whats the difference???

[pitbull21]

whats the difference between body types: meso, ecto, or endo?? how do you know?

[FUZO]

Re: whats the difference???

Body Types,
Peter O'Hanrahan



When we look at the nine personality types of the Enneagram from the perspective of three centers, it's important to take into account the impact of body type on people's temperament and life experience. Like many of the other useful typologies, there is no direct correlation between particular Enneagram types and body type. The Enneagram excels at describing the chief feature, the inner concerns and motivations that determine our major bias or point of view in life. It doesn't describe what people look like, or how they behave.

However, we can look at body type to find important differences among people and important variations within the nine Enneagram types. This has special significance for an approach to personal growth that includes working with the body and the emotions.

A very useful system of body types comes from W.H. Sheldon in his two books, The Varieties of Human Physique and The Varieties of Temperament (Harper Bros. 1942). Like other researchers and explorers, Sheldon took some important discoveries and developed them into an elaborate system, not all of which is useful to us today. But we can borrow from his ideas and language to help us understand how body type and temperament play a role in how people form their somatic experience. We don't have to completely subscribe to the notion that "anatomy is destiny" to see that there is some basic common sense at work here. Scientific research continues to find that much of what we call personality is based on our genetic inheritance and inborn temperament, which is reflected in our body type.

The three main terms Sheldon used were 1) endomorph for the larger and fleshier body, 2) mesomorph for the more muscular type, and 3) ectomorph for the slender or lean body type. These three types rarely show up in pure forms, but rather in numerous combinations. Keep in mind that when we talk about these three types we are vastly oversimplifying. Sheldon himself had a rating system that quantified the many possible combinations. A good, brief description of his system can be found in Robert De Ropp's book, The Master Game (Dell 1968). De Ropp himself was a scientist and a long time student of the Gurdjieff work. He was interested in the differences between essence and persona, and he agreed that body type was a basic aspect of each person's essence.


Endomorphe Mésomorphe Ectomorphe

In fact, the three basic body types have long been seen as central to understanding human growth and development. Sheldon's three body types correspond with Gurdjieff's earlier descriptions of three basic human types. According to Gurdjieff, Man Number One has a large and fleshy (endomorphic) body with a well developed gut. His or her center of gravity is instinctual, supporting a body based approach to life. This type appreciates ceremony and repetition and seeks to live in close harmony with nature as well as the human community. (This sounds like Point Nine on our modern Enneagram).

Man Number Two is the muscular (mesomorphic) woman or man of action who is motivated by an active emotional center and by faith. This type gravitates toward a more passionate religious practice or approach to life. These include the classic fighters and warriors. (This sounds like the Threes and strength Sixes). And Man Number Three is the lean and slender (ectomorphic) body type with the intellectual center predominating. This type takes a more cerebral, or even scholarly approach to religion and philosophy, etc. (point Five as well as some Sixes and Sevens on the Enneagram). A good, short account of this can be found in Kathleen Speeth's book, The Gurdjieff Work (Tarcher 1989).

In general, there is some association between body type and what the Enneagram describes as the lead center: ectomorphic mental types (Points 5, 6, and 7), mesomorphic feeling types (Points 2, 3, and 4), and endomorphic instinct types (Points 8, 9, and 1). But there are also plenty of exceptions. What about the slender Fours, who are feeling types in a highly strung, ectomorphic body? Or the sturdy, sensate Sevens who are mesomorph adventurers as well as expanded mental types? The traditional theories are useful, but our modern Enneagram of personality types is based strictly on character structure and psychological type. And after many years of study and discussion in the Enneagram community, it's clear that each of the nine personality types can come in every kind of body. In this article I'll first describe the three basic body types and then go through the Enneagram to see how they interact with the nine personality types.

The Ectomorph


Ectomorphs have thin, often wiry bodies that emphasize the nervous system. These people are usually high strung and sensitive. They literally don't have much insulation, physically or emotionally. Ectomorphs can easily become over stimulated by contact with people and need to withdraw to find privacy. On the other hand they can often handle a lot of intellectual stimulation, more so than other body types, because they can put their physical impulses on hold. However, they can get overloaded, and they may have difficulty calming their nervous system. It may be hard for them to get to sleep for example. They can also experience problems with digestion and assimilation.

