Don Richard Riso
Enneagram Transformations
Release and Affirmations for Healing Your Personality Types
Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993, 129 pages
Personality Type One: The Reformer
The Rational, Idealistic Type
I now release...
- holding myself and others to impossible standards.
- my fear of losing control and becoming irrational.
- my fear of being condemned for being wrong.
- refusing to see my own contradictions.
- rationalizing my own behavior.
- obsessing about things I cannot change.
- all bitterness and disappointment with the world.
- feeling that other people's beliefs and values threaten mine.
- believing that I am in a position to judge others.
- driving myself and others to be perfect.
- ignoring my own emotional and physical distress.
- feeling angry, impatient, and easily annoyed.
- fearing and disowning my body and my feelings.
- allowing my desire for order and efficiency to control my life.
- automatically focusing on what is wrong with things.
- feeling that it is up to me to fix everything.
I now affirm...
- that I can allow myself to relax and enjoy life.
- that the best I can do is good enough.
- that I am grateful that others have many things to teach me.
- that I can make mistakes without condemning myself.
- that my feelings are legitimate and that I have a right to feel them.
- that I treat others with tenderness and respect.
- that I am gentle and forgiving of myself.
- that I am compassionate and forgiving of others.
- that life is good and unfolding in miraculous ways.
Personality Type Two: The Helper
The Caring, Nurturing Type
I now release...
- all feelings of rage and resentment toward others.
- all attempts to justify my aggressive feelings.
- all attachment to feeling victimized and abused.
- the fear that I am unwanted and unloved.
- all attempts to force others to love me.
- making others feel guilty for not responding sufficiently to my needs.
- abusing food and medications to make up for my loneliness.
- feeling that others owe me for the things I have chosen to do for them.
- believing that no one willingly takes care of me.
- expecting others to repay my help in the way I want.
- all physical ailments, aches, and complaints.
- calling attention to what I have done for others.
- feeling possessive of loved ones.
- doing things for others to make myself needed.
- flattering others to make them feel good about me.
- not wanting to acknowledge my negative feelings.
I now affirm...
- that I own all of my feelings without fear.
- that I am clear and conscious of my motives.
- that I am lovable for who I am.
- that my happiness does not depend on pleasing others.
- that I can let go of loved ones.
- that I nurture my own growth and development.
- that I love others without expecting anything in return.
- the joy and warmth that fills my heart.
- my gratitude for all that others have given me.
Personality Type Three: The Motivator
The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type
I now release...
- being obsessed by my hostile feelings toward others.
- believing that sabotaging others will make things better for me.
- feeling jealous of others and their good fortune.
- my fear of failing and being humiliated.
- fearing that I am inadequate and will be rejected.
- feeling that I must conceal my mistakes and limitations.
- closing down my feelings in order to function.
- betraying my own integrity to get the admiration of others.
- attempting to misrepresent myself and my abilities.
- the grandiose expectations I have of myself.
- craving constant attention and affirmation.
- using arrogance to compensate for my own insecurity.
- desiring to impress others with my performance.
- concealing myself behind masks.
- comparing myself with others.
- driving myself relentlessly to be the best.
I now affirm...
- that I have value regardless of my achievements.
- that I am centered and emotionally available.
- that I am caring and have a good heart.
- that I take in the love others give me.
- that I am responsible to those who look up to me.
- that I am happy to work for the good of others.
- that I develop my true talents by accepting who I am.
- that I delight in the accomplishments and successes of others.
- that I can reveal my real self without being afraid.
Personality Type Four: The Artist
The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type
I now release...
- turning my anger and aggressions against myself.
- all self-hatred and self-contempt.
- all feelings of hopelessness and despair.
- all self-sabotaging thoughts and actions.
- feeling that I am inadequate and defective.
- the fear that I am unimportant and undesirable.
- feeling shameful and misunderstood by others.
- being distraught, fatigued, and inhibited.
- feeling that people always let me down.
- all unrealistic expectations of myself and others.
- all claims of needing to be treated differently.
- all self-indulgence in my emotions and behavior.
- all self-doubt and emotional vulnerability.
- wanting to protect myself by withdrawing from others.
- all wasteful fantasies and romantic longings.
- dwelling on the past to prolong my feelings.
I now affirm...
- that I am not defined by my feelings.
- that only the feelings I act on express who I am.
- that I open myself up to people and the world.
- that I use all of my experiences to grow.
- the goodness of my life, my friends, and myself.
- that I love myself and treat myself gently.
- that I am free of the damage of my past.
- that I am transforming my life into something higher.
- that I am bringing something good and beautiful into the world.
Personality Type Five: The Thinker
The Intellectual, Analytic Type
I now release...
- all fearfulness of the world around me.
- all feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.
- my fear of being violated or overwhelmed by others.
- my dark and destructive fantasies.
- isolating myself by rejecting others.
- believing that no one can be depended on.
- desiring to antagonize others and ruin their peace of mind.
- being cynical and contemptuous of the normalcy of others.
- fearing that others will exploit me.
- feeling that I am a misfit in life.
- being secretive and hiding from people.
- postponing my emotional needs.
