During my freshman year of college, I decided to be more self-aware of my personality type and discover why I am the way that I am.
I know that I am unique and there's nobody *truly* like me — but discovering these things made me realize that I am not alone in how I process things or how I tend to respond in a variety of situations. I am an Enneagram Type Nine, which is the Peacemaker.
These are the main characteristics of the Enneagram Type Nine, according to The Enneagram Institute.
"We have called personality type Nine The Peacemaker because no type is more devoted to the quest for internal and external peace for themselves and others. They are typically "spiritual seekers" who have a great yearning for connection with the cosmos, as well as with other people. They work to maintain their peace of mind just as they work to establish peace and harmony in their world. The issues encountered in the Nine are fundamental to all psychological and spiritual work—being awake versus falling asleep to our true nature; presence versus entrancement, openness versus blockage, tension versus relaxation, peace versus pain, union versus separation.
Now, I don't necessarily have a connection with the "cosmos," but I do love Jesus. A lot.
I know He is the one who brings me peace — even though I search for it in whatever way possible in my daily life and routines.
Speaking of routines though, I don't really have a lot of them. I wouldn't consider myself a very disciplined person at all. However, a discipline that I enjoy and would like to do more of is practicing yoga.
I find that when I actively practice yoga, my Type Nine heart explodes. We find such peace when we actively seek the connection between our thoughts and our movements.
I find that after doing yoga in the morning, my entire day flows a lot better and I feel more true to myself.
One of the most important parts of yoga is the mindfulness that comes with it. In general, we all need to be mindful. However, as you are breathing into your toes, or feeling the energy release from your fingertips, that's when the full-body mindfulness presents itself.
I find myself being more aware of my surroundings and a lot more conscious of my body in a positive light. Yoga shows me that I am strong, yet delicate, creating that perfect harmony pulsing through my soul.
I find myself having true peace of mind during yoga. My mind is allowed to be clear, and all of my anxious thoughts are swept away during the hour or so that I am practicing.
This is not an "everyone needs to do yoga" post, but I am trying to set the example that becoming more self-aware could lead to something that either sets your soul on fire or lets it rest for once.