Perhaps because their bodies are more fragile, ectomorphs are further than other body types from the earth, or the biological ground. They are usually familiar with the experience of fear - fear of the physical world or fear of other people. It can be harder for them to maintain comfortable relationships with people, perhaps because they generally feel more threatened. They tend toward indiscriminate hostility, or at least suspiciousness, with others. The ability to detach, as represented by Point Five on the Enneagram, can be a real refuge for ectomorphs. Going into their heads reduces vulnerability and slows down their body energy. Both physical pleasure and pain can be a real challenge.

In previous centuries, an ectomorphic body type may have been a real disadvantage. It's not suited for heavy agricultural work, or construction, or the warrior role. Hopefully ectomorphs were able to find a spot in society that valued thinking and nervous system sensitivity, such as planners, scholars, and musicians. Nowadays, to the extent that modern society favors or rewards the intellect and the manipulation of information over the physical world, ectomorphic types are enjoying more success.

An extreme version of an ectomorph would be someone who lives entirely in their head, living in the world of books or computers while ignoring their body, but this is rare. Ectomorphs can also be athletic, as in running and biking. And most people are not purely Ectomorphic but have some Endomorph or Mesomorph mixed in:


Ecto-endo

Meso-ecto

Among the Enneagram types we find a lot of Fours and Fives who are primarily ectomorphic (plus a fair number of Sixes and Sevens).

In conflict:
Ectomorphs are generally uncomfortable with direct conflict and will try to avoid it. They can however, be great strategists and planners in conflict situations as long as they're not in the direct line of fire. Ectomorphs are more likely to be intellectually critical and judgmental with their aggression than expressive through their bodies. When angry, they tend to become cold and detached rather then heated and passionate. (There are always exceptions). It's important for them to know that some people, particularly children, need to express themselves more physically and emotionally.

When they are in face to face conflict with people, they will tend to go into their heads and rationalize. On the one hand this can defuse some situations, but on the other hand it can impede and obfuscate matters at those times when conflict might be necessary or productive. Since they do their best to avoid physical aggression, they may be at a big disadvantage in knowing how to manage it or respond when it does come up.

Animal metaphor:
Birds, riding the currents of the wind above the earth. Fast and quick in movement. Strength comes from agility and the skillful application of their wings rather than muscle power. Keen eyesight, with the ability to see over a vast territory. Varied diets, with carnivores, insectivores, and herbivores. Often migratory, capable of flying long distances.

Preferred sports:
Distance running, biking, Tai Chi, yoga.

Suggested Practices:
Establish a physical practice that helps to keep you in touch with your body such as yoga or stretching exercises. Some amount of aerobic exercise is also important.
Practice breathing or meditating to help calm the nervous system. You can also do this internally when you are around people.
Make room for sensate, body based experience as a way to open up to instinctual life.
Try to be friendly when you communicate your needs for space and privacy. Make an effort to let people know that you value the relationship.
Notice your tendency to go off into your head when feelings arise. Try to welcome feelings as an important part of making connections with yourself and others.
Sometimes being angry in a direct way is more truthful and more practical than intellectualizing or rationalizing. Find safe ways to express your own anger, and to tolerate conflict.
Eat lots of small meals rather than a few big ones. Slow down and breath into your belly to support digestion. Select foods that agree with you.
Facilitating and supporting:
Approach them slowly, be sensitive to their limits.
Don't over load their system with too much contact or stimulation; less is more.
Gentle touch facilitates relaxation. It's not enough to speak to the muscles; addressing the nervous system is crucial.
Support them in slowing down their nervous system and breathing into the belly.
Allow them the time they need for reflection and privacy. Encourage them to take breaks and then return.
Ask them to talk about how they feel, but don't expect too much, too fast.
The Mesomorph


Mesomorphs have larger physical frames and a more developed musculature. This is the body type of the traditional warrior and athlete. They tend to prefer physical activity and may find it hard to sit still for any length of time. Introspection is difficult. Their attention moves toward doing things in the world and the process of inner work has less appeal.

Mesomorphs usually thrive in the physical, sensate world. They are willing to pit themselves against obstacles, relying on their physical strength and their will power. A big issue for them is losing their youth and aging, of physical power fading.

This is not a particularly sensitive body type, and they can have fairly high thresholds for pain or noise. They tend to be dense rather than sensitive about the subtleties of human relationship. They can offend or hurt other people's feelings without realizing it.