- neglecting my physical health and appearance.
- the agitation and restlessness of my mind.
- feeling that I always need to know more before I do anything.
- avoiding my life by escaping into my mind.
I now affirm...
- that I am secure and grounded in the reality of my own life.
- the strength and wonder of my body.
- the value of my inventiveness and sense of humor.
- that I accept uncertainty and abiguity.
- that my life and struggles are meaningful and rewarding.
- that I have faith in the future and in human beings.
- that I reach out to others confidently as an equal.
- that I find serenity in being compassionate toward others.
- that I support others from the fullness of my heart.
Personality Type Six: The Loyalist
The Committed, Traditionalistic Type
I now release...
- my fear of being abandoned and alone.
- my self-defeating, self-punishing tendencies.
- all feelings of dread about the future.
- feeling persecuted, trapped, and desperate.
- overreacting and exaggerating my problems.
- taking out my fears and anxieties on others.
- being suspicious of others and thinking the worst of them.
- feeling inferior and incapable of functioning on my own.
- feeling cowardly and unsure of myself.
- acting "tough" to disguise my insecurities.
- my fear and dislike of those who are different from me.
- blaming others for my own problems and mistakes.
- being evasive and defensive with those who need me.
- my tendency to be negative and complaining.
- my fear of taking responsibility for my mistakes.
- looking to others to make me feel secure.
I now affirm...
- that I am independent and capable.
- that I can keep my own identity in groups and in relationships.
- that I have faith in myself, my talents, and my future.
- that I meet difficulties with calmness and confidence.
- that I am secure and able to make the best of whatever comes my way.
- the kinship I have with every human being.
- that I am understanding and generous to all who need me.
- that I act courageously in all circumstances.
- that I find true authority within me.
Personality Type Seven: The Generalist
The Hyperactive, Uninhibited Type
I now release...
- all reckless and destructive impulses.
- feeling that I will be overwhelmed by anxiety.
- all compulsions and addictions.
- burning myself out by trying to satisfy all of my desires.
- running away from the consequences of my actions.
- insulting or abusing others to vent my frustrations.
- allowing my insecurities to drive me into dangerous situations and
behavior.
- sacrificing my health and happiness for instant gratification.
- being demanding and impatient with others.
- fearing that there will not be enough for me.
- always feeling that I need more.
- wanting every moment to be exciting and dramatic.
- escaping from myself through distractions and constant activity.
- letting my lack of self-discipline ruin my opportunities.
- overextending myself with more than I can do well.
- believing that external things will make me happy.
I now affirm...
- that I am happiest when I am calm and centered.
- that I can say no to myself without feeling deprived.
- that there will be enough for me of whatever I need.
- that I am resilient in the face of setbacks.
- that I find satisfaction in ordinary things.
- that I stay with projects until I complete them.
- that I care deeply about people and am committed to their happiness.
- that there is a spiritual dimension to my life.
- that I am profoundly grateful to be alive.
Personality Type Eight: The Leader
The Powerful, Dominating Type
I now release...
- all anger, rage, and violence from my life.
- dehumanizing myself by violating others in any way.
- being verbally or physically abusive.
- believing that taking vengeance will free me from my own pain.
- hardening my heart against suffering.
- my fear of ever being vulnerable or weak.
- believing that I do not need others.
- believing that I must bully people to get my way.
- my fear that others will control me.
- feeling that I must only look after myself.
- my fear of losing to anyone.
- feeling that I must never be afraid.
- attempting to control everything in my life.
- allowing my pride and ego to ruin my health and relationships.
- thinking that anyone who does not agree with me is against me.
- being hard-boiled and denying my need for affection.
I now affirm...
- that I believe in people and care about their welfare.
- that I am big-hearted and let others share the glory.
- that I am honorable and therefore worthy of respect.
- that I am most fulfilled by championing others.
- that I have tender feelings and good impulses.
- that I can be gentle without being afraid.
- that I master myself and my own passions.
- that there is an authority greater than me.
- that I love others and ask for their love in return.
Personality Type Nine: The Peacemaker
The Easygoing, Phlegmatic Type
I now release...
- not taking an active interest in my own life.
- turning away from whatever is umpleasant or difficult.
- feeling that there is nothing I can do to improve my life.
- being numb and emotionally unavailable.
- refusing to see my own aggressions.
- ignoring problems until they become overwhelming.
- all dependency and fear of being on my own.
- all wishful thinking and giving up too soon.
- neglecting myself and my own legitimate needs.
- seeking quick, easy "solutions" to my problems.
- feeling threatened by significant changes in my life.
- losing myself in comforting habits and routines.
- feeling that most things are just too much trouble.
- all inattentiveness and forgetfulness.
- going along with others to keep the peace.
- living through others and not developing myself.
I now affirm...
- that I am confident, strong, and independent.
- that I develop my mind and think things through.
- that I am awake and alert to the world around me.
- that I am proud of myself and my abilities.
- that I am steadfast and dependable in difficult times.
- that I look deeply into myself without fear.
- that I am excited about my future.
- that I am a powerful, healing force in my world.
- that I actively embrace all that life brings.
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Last modified: 02/16/96