The Conscious Enneagram: How to Move from Typology to Transformation

by Abi Robins

The Enneagram is a powerful tool, with ancient roots and modern appeal, for detailing the human personality. It illuminates the painful truth of where we are and inspires us with the promise of where we could be.

As the Enneagram has grown in popularity over the past 30 years, the insights offered have focused either on the present or the future, with little guidance on how to move from Point A to Point B. In the The Conscious Enneagram Abi Robins offers a rich, insightful guide for those seeking to move from patterns to promise.

Through practical, easy-to-understand coaching, storytelling, and personal inquiry, Robins explores three main ways for getting from where we are to where we could Practice, Lineage, and Community. These make up the three-legged stool of the inner and outer work required to radically change the way we think, feel, and move through the world. This book will show you how to cultivate each of these legs in your life in meaningful, enriching ways that are tailored to your type.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Avory Faucette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book having some familiarity with Abi's work from social media, as well as having found a typing interview with them super enlightening. And as a 5, it's probably somewhat stereotypical that it's taking me a lot of courage to even write an honest review of an 8's work, rather than just running away! I'll start by saying that I can really feel and appreciate the emotion and labor that went into this book. Abi's a great storyteller, and it's clearly a work of love. I've also really enjoyed their Enneagram work in the past, so what disappoints me about this book is actually how little Enneagram I found in it. The appendix has great information on the types, but otherwise the engagement with the personality system itself is more general, with occasional little call-outs to specific types, as well as a short section at the end of each of the three parts that gives each type a paragraph to consider.

I will admit that it's a little awkward to review a book by wishing the author had written a different book, but my criticism here is really bound up in my trust in Abi as an Enneagram source. I agree with their central premise that many Enneagram books miss out on the "how" of growth with the Enneagram, but this book didn't really answer that question for me. I wanted it to relate more to the Enneagram and to the specifics of different growth paths (the arrows in the Enneagram). I understood that it wasn't going to be a 101, but I still needed that connection, especially given the ambitious claim that the book would be laying out that missing how for Enneagram students for the first time! This book feels more like an explanation of how to approach growth work more generally, which could incorporate the Enneagram as well as any other system. The title felt misleading in that way (maybe "Beyond the Enneagram" or similar would make more sense).

I can see this book working well for those who have little exposure to self-development or struggle with self-awareness, as well as for those with a similar background to the author (recovering or progressive queer Christians, type 8s as well as maybe 7s). As a 5, I've done a ton of self-development work, so I found the "three-legged stool" model a little too general. While I agree with Abi that didactic strict methods don't honor our uniqueness even within our type, I would've loved to read more that was directed at my type, or even just my triad.

Some portions of the book were a little confusing, especially within the section on finding a teacher. I kept being confused about the actual recommendation, whether it was an Enneagram (or Enneagram-aware) teacher, or any kind of teacher. I also found this section the least accessible. Abi talks a lot about privilege and identity, which I appreciate, but never acknowledges the cost of working 1-on-1 with a teacher (which seems to be the recommendation) or limitations of cognitive / physical ability that might require adjustments for some of the recommendations. As an intuitive counselor, I certainly understand the benefit of working with a dedicated teacher or mentor, but this is out of reach for many people, and I personally believe that "lineage" is also possible through study, group engagement, etc. There is an acknowledgement that you can start small, but the implication seems to be that eventually you must work 1-on-1 to get the benefits.

More generally, I wish Abi had relied on stories from their client base rather than sticking with their own stories throughout the book. While their storytelling skill is obvious, focusing on their own experience limits the resonance of the book to those without shared experience. I would have loved to hear detailed examples focused on all nine types, coming from diverse clients, on how they implemented the three-legged stool model. (For example, maybe 5s can start their community engagement with online communities focused on a shared interest). This also could help with the biases that feel baked into this book, for example the assumption that starting with body practices is accessible to everyone. If there is a second edition or future book from Abi, I hope we'll get more specific examples, working through the arrows and how we can grow with them. Without that, this book correctly identifies a problem with the existing literature but doesn't seem to go that far beyond Riso and Hudson's suggestion to work with a therapist who understands the Enneagram.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Conscious Enneagram, and it was the book I didn't know I always wanted! Even though it's not a "what's your type?" book, I was finally able to clearly identify my type, which I'd been trying to do off and on since I was about 15 (I'm 42). I looked back at the Helen Palmer book we had in our house when I was a teenager and I was able to see exactly WHY I couldn't see there what I was able to see in this book -- gender was a huge factor! That was unexpected, for me.

