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In this post we examine some ways to support Enneagram TYPE 8: The Challenger and why Pyrite is an ideal supportive gemstone.
If you need a quick recap on The Enneagram, you can learn more HERE. In this age of technology that keeps most of us at an arm's length hungry for connection, it's a beautifully reassuring tool we can use to know ourselves and each other better.
We hope to be in service with the Enneagram Collection by helping you get to know more deeply your own type, what nurtures you, how to help others by seeing them more clearly through knowing their type, and how to utilize the amazing power of gemstones to lean into and support each type.
And did you know each of us have ALL the Types in us. One or two are likely more dominant, but no matter your Type, understanding them all helps you better understand and have compassion for others.
See our other posts on Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5, Type 6, Type 7, & Type 9.
According to our Enneagram expert Sarajane Case, Type Eights can be described as the following:
TYPE EIGHT | THE CHALLENGER
Basic Desire: “It’s important to me that I am able to determine my own path in life.”
Basic Fear: “I am most afraid of being harmed or controlled by others.”
Super Ego Message: “I know that I will be ok as long as I remain strong and powerful.”
Type Eights are strong, charismatic leaders. In childhood Eights often experienced some form of betrayal—something that settled the idea into them that they would need to take care of themselves. Because of this they learn to lean on their strength and hide their vulnerabilities to prevent being open and susceptible to further betrayal in the future. This can lead Eights to develop a constant defensive stance, which can happen both in defense of themselves but also in defense of those in need.
Type Eights are bold, independent, honest, magnanimous, and likely the person who has continually pushed you to be more thoughtful, egalitarian, and driven in your own life.
BUY TYPE 8 ENNEAGRAM NECKLACE
How Can I Support Myself As An Enneagram Type Eight?
Because of fear of betrayal, many Type Eights may find the idea of therapy out of the question. However, allowing yourself to emotionally build trust with a professional therapist is one of the best things you can do to break through your long held beliefs that people are ultimately untrustworthy. This will be LIFE CHANGING!
Self-care is seriously critical for Eights. You won't win a prize for pushing yourself beyond your limits. Be kind to yourself and your body. Resting and relaxing isn't a failure, it's a statement to the Universe that says, "I don't need to accomplish something to be worthy of being healthy, happy, and relaxed."
A great personal mantra is: "I am so much more than my passions and personal responsibilities."
Say "No." Understand it's a full sentence. Eights tend to lack boundaries and say yes, not to people please, but because they want to appear as though they can handle everything and anything. Say "No" more often and see how good it feels to not have to prove yourself all the time. That is true power.
Allow time for journaling, exploring the root of your anger, meditation, and relaxation. You don't always have to hustle. Go slow. Enjoy small moments of not being busy. Spend time with children and animals. They will nurture your giant heart.
Embrace the idea you are wonderful and worthy of love, compassion, and support. Entertain the idea that the world is a loving place, and look for signs showing this to be true.
How Can I Support Someone I Love Who Is An Enneagram Type Eight?
Type Eights tend towards confrontation. Try your very best to be kind and patient with them during conflict. Try to look beyond the surface. Their desire to be combative is less about encouraging conflict and more about trying to make everything ok again.
When they are emotional, give them time to process and decompress. Being vulnerable is very hard for an Eight, so have sympathy for however long it takes to come back to themselves and trust they will.
Don't ever shame an Eight. It will cause regression. Eights need consistent love, trust, support, and encouragement.
Be trustworthy.
Eights will value you sharing your honest thoughts and feelings. This will make them feel loved and give them a sense of belonging.
Help them to use their energy in constructive ways. Allow them to take charge, be powerful, and feel protective.
Together with Sarajane we selected Pyrite for Type Eights to encourage a quiet confidence and to support rest and renewal. Pyrite is a wonderful stone to aid in grounding, connecting the wearer to the earth and all that is solid and known. It's a soothing stone that carries a quiet power and vibrates in a calming and compassionate way. It supports the wearer during conflict by easing the senses and nervous system and guiding the higher self.
BUY TYPE 8 ENNEAGRAM NECKLACE
