The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self

by Beatrice Chestnut, Uranio Paes, Daniel J. Siegel (Foreword)

"An Outstanding book that offers precise steps to take to wake up to the self-limiting habits of your personality, get out of your own way, and give yourself the gift of accessing more of your higher – more authentic – self." —Ian Cron, author of The Road Back to An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

A fresh approach to the Enneagram that encourages readers to embark on their own hero’s journey for transformation.

This is a personal transformation book rooted in the wisdom of the Enneagram system of personality types. It is a book about waking up and growing into the best version of yourself. It is a book that shows you how to discover who you are and what you can be. It is a book about finding your path, facing your shadow, and discovering your true self.

It is a good news–bad news–good news story. The good you survived childhood. The bad in order to grow, you are going to experience some pain. The really good you can use your negative habits as a springboard to move beyond them. With a commitment to self-observation and reflection, you can develop greater self-awareness and open yourself up to a life filled with exciting choices and opportunities.
Each of the nine chapters includes these Chestnut and Paes, two leading Enneagram teachers, frame this approach to personality types in a way that is accessible, practical, and filled with possibility.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Audiobook, Philosophy, Spirituality

280 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Oceana GottaReadEmAll]

Very insightful look into the health of your personality.

[Jaymie · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I received an print review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

5 stars = Outstanding

Fantastic new Enneagram resource! I don't know if it is because one of the author's shares my Enneagram type, but this book made me feel seen, understood, and called out in all the best ways. Insightful. Covers a full range of information - subtypes and wings and stress/security numbers, etc.. My favorite feature is a narrative that starts each type chapter. This is joining THE ROAD BACK TO YOU and SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS OF THE ENNEAGRAM at the top of my Enneagram resource list. I think there's material here that would be helpful to newcomers as well as things to challenge those who have been doing the work for years. Highly recommend.

[Sonia Pisano · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAAA è stato veramente bellissimo da leggere. A partire dai paragrafi introduttivi con storielle riguardanti le origini dei vari enneagrammi fino alle menzioni delle loro rispettive "passioni" e "virtù".
I sottotipi e in generale le descrizioni dei tipi erano *CHEFS KISS*. Non risultavano per niente stereotipate (nella maggior parte dei casi lo sono e lemme tell you it gets annoying).

A tutti i tipi è stato dedicato uno spazio tutto loro senza giudizio. L'unica critica che farei è che a volte il libro ripeteva alcune cose e mi faceva perdere la concentrazione. Ma other than that fantastico!!!

[Shinae Noh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book for several months and read it on the first day it was released.

Since I thought it was a sequel to Chestnut's earlier book 'The Complete Enneagram', I thought this one was going to go even more in-depth and something that's definitely not for those who encounter the Enneagram for the first time. Or maybe contain more spiritual languages..

But no. Bea and Uranio introduce this book as an 'introductory book' and it is just that!
While it's written in plain and easy language, the insight and wisdom it contains are no less valuable or serious than The Complete Enneagram.

Personally, I feel the narrative is very warm, encouraging and empowering the readers to take on the growth journey while not withholding or sugarcoating anything.
Since The Complete Enneagram already did a groundbreaking job at describing each type's early experience and each subtype's attributes, this one focuses more on growth - and I personally prefer this book to the growth part of the Complete Enneagram. Description of each subtype's shadow has also helped me to understand myself so much better.

What I can say about the Enneagram is that each door that opens up to learning more about who I am came as such a consolation and gift. Very much looking forward to what I will discover as I (will probably) read and re-read this book several times.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in Enneagram, I thought this was an excellent read! Really focused on the shadow/zombie states of the types, so it can feel like a bit of a call out, but in a good way!

[Elysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are "a bullet point person" who is already fairly confident about your enneagram number before you dive into this book, you may enjoy its practical analysis of potential blind spots and ways to address them. I found the discussion of passions, virtues, and paradoxes much less helpful as much of this material felt like an oversimplification and employed questionable terms for the sake of efficiency. I also find the discussion of subtypes much less helpful than the influence of wings. A developed discussion on integration and disintegration is missing from this book, and without it, it is much more difficult to understand the progression of growth within each group. I don't recommend this as an introduction to the enneagram and would in fact suggest it as later reading after the reader develops greater understanding of the framework and his/her place within it.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great source for others

Hi, type 5 here. I'm pretty sure that will sum up the whole reason why it has two stars, but I will go a little deeper.