Because of their muscular development, mesomorphs carry a lot of kinetic energy in their bodies. This works well for physical activity, exercise, and manual labor. It also can create a big problem with physical tension. When their muscles get tight, there's simply more of it than in other body types. This is exacerbated in our modern, urban society where many people of this type find themselves in office jobs that require lots of sitting around and restricted movement. Of course mesomorphs can compensate by working out and exercising on their time off, but without constant effort they may find themselves with suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health issues.

Inaction is a problem, but so is jumping into action. There is a danger that mesomorphic types can lose themselves in activity and not think about what they are doing. They want things to be clear, not ambiguous. They can become somewhat fanatical or over zealous in the service of a cause, and they have a tendency to follow orders blindly. De Ropp suggests that political and spiritual leaders often succeed by exploiting groups of mesomorphic types, getting them psyched up and then directing their drive for action in predetermined ways (including going to war).

Many mesomorphs have trained their physical abilities and excel at all kinds of sports, from team sports to mountain climbing. However, there are also many young people with this temperament who lose their lives every year in car crashes, climbing or boating accidents, etc. because they haven't yet found a balance of risk taking and safety.

Among the Enneagram types we find many Threes and counter phobic Sixes who are primarily Mesomorphic, although any personality type can also have this body type.

In conflict:
Mesomorphs tend to be more physically and emotionally aggressive than the other body types. They can enjoy conflict at times and may seek it out. However, they need structure and support to manage their aggression and competitiveness in ways that are productive, such as organized sports, outdoor adventures, physical labor, or business rivalry. For young people especially, there is a danger of violent or destructive behavior if they don't have safe outlets.

In general, people with this body type have a more assertive or even combative manner and affect. They may offend people at times even though their intentions are friendly. When a certain amount of conflict is accepted and well managed, the results can be very positive.

Animal Metaphor:
Dogs in their many varieties. Predatory animals who excel in running and other physical activities. Ranging from friendly to very aggressive, sometimes alternating back and forth. Loyal to their immediate family or pack. Often organized into hierarchical groups. Over the centuries gradually becoming more civilized and "domesticated" with the potential for reverting to a wilder state.

Preferred sports:
Everything that involves the large muscle groups, including football, speed running and jumping, martial arts, mountain climbing, rafting, etc.

Suggested Practices:
Get lots of physical exercise to keep in shape, reduce tension, and to avoid the possibility of early heart disease (especially for "Type A" people).
Slow down and reduce your aggressiveness or competitiveness around other types in the interest of building rapport and cooperation.
Practice simple breathing or meditation exercises to downshift from a high energy state or an angry state when appropriate.
Develop the capacity for reflection, getting in touch with personal feelings and needs.
Resist your tendency to find absolute answers or to sign up for all encompassing programs or ideologies.
Take care with your activities in the physical world so as not to get hurt. Respect the limits of your physical strength.
Facilitating and supporting:
Firmer touch is appreciated. Deep massage helps to relax muscle tension. Lighter touch doesn't necessarily penetrate their denser structure.
Encourage them to breathe into their belly. They tend to breath into the chest and build a charge, but accessing slower or more internal states can be difficult.
They can handle, and often need, forceful communication from other people. Subtlety may be wasted.
Support them to think more carefully about their choices, to consider priorities and consequences.
Don't expect them to sit still for very long, keep communication short and to the point, allow breaks for movement.
Give them things to do. Meditative practice can be joined with physical labor, sports activities, yoga and martial arts.
Bioenergetic exercises work well for this body type to discharge emotions, although care must be taken that physical intensity doesn't replace contact with softer feelings or the inner self.
The Endomorph


Endomorphs have large fleshy bodies and an attraction towards both physical comfort and warm relationships with others. A big challenge for people of this body type is to overcome physical inertia and overeating. They need to set limits on consumption and find ways to activate their "start button." There is a healthy model for people who are primarily endomorphic-fitness in a larger body. But it doesn't look anything like our culture's idealization of thinness or gym-toned muscles which tends to polarize people and discourage endomorphic types from making the effort.

It's important to note here that a blend of endomorphy and mesomorphy can create enormous physical strength. The world's strongest men and women are not the toned and sculpted body builders, but those with big muscles inside a larger, fleshier frame.

