The Path of Least Resistance Part 7

December 12, 2024

​​​​​​​The Path of Least Resistance Part 7

Today, we reflect on the paths of least resistance of the Ego types of the Body Center, Types Eight, Nine, and One.

Type Eight:

When Ego Type Eights are under stress and sliding into unhealthy patterns, their path of least resistance goes to the unhealthy characteristics of Type Five. Eights are, by nature, very decisive and assertive. Our movers and shakers, Eights make things happen. People gravitate to Eights because of their ability to shape the future and implement ideas. Many people latch onto Eights because they are naturally protective and giving. They tend to set up areas of influence, and the people look to the Eight as their leader and defender. Eights implement their own idea of justice among those who rely on them. The problem for the no-nonsense Eight is that they tend to intimidate and wield a heavy hand when under stress. This puts them on the slippery slope of "It's my way or the highway." At their unhealthy Five, they isolate themselves from their followers and withdraw their support from those who do not comply and are disloyal. This stance leads to further isolation, and they become even more controlling and possessive. At this point, many of their followers jump ship, losing respect as they rule by fear. Following their path toward disintegration, they continue to the unhealthy Seven, which alters reality into a fantasy world of their own making.

But the Eight who go to their soul point at Two remember their core of compassion. This is a complete game changer for Eights because, with access to their heart of compassion, they are in touch with their own weaknesses and, therefore, consider the hearts and needs of others. Instead of dominating and possessing others, they move in the world as servant leaders who care for those in their charge. 

Type Nine: 

The path of least resistance for the Ego Type Nine follows their arrow to the unhealthy characteristics of Ego Type Six. Nines have fallen asleep to cope with the inevitable conflict of being human. Because they are disconnected from the knowledge of their true value, lovability, and worth, Nines tend to discount themselves and take the tact of not mattering. They merge with others and are carried along by their energy. Nines tend to be lazy regarding taking action so they procrastinate and ignore the tasks at hand. Their style of not mattering leads them down the slippery slope to the unhealthy characteristics of Six, where they hide in the group and seek protection from others. But this stance does not work.  

They find that all they have left undone has mounted up and that their non-actions have brought on severe consequences. They also find that having no opinion has backfired; deep down, they have an opinion and desires. Now, they find themselves so marginalized and ignored that they become angry. But they can't easily express their anger, so they turn it inward, which leaks out in passive aggression. They then pick up the fears of Ego Type Six and the anxiety over the results of their non-action. Instead of being non-reactionary, they can become anxiety-ridden and even paranoid. They continue to disintegrate by going to the unhealthy Three, where they spin their wheels with fruitless actions in hopes that will extricate them from their self-made quagmire. 

But when Nines go to their Soul Point at Three, they adopt appropriate action that keeps them involved and fosters healthy self-esteem. They do not question their value because they have learned to love themselves. 

Type One:

The path of least resistance for Type One is to follow their arrow to the unhealthy characteristics of point Four. They are great discerners of truth and can point out flaws effortlessly. Upholders of standards, they are excellent teachers, supervisors, and evaluators. When deeply into their fixation and in an unhealthy space, Type Ones tend to monitor others and point out what's wrong and needs to be corrected. They are harsh critics, not only of others but of themselves. They become rigid and are sticklers for details. They like to dot all the "I’s" and cross all the "T’s." Ones disintegrate by sliding into point Four's unhealthy stances. When people do not listen to the One's advice, rebel against their control, or when One fails themselves, they tend to lose hope and optimism. They can say things like: "After all I did to point them in the right direction, they chose the wrong path anyway. I have lost all hope; everything is going to hell in a handbasket." The Ones who take the path of least resistance adopt the melancholia of the unhealthy and despairing Four, who see life as a tragedy. Then, they continue the trajectory of disintegration by sliding to the unhealthy aspects of Ego Type Two, which forms dependencies and tries to control others through manipulation. 

But when Ones go to their Soul Point at the healthy Seven, they have the antidote to their suffering. At Point Seven, they re-inhabit their essence of joy. This reminds them that, at their core, they are joyous beings who are naturally hopeful and optimistic. 

Spiritual practice: Ask someone from any of the above three Ego types how they experience their path of least resistance. Are they similar or different to how you experience your own? 

Self-inquiry: How do you catch yourself when you are sliding into your stress point? 

Dear God, 

Please help me to be aware of my slippery slopes and grant me the courage to turn toward my essence instead. Amen