Embarking on a journey of self-discovery often leads us to explore various tools and systems that offer deeper insights into our personalities. One such system is the Enneagram, a dynamic framework that categorises human personality into nine distinct types. While many are familiar with the core Enneagram types, the instinctual Variants—self-preservation, social, and sexual—introduce another layer of understanding that profoundly influences our behaviours and interactions.
At the Hoffman Process, Enneagram wisdom is woven into our work, offering valuable insights into emotional patterns and personal transformation. However, we do not assist individuals in identifying their specific type or subtype. For those seeking to explore Enneagram Variants in greater depth, the Hoffman Retreat provides a unique opportunity. As an advanced program following the Hoffman Process, the Retreat delves into the instinctual Variants, helping participants apply these insights in real-life scenarios for profound personal growth.
Understanding the Enneagram System
The Origins of the Enneagram
The Enneagram system has roots in ancient spiritual traditions and has evolved into a modern psychological framework. It combines influences from Christian mysticism, Sufism, and early Greek philosophy. The Enneagram symbol—a circle with nine points connected by lines—illustrates the interconnectedness of different personality types. Adapted by psychologists and spiritual teachers in the 20th century, it is widely used as a tool for understanding core motivations, fears, and behavioural patterns. The Enneagram’s depth makes it a powerful complement to personal development work, including programs like the Hoffman Process and Retreat.
The Hoffman Process - 7-day Residential Retreat
The Hoffman Process has been operating for over 50+ years in 14 countries and 15 locations worldwide, benefiting over 150,000 people from all walks of life.
The Nine Personality Types
At the heart of the Enneagram system are the nine distinct personality types, each representing a unique way of viewing and interacting with the world. These types are often referred to by their numbers, from One to Nine, and are associated with specific traits, motivations, and behavioural patterns. For instance, Type One is known as the Reformer, characterised by a strong sense of ethics and a desire for improvement, while Type Four, the Individualist, is recognised for their emotional depth and creativity. Each type has its strengths and challenges, and understanding these can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
The beauty of the Enneagram lies in its dynamic nature, acknowledging that individuals may exhibit traits from multiple types, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of personality. By exploring these types, individuals can gain insights into their habitual patterns and learn how to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
The Three Enneagram Variants Explained
Each Enneagram type is influenced by one of three primary instincts:
- Self-Preservation Variant: Focuses on personal safety, comfort, and wellbeing. Those with this dominant instinct often prioritise practical matters such as health, finances, and physical security.
- Social Variant: Prioritises group dynamics and community belonging. Individuals with this instinct tend to be attuned to social structures, valuing relationships and collective experiences.
- Sexual (One-to-One) Variant: Seeks deep, intense connections and transformative experiences. Those with this dominant instinct are often drawn to passion, authenticity, and deep personal growth.
The Hoffman Retreat is designed to help individuals integrate their understanding of these Variants into their personal development journey, providing a space to explore how these instinctual drives shape their interactions, choices, and emotional patterns.
How Variants Influence Personality and Relationships
Self-Preservation Variant and Personality Traits
Individuals with a dominant self-preservation instinct often exhibit traits such as practicality, resourcefulness, and a keen awareness of their physical environment. Their focus on self-sufficiency can lead to behaviours aimed at securing their wellbeing, such as meticulous planning and careful management of resources. While their attention to detail and preparedness can be strengths, it may also lead to excessive caution or reluctance to take risks. Understanding the self-preservation variant’s impact on personality helps these individuals balance their need for security with opportunities for growth and exploration.
Social Variant and Group Dynamics
The social variant shapes personality by emphasising the importance of group dynamics and social belonging. Individuals with this dominant instinct are often highly attuned to the needs and expectations of their social environment, leading them to develop traits such as empathy, cooperation, and adaptability. However, it may also result in challenges, such as over-reliance on external validation or difficulty asserting personal needs. By recognising the influence of the social variant, individuals can learn to balance their desire for social harmony with self-assertion.
Stay informed with our frequent updates, event announcements, news, and more.
Sexual Variant and Intimacy
Individuals with a dominant sexual variant often exhibit traits such as passion, intensity, and a strong desire for meaningful interactions. They are typically drawn to experiences that foster personal growth and transformation, seeking relationships that challenge and inspire them. However, the intensity of their focus on one-on-one relationships may lead to challenges, such as difficulty balancing personal needs with those of their partners or an overemphasis on intensity at the expense of stability. Understanding the influence of this variant helps individuals channel their passion constructively.
Integrating Enneagram Variants Through the Hoffman Retreat
The Hoffman Process lays the foundation for profound self-awareness and emotional healing. As a follow-up program, the Hoffman Retreat offers an advanced level of transformation, specifically addressing how Enneagram Variants influence behaviour, relationships, and personal development.
Enhancing Communication Through Variant Awareness
Recognising instinctual differences enables partners to tailor their communication styles, fostering clearer and more empathetic exchanges. By acknowledging and respecting each other’s instinctual drives, couples can avoid misunderstandings and develop a more nuanced appreciation for their partner’s perspective.
Navigating Conflict with Variant Insights
Each variant has distinct ways of handling disagreements. Understanding these instinctual tendencies allows partners to anticipate potential sources of conflict and develop strategies to address them constructively.
Building Intimacy Through Variant Compatibility
The compatibility of Enneagram Variants can significantly influence the level of intimacy in relationships. Recognising and valuing these differences allows couples to create a dynamic and enriching partnership where each person contributes their unique strengths.
Next Steps: Join the Hoffman Retreat
For those who have completed the Hoffman Process and wish to deepen their self-discovery, the Hoffman Retreat is the next step. This immersive experience is designed to help individuals explore the instinctual Variants in greater detail, offering practical tools to integrate these insights into their personal and professional lives.