The sub-type word for Self Preservation Nine is appetite, and this basic instinctual drive can be both the strength and the downfall of people who are endomorphic (whether or not they are Nines). This body type has a good appetite and a well developed digestive system. They can pack away a lot of food at one sitting (of great survival value in days gone by) but should limit the number of meals in a day.

Endomorphs are the body type closest to nature. Where ectomorphs tend to be alienated from nature and the mesomorphs want to conquer it, endomorphs function well as the stewards and custodians of the natural world. Peasants of all cultures exemplify the endomorphic capacity. This does not mean that endomorphs can't also be brilliant thinkers and strategists. There are many examples of the "big brain" endomorphs in the worlds of science, computers, politics, etc.

People who have this body type tend to be more easily caring or nurturing toward others. There are always exceptions of course. The angry fat person is a familiar archetype as well as the jolly fat person. Endomorphs are generally quicker to express their feelings. They have more permeable boundaries, and like the description of the Enneagram Nines, they tend to merge or blend with the people around them. Their difficulty is in setting limits and creating personal autonomy. Endomorphs are said to have problems with being overly dependent on others, of getting stuck in what De Ropp calls indiscriminate amiability. But of course this is all relative. The cultural ethic of American society is that everyone should strive to be an autonomous and independent individual, which devalues the importance of cooperation. In other cultures and societies around the world, people are more community oriented, more interdependent. But whether they are found in traditional agricultural cultures, or in our modern towns and cities, endomorphs are typically the leaders in building cooperative community.

In conflict:
Endomorphs are more peaceful and less aggressive in general than the other body types. They want to seek out common solutions to problems and restore harmony. It's hard for them to tolerate conflict, and they often will try to resolve it even when it's not immediately resolvable. Or they may over react to conflict that isn't very important. (Detachment does not come easily). Sometimes they will overlook problems to avoid being uncomfortable.

Like the description of Point Nine on the Enneagram, endomorphs may not be directly hostile but they can be very stubborn and resistant, especially if they feel pushed around. Slowing down, not doing things, or not communicating are ways that they express anger.

One way that other people experience endomorphs as aggressive is that they can be very intrusive and ignore personal boundaries. They may step into other people's physical or psychic space without agreement or permission.

An important exception to this description is the endo/meso blend. They are slower to anger than the more reactive mesomorph, but once they are worked up they can stay angry or enraged for a long time. On a more positive note, they can often fully participate in conflict while staying grounded and fair. The larger body gives them more ballast.

Animal metaphor:
The elephants, peaceful herbivores living in attached family groups. Walking steadily across the landscape. Enormous physical strength, dangerous when angered.
Also the bull, embodying the generative energy of the earth.

Preferred sports:
Baseball, swimming, golf, bowling, walking.

Suggested Practices:
Practice making personal boundaries, learn to separate your own experience and feelings from those of others. Try to set limits and discriminate about your involvements with other people.
Notice other people's boundaries. What feels like normal contact for you may seem quite intrusive for them.
Learn to tolerate conflict and to manage conflict; it's sometimes necessary, or the right thing to do.
Practice "staying awake," and resist your need for physical comfort and relaxation at least part of the time.
Ask for support in overcoming inertia. Join other people in structured activities. Learn about what pushes your "start button."
Practice stepping out of your comfort zone to try out new activities.
Limit your eating to set meal times and stop before you are completely full. Ask for help in creating structure around food, or get on a program. Find other pleasurable activities besides eating.
Work to overcome physical laziness with regular physical exercise. Walking is better than jogging or jumping activities because of their high impact. Do at least some muscle building exercises to create tone and to support the larger body. Strengthen the stomach and abdominal muscles in particular to protect the lower back.
Facilitating and supporting:
Encourage them to build more charge in the body by breathing into the chest. (They are usually good belly breathers).
Touching or massage should focus on bringing aliveness and sensation to the body, reducing numbness.
In bioenergetic work challenge them to stay active and in motion. It's easier for them to relax and have you do the work, but that doesn't necessarily address their armoring or holding patterns.
Prioritize self care and encourage them to reduce their dependency on others when it leads to over extending.
Don't come on too strong or try to push them around. Take the time to build rapport and make the relational connection. Be an ally rather than an antagonist.
Give them time to make changes. Stay with them in a supportive way, and exercise patience.
Join them in participating in the life of the community. Support them in finding or constructing meaningful rituals.
Take them out walking.

[supasaiyan99]

Re: whats the difference???

Excellent read!!!