The Body Centre (Doing)
People in the Body Centre trust their gut feelings and take action quickly. They often ask “What should I do now?” They value being strong and in control. Sometimes, they might act too fast without thinking.
- Enneagram Types: 8, 9, and 1.
- Common feelings: Anger, frustration.
- Strength: Confidence, energy, and leadership.
- Challenge: Impatience and being too forceful.
Examples:
- Type 8 (The Challenger): Likes being strong and independent. They take action quickly and protect others. This shows their focus on doing. But they might act before thinking and seem too forceful.
- To overcome this: Pause before reacting. Listen more. Let others share their views before you take charge.
- Type 9 (The Peacemaker): Wants harmony and peace. They may do things to keep others happy. Their action is often to avoid conflict. But they might forget their own needs and avoid making decisions.
- To overcome this: Speak up about what you want. Practice making small choices each day. Know that your voice matters.
- Type 1 (The Perfectionist): Values doing things correctly. They follow rules and take action to make things better. This shows a strong sense of duty. But they may become too strict with themselves or others.
- To overcome this: Accept that mistakes happen. Practice self-kindness. Allow things to be “good enough.”
How to Use the Centres of Intelligence
- Understand yourself: Knowing your centre helps you see your strengths and challenges clearly.
- Improve relationships: Understand others better by knowing their centre.
- Manage emotions: Learn how to handle your centre’s common feelings (fear, shame, anger).
- Better decisions: Balance thinking, feeling, and doing to make wiser choices.
If you are a Type 6, you belong to the Head Centre. You might worry a lot. Knowing this helps you understand why you feel anxious. You can practice calming your mind and trust your decisions more.
If you are a Type 2, you are in the Heart Centre. You may often think about how others feel. This helps you be kind but can also make you forget your own needs.
If you are a Type 8, you are in the Body Centre. You like to act fast and stay in control. This makes you strong but can sometimes make you seem too intense.
The Centres of Intelligence in the Enneagram help us understand why we act and feel certain ways. Using this knowledge can help you live better, feel happier, and get along with others more easily.
Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll dive deeper into our new Self Discovery Series on MSGT! Also check out more about DISC, Enneagram and MBTI here.
Always our pleasure to share good things with everyone 
Check us out and follow us on our Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram or Telegram for more content!
