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As a part of the instinctual sector or ‘anger group’, the Nine has a very interesting role to play. Like Eights and Ones, Nines are part of the “power group” and their ability to lead is based upon their ability to solve problems — to unify seemingly opposing parts. They are often able to help their loved ones or co-workers find a solution where everyone is happy: they excel at creating ‘win-win’ situations. For this reason, they make excellent arbitrators, consultants, and executive team members. They are fair-minded and have the ability to persuade based upon reasonable arguments and truth. Their love of peace and harmony is their highest attribute — they embody nobility and justice. Because all of our attributes are also our liabilities, the Nine’s love of harmony becomes a problem in a world of duality. Nines are not fond of disturbances — they don’t like it when their lawn mower won’t start, when they fall and hurt themselves, or when their dog throws up on the carpet. Given that these kinds of circumstances are pretty much guaranteed to happen in life, the Nine is faced with a critical problem. They either react to the disturbance according to their feelings — with anger — or they pretend like nothing is wrong. Anger is the antithesis of peace and harmony, so this energy is disturbing to the Nine. So in a sense, while trying to make peace in the external world, the Nine is at war with themselves — with their own feelings. If they are walking down the street and a bird drops on them, they may pretend it didn’t happen, or moreover, not even notice that it happened. They are so skilled at becoming one with their peaceful internal experience that they are quite capable of ignoring reality. They could be considered as the sleep walkers of the Enneagram. Being close to a Nine can be confusing at times. One minute they are the most relaxed, peace-loving people; other times they check out completely and don't even know you are there. and on some occasions they operate like a smoldering volcano. Those who live with Nines usually become very acute at detecting the smoldering point and will make peaceful offerings to avoid the Nine’s anger. A family helping a Nine to repress their anger is a sight to behold. The slightest of actions may tip the scales. Where’s the strawberry jelly? Better find it. Why is the cat on the table? Get him off — now! Why is it raining on a Saturday? Um… would you like a nice cup of coffee, dear? In order to grow, Nines need to come face to face with their anger and learn to deal with it honestly. They need to understand that their anger is a natural response to a world that is not only beautiful and harmonious, but ugly and destructive too. They need to learn that their anger will not destroy the world, or them. Nines have to pay attention and accept life’s misfortunes and annoyances with radiant acquiescence, rather than retreat. They need to first express their anger and not vent it at the people they love. Then they need to find what is beneath their anger — a feeling of helplessness and utter sadness at a world that is less than peaceful. In NLP terms Nines are often kinesthetic and run self.
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