From Gluttony to Sobriety: The Path of Type 7

Ask a Type 7 what they’re looking forward to, and the answer will probably light up the room. Few people can generate enthusiasm the way 7s can. They are the dreamers, the adventurers, the ones always planning something exciting or chasing something new. Beneath that energy, though, is a specific psychological habit that deserves attention.

The passion of Enneagram 7s is Gluttony. To say it more plainly, they have a passion for excessive indulgence—driven by a need to avoid the negative aspects of reality. The passion of Gluttony is intended to buffer 7s against ever having to be trapped in pain. As long as they are free and stimulated and on the move, pain and negativity can’t get to them. (If only it were truly that simple!)

It’s important to note that from the perspective of 7s, pain and darkness and negativity all “come from inside.” They are essentially afraid of their own internal pain/darkness and feel that it would consume them if they didn’t work hard (or play hard) to keep it out of their awareness. So they are driven to flee their inner experience by reaching out toward the external world for pleasure and stimulation.

Another important thing to understand about Gluttony: it’s a voracious appetite for life experiences—adventurous travels, lively social gatherings, learning new skills, acquiring hobbies, concerts, shows, big ideas, exciting relationships, seminars on new-age schools of thought, and just more, more, more! Of course, there are those times when the more “dictionary definition” of gluttony comes into play, with the overconsumption of food and drink—but even these are thought of as experiences.

At their best, 7s embody the virtue of Sobriety. This is not about dulling their sparkle or denying themselves joy. Instead, it refers to a kind of spiritual steadiness—a sobriety towards one’s life experiences, which brings the ability to assimilate whatever the present moment holds. No need to reframe things in more exciting ways, or escape the realities of the present moment. It’s the inner spaciousness to be with what is, without compulsively needing to change it.

The term Constancy has also been used to describe the virtue of Type 7; I first came across it through the works of Dr. David Daniels. I really like this terminology, because there is a certain ‘even keel’ and overall consistency to evolved 7s. When they are able to integrate the entirety of their experience—joy, sorrow, boredom, stillness—there is no longer the need to have their attention scattered in an effort to stay “elevated.” Their energy becomes grounded, their focus becomes deep, and their joy becomes sustainable rather than fleeting.

So here’s some questions for the Type 7s reading this post:
What might open up if you trusted that you could handle the pain you’re trying to outrun?
What would change if the present moment didn’t have to be improved—only embraced?

If you want to further explore themes and growth for Type 7, check out our next monthly workshop. Learn more and register here!