I was introduced to the Enneagram several years ago and have been reading more deeply on it recently. A favorite musical artist, Sleeping at Last, has also been interacting profoundly with the Enneagram and is currently writing songs to correspond with each of the nine types which comprise it. His most recent release was the song for the Six type. I am not a Six, but it is one of my wings, and I know several Sixes. Though I had recognized some of their major attributes, I was uncertain of their motivations for a long time. My reading, as well as this song, is helping me pull back the layers, and I have developed a well of compassion for my friends who are Sixes.
If I could distill the following lyrics into my own message for my friends who identify with this type, it would be: Please don't be so worried about making things safe for me. You are my safety.
Six
by Sleeping at Last
i had the most vivid dream...
my feet had left the ground,
i was floating to heaven
but i could only look down.
my mind was heavy,
running ragged with worst case scenarios,
emergency exits and the distance below.
i woke up so worried that the angels let go.
oh God i’m so tired
of being afraid.
what would it feel like
to put this baggage down?
if i’m being honest,
i’m not sure i’d know how.
i want to take shelter but i’m ready, ready to fight
and somewhere in the middle i feel a little paralyzed-
but maybe i’m stronger than i realize
i want to believe
no, i choose to believe
that i was made to become
a sanctuary.
fear won’t go away
but i can keep it at bay
and these invisible walls
just might keep us safe.
with vigilant heart,
i’ll push into the dark
but i’ll learn to breathe deep
and make peace with the stars.
is that courage or faith
to show up everyday?
to trust that there will be light
always waiting behind
even the darkest of nights
and no matter what,
somehow we’ll be okay.
don’t be afraid.
