The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding human behavior, motivations, and personality dynamics. Within the Enneagram framework, the instinctual stacking is a key aspect that dives deeper into one’s subtype. This subsection of the Enneagram helps to shed light on how different individuals prioritize and navigate their daily lives based on their unique instinctual stack.
One such instinctual stack is the SO/SP subtype. In this configuration, the Social or SO instinct takes the lead, followed by the Self-Preservation or SP instinct. The Sexual or SX instinct is considered the blind spot in this particular stacking. People with the SO/SP stacking tend to be focused on their relationships and connections with others, while also maintaining a strong emphasis on personal safety, security, and overall well-being.
As you explore the intricacies of the SO/SP subtype, you’ll gain insight into the challenges and distinct characteristics of individuals with this particular instinctual priority. Understanding these nuances will foster increased empathy and appreciation for the unique way they approach life, relationships, and their personal growth journey.
SO/SP Basics
The SO/SP instinctual subtype is a combination of two Enneagram instincts: Social (SO) and Self-Preservation (SP). This subtype is defined by having the Social instinct as the dominant one and the Self-Preservation instinct as its blind spot.
In individuals with SO/SP instinctual subtype, the primary focus is on societal cooperation, group affiliations, and ensuring their position and inclusion in the group or community. This helps them to maintain an orderly and comfortable lifestyle, while attending to their basic needs of safety and security. They tend to prioritize group harmony and the wellbeing of other people over their own personal needs.
Some key characteristics of SO/SP individuals include:
- Strong emphasis on social connections and group affiliations
- Tendency to prioritize others’ needs over their own at times
- A desire to contribute positively to the community
- Sensitivity to group dynamics and potential conflicts
- Motivation to maintain strong relationships with people for stability and support
Here are some differences between SO/SP and its opposite variant, SP/SO:
- Group Involvement: SO/SP individuals are more inclined to actively involve themselves in group activities and take an interest in the lives of others. On the other hand, SP/SO types tend to keep to themselves more, limiting social interaction to times when it is necessary or beneficial to their self-preservation goals.
- Approach to Conflict: While both types may desire group cohesion, SO/SP individuals are more prone to address potential conflicts and smooth over disagreements in order to maintain social harmony. SP/SO types may avoid conflict by retreating to their own interests and keeping personal matters separate from social engagements.
- Relationship Priorities: SO/SP individuals prioritize their relationships and are more likely to make sacrifices for the sake of group wellbeing. SP/SO types, while they value connections, may place a higher emphasis on their own needs and maintaining their ordered lifestyle.
Considering these characteristics, understanding the SO/SP basics can offer valuable insights into the motivations, priorities, and interpersonal dynamics of people with this instinctual subtype.
Key SO/SP Models
The SO/SP instinctual stacking focuses on both society and self-preservation, creating a model that balances the need for individual safety with the importance of group affiliations and cooperation. In this section, we will highlight key models and examples of SO/SP personalities.
- Albert Einstein: A renowned physicist and theoretical scientist, Einstein is a prime example of an SO/SP individual. He used his intellect to contribute to society through groundbreaking discoveries while maintaining a relatively private and guarded personal life.
- Peter Gabriel: As a musician and humanitarian, Gabriel perfectly embodies the balance of SO/SP. With achievements in both the music industry as a creative artist and his contributions to society with organizations like Amnesty International, he demonstrates how this instinctual stacking can produce well-rounded individuals.
- Isaac Asimov: As a prolific science fiction author and biochemistry professor, Asimov brought his vast knowledge and passion for science to society through his writings and teachings, encouraging learning and curiosity. At the same time, he maintained a strong sense of self-preservation through his personal life and career choices.
To summarize, the key SO/SP models highlighted in this section showcase how individuals with this instinctual stacking can excel in both self-preservation and societal contribution. By combining their personal talents, ambitions, and precautionary measures with their commitment to helping society, these individuals exemplify the balance and cooperation at the core of the SO/SP model.
Advantages of Being a SO/SP Subtype
The SO/SP instinctual stacking, which represents the combination of Social (SO) and Self-Preservation (SP) instincts, brings several advantages to individuals. This stacking allows people to navigate social situations with ease while also prioritizing their personal security and well-being.
One key advantage of the SO/SP stacking is its ability to help individuals maintain a healthy balance between their social and personal lives. SO/SP individuals are proficient in making connections and fostering relationships due to their strong social instincts. This ability can lead to:
- Better networking opportunities
- Enhanced teamwork and collaboration
- Greater community involvement
At the same time, the self-preservation instinct in them helps safeguard their personal interests and well-being, which can result in:
- A solid sense of stability and security
- Strong goal-setting and time management skills
- Sensible decision-making in financial and practical matters
Moreover, thanks to their balanced instinctual strengths, SO/SP individuals are often seen as reliable and trustworthy by others. They can easily adapt to different social settings and are considered valuable assets in both their personal and professional lives.
In summary, here are the key advantages of the SO/SP instinctual stacking:
- Proficient networking and relationship-building
- Balanced social and personal lives
- Strong sense of stability and security
- Reliable and adaptable social presence
While the SO/SP stacking provides numerous advantages, it is essential for individuals to continue nurturing their innate strengths while addressing any challenges they might face in their unique life situations.
