Your essential quality is the gift you are inherently connected to, but begin to lose touch with as life wears on you.

Ability to make sense out of the big picture and find dignity in both the “good” and the “bad.”

Loving connection with themselves and others, and a drawing toward those who are suffering and in need.

Ability to access their inherent worth and bring meaning to the things they do.

Intimate connection to the deep, mysterious, and unknown parts of themselves and life.

Full body, heart, and mind realization of what is true.

Inner guidance and readiness to move forward and face what life brings.

Willingness to take part in whatever comes their way, and a feeling that life is always presenting new possibilities.

Feeling of powerfulness in the present moment, tuned into everything around them.

A sense of connectedness to themselves and their place in the world, just as they are.

Special note: My work in essential qualities is based largely off of Russ Hudson’s work on the topic and his book, The Enneagram: Nine Gateways to Presence.