Once I finally correctly identified my type, about 20 different lightbulbs went off about my life and relationships. This book also gave me what I've looked for in every book ever about self-development, relationships, spirituality, parenting, etc. and never found: a method for operationalizing the concepts. I've always been so frustrated by understanding an abstract idea and then being sold very detailed and specific things to do about them, but no method for bridging idea and specific action other than simply trying everything (which I'm not resourced enough to be able to do). I can't even express how valuable the framework of this book is! And that the author made it so personal and relatable and enjoyable to read was icing on the cake. I'd recommend it to Enneagram novices and masters alike -- this is something really special.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enneagram book I’ve been waiting for!

There is no shortage of Enneagram books out there that want to help us recognize ourselves in one the points around the Enneagram; while these books are valuable - eventually they all start to sound the same. And while they can help explain my motivations and my behaviors, these books aren’t really giving me what I want - a way to grow, and change and move beyond what I already do.

Enter: Conscious Enneagram. I’ve followed Abi’s work for years and was beyond excited when I heard they were writing a book. Abi’s passion for this work is evident and their voice is strong and steady. The three-legged stool approach of practice, lineage and community is for all of us who want to go deep into this work the Enneagram is offering us. Abi makes no bones about it - it is not always, easy work but with this approach at least you know you will have support and care a long the way.

And no worries if you are an Enneagram newbie - the Appendix is clear, concise, and absolutely packed with information on each type. It is this head type’s dream :)

[Danielle Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because FINALLY someone took the Enneagram beyond just "here are some ways to describe yourself and what you do when you're sh*tty and if you can 'get healthy' here's what you'll look like" and tells us how to move TOWARDS that "someday", towards that healthier version of ourselves. Practical steps.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful resource that goes beyond typing to actually getting into the work. I really appreciated the voice Abi brings to this topic—I’m pretty tired of hearing the same straight southeastern women speak about this for an evangelical audience. Abi naturally brings new, practical insights. Her writing is excellent too, which is always so hard to find with nonfiction books! My favorite section was the section on community. Plus there is an EXCELLENT appendix of resources in the back!

[Maggie Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Conscious Enneagram" is a treasure trove of information. Abi lays out a step by step way to go deeper into the work of the Enneagram. With so many books telling us what the Enneagram is, there is finally a book telling how to use it. Through this book, Abi gives us the tools to build the road to a more conscious existence.

[Christy LaLonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical book that focuses on setting up your life for growth using the Enneagram as a tool.

[Sheila Mulhern · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY. A book that doesn’t just describe the Enneagram, and your place in it, but gives very practical answers to the question I’ve had all along—“that’s great, what do I do now?”
Cannot recommend this book highly enough!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a much needed addition to the many Enneagram books on the shelves. It has a great appendix so you can read about/discover your type, but more than anything it’s about how to put the Enneagram into practice....if you’re looking for a way to transform yourself, and not just more language to describe yourself, then this is a great read.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an Enneagram fan who is ready to move beyond Instagram memes and books that just rehash the same thoughts about the nine types in slightly different ways, this is the book for you. By combining a detailed knowledge of the Enneagram with a philosophy of transformative growth and illustrating it with examples from their life, Robins creates a roadmap that can be used by anyone interested in taking what they have learned about themselves through their understanding of their type and turn it into a positive change.

Robins' structures their approach to growth as a three-legged stool with a foundation of personal practice, lineage/mentorship, and community. Their thoughtful, practical descriptions of these themes and ideas for developing them include a discussion of roadblocks that each type may encounter, along with a little cheerleading to help get over our ingrained reactions. A well-developed appendix gives an introduction to the Enneagram, along with a run through of each of the nine types, for readers who don't have a lot of experience with the system, and nicely lays out Robin's approach to the system -- one which is refreshingly positive, spiritual, and free from gendered assumptions about the reader.

