The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso

Vigilance, Suspicion, and Catastrophizing Because of their feelings of being unsupported, Sixes develop an extraordinary sensitivity to danger signals. This is even truer if they grew up in an environment that was unsafe or unstable, or if they were traumatized in some way. While this kind of awareness can be an asset and can even save a person’s life, many Sixes remain hyper-alert and hyper-vigilant even when no danger is present. They can never relax, never feel safe. Their eyes dart about nervously, scanning their surroundings for potential threats or problems. (Many Sixes have reported being aware of where the exits are in any room they are occupying and what stands between them and the exit.) This relationship with the world is extremely stressful and over time can even change their brain chemistry. Further, it begins to shape their imaginations, resulting in a constant expectation of mishap or danger.