Fear and Reward: The Chemistry Behind Your Personality

Explore the roles of cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin through the lens of personality. Reflect on how these chemicals interact with each type's desires, fears, and self-image, and how greater awareness can support healthier patterns and more skillful responses to life.

Description:
What happens in your body when you feel inspired, successful, or at peace? How about when you feel anxious, threatened, or rejected? How do these internal experiences shape the patterns of your personality type?

In this Intentional Living Circle, we will explore the roles of cortisol, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin through the lens of the Enneagram. Looking at each type's motivational wiring, we will examine how these chemicals can influence reward, motivation, fear, and avoidance. Rather than focusing primarily on theory, we will explore the felt experience of these patterns and how they manifest in our everyday lives.

Together, we will reflect on how these patterns show up in our own lives. What experiences tend to activate our type's fears? What situations feel rewarding or reassuring? How do our bodies and minds respond when we see ourselves living up to, or falling short of, the image we hold of ourselves?

These dynamics play out in ways that are healthy and unhealthy. Through reflection and discussion, we will consider how mindfulness can help us recognize these patterns as they arise and create more space for choice, presence, and healthy expression.

Facilitator: Sophia Carmien is an Enneagram teacher and guide who helps people reconnect with their deeper selves by bringing awareness to inner patterns and expanding what’s possible. After experiencing a profound transformation through her own work with the Enneagram, she now shares this tool of ancient wisdom with others. Through teaching, workshops, and one-on-one work, she supports the shift from habitual reactivity to a life of freedom and empowered authenticity. Connect at www.essentialwholeness.life.

Connecting You with Your Self (CYWY) is a free online community that has been gathering since 2006. Join multi-level yoga classes, a grief support group, energy alignments, and more, including this Circle.

Intentional Living Circles like this focus on Enneagram teachings that invite self-discovery.
The most important relationship you have is the one with your Self.
Learn more about CYWY at www.connectingyouwithyourself.com