Enneagram Levels of Consciousness, the most important dimension of the framework

Upbuilding The Self

How can Donald Trump be the same type as Martin Luther King, Jr? How can Nelson Mandela be the same type as Osama bin Laden? It all comes down to the Levels of Consciousness. In this episode, we explore the most important dimension of the Enneagram, the Levels of Consciousness, which is so critical because it gives us the roadmap to be the best version of ourselves. No type on the Enneagram is better than any of the other types. Each type has its gifts and challenges. So the goal of the Enneagram is not to unconsciously identify ourselves as the type that we find most attractive. Instead, the goal is to become conscious of the type that we already are, no matter how unflattering it might be, and use that awareness to become a better version of that type. The Levels of Consciousness, shows us, as we often say in our workshops, how we can shed the layers of the ego — our identity of who we think we should be — so we can be who we are. It is our key to personal growth and a jumping off point for self-realization.

Links:
Upbuild Coaching Training (six-month program, starts October 19th)
Enneagram Workshop (October 4-5, 2025)
Upbuild Website

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章

1. Enneagram Levels of Consciousness, the most important dimension of the framework (00:00:00)

2. Why the the Levels of Consciousness (LOC) is the most important dimension of the Enneagram and illuminates the entire mission of Upbuild (00:02:30)

3. How the LOC helps us take responsibility for the unhealthy patterns of our type ego and become free from the ego (00:05:15)

4. Sadaam Hussein and Martin Luther King, Jr are the same Type. Nelson Mandela and Osama bin Laden are also the same Type. (00:05:30)

5. Human consciousness as a grayscale (00:06:30)

6. The feeling of being triggered that brings us down in consciousness (00:07:30)

7. The three levels: Creative, Controlling, Destructive (00:08:00)

8. Creative Consciousness. Even in the most difficult situations, I have the awareness to see the different options in front of me, and I have the strength to choose what is beneficial for others and myself. (00:09:20)

9. Experiencing the strength of my character by being painfully aware of my ego (00:10:30)

10. Controlling Consciousness. How insecurity arises when the ego doesn’t get validated. (00:13:00)

11. Insecurity disguised as inspiration (00:15:15)

12. The metaphor of the emperor not wearing any clothes (00:16:00)

13. Destructive Consciousness. The ego completely running the show and the desperation for validation. (00:17:00)

14. How to climb up the Levels of Consciousness (00:18:00)