Being this type, a lot of individuals assume that I want something that I never wanted or understood. While I appreciate the attempts to make me a "human," the fact is I never cared enough to prove myself to anyone else.

If you are looking for the spiritual side of the Enneagram and aren't angling for a specific belief, then this is the book for you.

Type 5, signing off!

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be my new suggestion when people ask where to start with the enneagram. It includes the basics in a very organized fashion, is thorough, and gives readers ideas of where to go next for further study. But it isn't particularly warm or cozy. Not all books need to be. It is thorough, I know I already said that but it is worth repeating. I read it for the subtype information since I have never really focused on that before. After finishing the book, I can see how this approach might make self-identifying easier. Russ Hudson had wonderful deep dives of subtypes on twitter back when that was a thing. It sparked my interest and this book answered my questions. It is still a topic I am not completely familiar with - I am a slow learner and will need to see the information several times from several perspectives before I feel confident in my understanding. This was a very good beginning and if you are looking to learn the enneagram or deepen your understanding of it, I recommend The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!

[Erica Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this typing system is well-suited to self-growth, anyway, and this book focuses on that more than others I've read, offering tips for each type on how to be the best version of themselves.

[Jerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've found that this isn't for everyone, but for me, it illuminated SO MUCH of who I really am (Type 4, subcategory - Self Preservation Type 4). I've always been able to emotionally read others, but have a hard time truly knowing myself, so this book clarified a lot. I started with reading only my type, but then read tyhe whole thing. I'm a human being, so I of course have characteristics and aspects of every type. But reading Type 4 was truly an eye-opening experience, spotlighting both the positives and the negatives about myself so I integrate them all. I had the advantage of having my therapist (gently) lead me into my type, so if you don't have that, it could be difficult pinning down what type you are. Go easy on yourself and be open to the whole experience and I'd bet you'll get a lot out of it.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve long been a fan of personality profiles for the way they help us identify our strengths and natural tendencies to help us reach our full potential. They can be useful tools for both personal and professional growth, and help us not only understand ourselves but those around us. And one of the best personality profiles I’ve found is the Enneagram.
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‘The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up’ is one of the best introductory enneagram books I’ve read. It does a wonderful job of defining what the enneagram is, the nine personality types, three centers of intelligence, and three subtypes in a manner that is straightforward and succinct, then dives into specific details on each personality type. Not only is it informative, but it is also one of the most practical enneagram books I’ve read, giving readers specific ways they can apply their learning to their everyday lives.
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This book is written from a secular perspective without feeling too academic, and the language was easy to read. The only thing I didn’t love was the zombie metaphor that was used throughout as a way of suggesting that we aren’t fully “alive” if we are left in the dark about our true self. While I get the attempt at bridging the enneagram to something widely understood in pop-culture, I felt the connection fell a bit flat.
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All in all, if you’re interested in the enneagram and want a comprehensive, yet easy to read, introduction to it, this book would be a good place to start.
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Thank you to @kayepublicity and @redwheelbooks for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very practical and helpful guide to practicing the enneagram in your everyday life. This book is a perfect entry point into the enneagram if you are new to the concept. Chestnut's written voice, like her spoken voice, can be plain and simple. I appreciated the grounded voice in her writing, but at the same time, I was longing for a written voice that aligns more with the sense of wonder the enneagram can create.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “next step” enneagram book. So you know your type (or believe you do) and want some solid steps on how to work on your “shadow” tendencies and live more fully as yourself. It’s well written and as helpful as the reader wants it to be. Self growth isn’t easy work but this book helps give you a framework for working on yourself.

[Malia Walewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mid read start to finish. I can however tell you your enneagram #

[_Magnolia_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ITA-PL]

Il titolo, con un approccio di coaching e di consulenza, presenta il processo di sviluppo di ciascuno tipo, partendo dal prendere consapevolezza delle proprie azioni meccaniche. Anche se il contenuto di ogni capitolo è stato ripetuto più volte, espresso solo con parole leggermente diverse, per me non è stato uno svantaggio perché mi ha aiutato a comprendere meglio i comportamenti e a ricordare le informazioni.

Era strano il fatto che non sia stata prestata attenzione a un aspetto della teoria: come ciascun tipo assume le caratteristiche di un altro durante lo sviluppo e lo stress. Invece è stato presentato come integrarle prendendo tutto ciò che possa aiutare a crescere. Un concetto direi innovativo.