Robins has a clear and engaging writing style and does a good job of bringing the reader through some sometimes heady content. They come to the reader with an open, curious perspective that always gives credit to the folks who have influenced their thinking and never claims to have all the answers. Occasionally the memoir / personal experiences parts of the narrative got a little repetitive for me, but that is a small quibble. Overall I found this to be a really fresh look at the Enneagram with inspiring advice for cultivating a personal program of self-understanding and change.

[Kimberly Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of enneagram books, and none of them hold a candle to this one in terms of practical, tangible content around how to do the actual work to which the enneagram invites us. Where most books feature heady descriptions of typology (and you CAN find some of that in the appendices), Conscious Enneagram is your rubber-meets-the-road guidebook for moving beyond the information and into transformation. By the time you put the book down, you'll have a full set of tools for establishing a practice, and to living and learning consciously inside of community. Personally, their teaching around practices that address content versus practices and grow capacity (and why we need both) has deeply impacted the way I think about my practice. Honestly, there's so much great stuff to pick and choose from that you're bound to walk away with something specific that resonates to you, too.

[Ali Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is new so I want to be clear I don’t know Abi, they didn’t give me a free copy to read this, etc. They’re not my coach or teacher, I’ve never actually talked to them at all. I heard about it, it sounded like a great ‘next step’ enneagram book, and I bought it with my own money.

Anyway, I loved this book! I’ve read a lot about the enneagram and it’s fascinating (though I still learned a lot from the awesome Appendix), but that was kind of it. In terms of using it beyond memes and humor (which is also wonderful, don’t get me wrong lol), there is much less info out there on what to do with it. This has given me a lot to think about, including concrete ideas I can actually use. I’m glad I bought it because I will likely read it again. Check it out!

[Terri Noftsger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t let the fact that it took me a long time to finish this book make it seem like it was hard to read. I first saw Abi on Instagram and have continued to follow her work as I learn about the Enneagram. Abi’s book is well written and helped to make the Enneagram more understandable. In addition to understanding it gives ideas of ways to work with the Enneagram so it helps you grow rather than just being an idea. I really enjoyed this and will return to it often.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This enneagram book is very different from the many others I've read. Instead of explaining the enneagram itself, the author gives pointers for how to go about doing personal work based on your enneagram type. I appreciated her insights, but think her two big points of finding a mentor and finding a community are easier said than done. Goodreads rating: 3 stars (I liked it.)

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciate it's practical application. I feel like it could've gone a bit deeper and included more suggestions for each type specifically, but I do appreciate them keeping it open so we can reflect on this ourselves. I found it helpful and inspiring. Thank you!

[Akibsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. It is based on the author's experience. It clearly explains how to be successful in using the Enneagram to create a wonderful life, practice, get mentors and build a community.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deep. It feels like I have a personal coach. Abi is cheering me on and challenging me in weirdly specific ways. The enneagram itself is a powerful, practical, mystical and dynamic tool. Abi breaks it all down in a way that anyone can understand, while sharing personal (relatable) stories and insights along the way.
I have been devouring all things Enneagram since Covid gave me the downtime to dive in; and this is my favorite book so far. There are times when they speak to each type specifically, and they're so insightful I'm in tears. I feel seen and understood. The magic of the enneagram merges here with the wisdom of an experienced teacher who is writing to us where we're at now.
There's also an index in the back of the book that gives descriptions of the 9 types incase you are new to the whole thing.

[Julie Caruso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super into the Enneagram and found this book on Instagram via a friend. I really liked the eastern philosophy approach and Abi’a journey. While I enjoyed reading it, I did find it lacking a bit in the application aspect. I identify as an 8, so learning about Abi made sense to me, while she doesn’t focus on herself entirely this book is written from her perspective and I wonder if you are not an enneagram 8 if you would enjoy it as much. Overall, great yogic and eastern type philosophies to bring into the enneagram teachings m- love that- but not as dense or as informative as maybe I thought this book was going to be.