L'enneagramma stesso appartiene alla pseudoscienza, ma penso che si possa trovare molti spunti di riflessione e di ispirazione. Dopotutto, i processi psicologici qui presentati non sono inventati.

L'unica cosa su cui ero scettica era il modo in cui una persona inizierebbe a percepire il mondo e ad agire nel momento in cui avesse raggiunto il suo pieno potenziale. Era così... Esoterico, a volte. Inoltre, penso che dia troppa speranza nel fatto che altre persone darebbero volentieri il proprio sostegno.
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Tytuł w stylu coachingowym i doradczym przedstawia proces rozwoju każdego typu zaczynając od uświadamiania ich mechanicznych działań. Pomimo że treść w każdym rozdziale powtarzała się kilkakrotnie, tylko ujęta w nieco innych słowach, to jednak jak dla mnie nie było to wadą, gdyż pomagało mi lepiej zrozumieć postępowania jak i zapamiętywać informacje.

Zaskoczona byłam, że nie zwracano uwagę na pewien aspekt teorii mówiąca o tym, jak to każdy typ przyjmuje cechy innego w chwili rozwoju i stresu. Zamiast tego pokazano, jak je zintegrować, biorąc wszystko, co może pomóc się rozwijać. Powiedziałabym, że ta koncepcja jest innowacyjna.

Enneagram samo w sobie jest pseudonauką, ale myślę, że można wiele znaleźć dla siebie. Ostatecznie przedstawione tu zachodzące procesy psychologiczne nie są wyssane z palca.

Jedynie do czego podeszłam sceptycznie było to, jak człowiek zacznie odbierać świat i postępować gdy osiągnie w pełni swój potencjał. Było momentami tak... Ezoterycznie. Do tego, uważam, że za bardzo daje nadzieję, że inni ludzie będą chętnie wspierać.

[Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Enneagram book has a different way of presenting their information. In this book, Beatrice organizes it by type, so each chapter has a bit of a cookie cutter feel to it. I think this book is a great introduction to the Enneagram for those who have not read much about it, particularly as it deals with the subtypes of each type.

Other books that I have read that are in conversation with this one: The Enneagram of Belonging: A Compassionate Journey of Self-Acceptance, The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth, The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships, and Self to Lose, Self to Find: Using the Enneagram to Uncover Your True, God-Gifted Self.

[Julie]

Look, I know a lot of people swear by Beatrice Chestnut. I know she’s a pillar in the Enneagram field. But this book seems to gloss over A LOT. As most of the Enneagram books do, this one is divided into one chapter per type. For each, Chestnut traces the path to “waking up” from the natural “zombie” state, through three phases: identifying the personality patterns associated with your type, facing your Shadow, and moving toward the “high side” of the type. Which is fine as a framework, but legit each chapter is the work of a lifetime or more. Each individual item on any of the many, many lists in each chapter could be a years-long therapy process in and of itself. For example, in my type (social 9), some of the suggested actions in the “facing the Shadow” phase include asking the people in your life to help you learn to express your anger, pushing yourself to choose a side in conflict, and challenging your belief that conflict will lead to (potentially permanent) separation. These are not small things! And they’re just included as part of long lists, each similarly monumental if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t like conflict or expressing anger, which are among the defining features of type 9. Similar things could be said about all the other types, I just happen to know the type 9 mindset the best. All told, this isn’t a bad book, but I don’t think Chestnut is emphatic enough that going through all the steps in the chapter for your type could literally take you your entire life. And for a “life’s work” kinda book, it feels woefully inadequate.

[Jodie Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I reference this book constantly—it just makes sense.

The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut isn’t just a good book—it’s a life tool. I picked it up expecting to learn more about myself, but what I didn’t expect was how much it would help me understand the people around me too. It opened my eyes in a big way.

This book helped me see patterns—mine and everyone else’s—and gave me language for things I’ve felt for years but couldn’t quite explain. It’s helped me show up better in relationships, lead with more intention, and honestly? It’s made me a more empathetic person. And I don’t mean soft and fuzzy empathy—I mean real understanding and acceptance of people for who they are.

I don’t just recommend this book—I tell people about it constantly. I keep going back to it whenever I feel stuck or need perspective. If you’re someone who wants to grow, lead, or just understand people better—read it. You’ll never look at the world the same way again.

[Charisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not technically read this entire book. I only read the intro, conclusion, and the chapter that pertained to me. It is a very well-written book. It is clear, concise, and deeply meaningful. I learned a lot about myself. I found it to be incredibly fascinating and I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about themselves and their inherent habits. I like the depth that this book goes to without being tedious. It really hit home and yet went right to the point. It was very well done. I will say that I'm not sure how easy it would be for someone to figure out their Type without having a certified guide to help them like I did. I think you would need more than just this book to figure it out. Otherwise you would have to read the entire book and try to track which one suits you best and that would be VERY tedious. I would say that this book is for people who already know their Type, not for people who are trying to figure out their Type.

[Kiki Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love enneagram books, and I liked that this was also meant to be a guide to helping yourself be a better person within the enneagram types. Unfortunately, it leaned too heavily on the idea that your personality is developed by childhood trauma, which I've never liked, and its solution to correcting the difficult or unwanted parts of your personality seemed to be just to stop having them. Perhaps the style of book is better suited to other personality types, but as a "Type 1" being told that having a constant inner critic is a bad thing, and so to combat it I should try to stop worrying about it was fairly unhelpful, and mildly irritating.

[Joanna Stensland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautifully compassionate guide to greater awareness of one's unhealthy survival patterns. It is shorter than Beatrice Chestnut's previous book, The Complete Enneagram, but it is no less valuable. Chestnut gently takes each type through a process of 'waking up' to the shadow ways of being and suggests pertinent and helpful ways to grow beyond these. It also gives so much hope for wholeness and healing. I can't say enough good things about this book. I am not sure it is for a beginner in the enneagram, but if you already have some knowledge this book will be a valuable help in the continued journey of growth.

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio version ruins the entire book.
I wanted to read this book and since I was traveling, I decided to download the audio book. The narration of this book is so off the mark, to listen, is near torture. Desperately wanting to appreciate the content, I listened to the bitter end. As much as I appreciate Beatrice Chestnut and her work, after listening to this book, I am left wondering about everything I’ve ever read of her work. Either the narrator is very off, or I am very off in what I believe about Beatrice Chestnut’s intentions for this book. I’m sorry for such a brutal review.

[Jennifer Fischetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enneagram that has a window into my heart, soul, and past. :)
Very accurate to who I am and the struggles I've had. I wish there were a few examples on how to achieve the various things discussed. Luckily I'm far enough along on my healing journey that I know that becoming more structured means to focus on tasks. And I have a gratitude journal. But if these weren't things I'd already started, this book would leave me a bit confused on how to start.
I supposed that isn't the purpose of this book. Either way, it's informative and a good guide.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t “finish” this book because I didn’t read every word about the other types, though I did read some of all of them. I especially loved the little stories at the beginning about each number.

For my own type (9), I think the book is quite accurate. Beatrice Chestnut is so wise re the enneagram.

This is the most practical book of all the enneagram books I have. If you just want one enneagram book, I think this is a good one.

[Anna Grace Paulovkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the enneagram. She describes each type and how to live to your fullest potential in your authentic self. This one is more about how to grow yourself in your type rather than how to be in relationship with other types. I did still find it helpful to listen to all the types to continue learning more about my friends and family who are different numbers than me. A good and pretty quick listen!

[Diana Band]

Not sure what I think of this, as this is my introduction to enneagrams. While I get that this book is supposed to lead to self-improvement, it still feels overly negative, and I felt pretty low after reading the section on my type. Maybe not a surprise, as an extremely self-critical 1? I’m hoping the other enneagram book I requested from my library highlights the positive parts of each type.

[Elaine Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated with the concept of the Enneagram and in particular Bea and Uranio's approach to the subject. One of the things that stand out about this book that I really liked was the way each type was introduced with a description of the zombie state, a view of the unawakened self. An excellent companion book to "The Complete Enneagram".

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

this title was on Claire Taylor’s list of reading to do. And then I found it in the audible plus collection. Nice.

I confess to listening to the intro and then skipping to my part; I am a five.

I did listen to it twice, the first time I kept wincing and denying everything… but I have no clue how to grade this.

so, 3 stars?

[Aviva Rosman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enneagram is both fundamentally silly and a useful tool for understanding yourself. Reading this book is a little like a self-tarot reading.

I highlighted a whole bunch of thoughts in my section (Enneagram 3) and a bunch more for Enneagram 9 (3s move toward 9 under stress). Yes, I know it all sounds a bit woo-woo - it is - and fun and helpful too.