Center Stackings
The center stackings are how one’s locus of attention is distributed amongst the three centers: Self-survival (SUR), Interpersonal (INT), and Purpose (PUR). The first center in the stacking is given the utmost attention and energy as it provides the biggest hit of aliveness; it cannot be turned off and will always require consideration even when engaging in the other centers. The second center in the stacking is something that is given open consideration; it can be turned on and off based on whether or not the first center is providing the hit. The last center in the stacking incorporates high standards of consideration before any energy is invested into tracking that realm (“energy pickiness”); it must accentuate the feelings of aliveness that come from the first and second centers or else it is ignored or forgotten.
Your stacking is created by choosing one expanded instinct in each center. To read more about those, Click Here.
The 6 Stackings
SUR/INT – SIP
• Interacts directly with reality
• Attention is fixed on the unfolding of the present moment between objects
• Focus is placed on how things affect them in the present moment rather than the long-term
• Contextualizes their relationships through the present physical reality
• Relationships serve their greater need for survival of the self
Self-survival dominants with interpersonal secondary are tracking how interactions with others may affect the desired hit they receive from their physical world. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for interpersonal on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the interpersonal realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the self-survival realm. The realm of materials and how they relate to or affect the self is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego interacting with others if it threatens their ability to track self-survival. Since this center stacking has purpose in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking the purpose or reason behind all things. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking purpose becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the purpose realm directly supports their relationship to their own physical world.
SUR/PUR – SPI
• In their own physical bubble
• Attention is fixed on how the future may inhibit or enhance the present moment
• Uses their purpose to fulfill their survival needs and desires
• Contextualizes the purpose behind reality through how it enables bodily survival
• Meaning serves their greater need for survival of the self
Self-survival dominants with purpose secondary are tracking how the reasons or meanings behind things may affect the desired hit they receive from their physical world. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for purpose on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the purpose realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the self-survival realm. The realm of materials and how they relate to or affect the self is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego tracking the purpose of reality if it threatens their ability to track self-survival. Since this center stacking has interpersonal in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking people, relationships and how others are connected to them. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking interpersonal relationships becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the interpersonal realm directly supports their relationship to their own physical world.
INT/SUR – ISP
• Interacts directly with people
• Attention is fixed on the unfolding of the present moment between people
• Contextualizes their present physical reality through relationships
• Uses their survival instinct to invigorate their interpersonal interactions
• The physical world serves their greater need for interpersonal relationships
Interpersonal dominants with self-survival secondary are tracking how interacting with the physical world may affect the desired hit they receive from their interpersonal relationships. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for self-survival on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the self-survival realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the interpersonal realm. The realm of human relations and how they affect all other interactions is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego interacting with the physical realm if it threatens their ability to track interpersonal. Since this center stacking has purpose in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking the purpose or reason behind all things. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking purpose becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the purpose realm directly supports the feelings they receive from tracking their interpersonal relationships.
INT/PUR – IPS
• Ungrounded wondering of relationships and people
• Attention is fixed on the future and how it may inhibit or enhance current relationships
• Contextualizes the meaning and purpose behind reality through relationships
• Uses significance and purpose to create emphasis on their interpersonal relations
• The world of meaning and significance serves their greater need for interpersonal relationships
Interpersonal dominants with purpose secondary are tracking how the meaning or purpose behind things may affect the desired hit they receive from their interpersonal relationships. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for purpose on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the purpose realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the interpersonal realm. The realm of human relations and how they affect all other interactions is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego interacting with meaning and purpose if it threatens their ability to track interpersonal. Since this center stacking has self-survival in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking the physical world and how it enables survival. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking self-survival becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the self-survival realm directly supports the feelings they receive from tracking their interpersonal relationships.
PUR/SUR – PSI
• In their own mental bubble
• Attention is fixed on the unfolding of the present moment and what it means for the future
• Contextualizes their present physical reality through meaning and significance
• Uses their survival instinct to create emphasis on meaning and purpose
• The physical world serves their greater need for significance
Purpose dominants with self-survival secondary are tracking how interacting with the physical world may affect the desired hit they receive from the meaning or purpose behind reality. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for self-survival on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the self-survival realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the purpose realm. The realm of meaning, purpose and what is lurking in the backdrop of reality is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego interacting with the physical realm if it threatens their ability to track purpose. Since this center stacking has interpersonal in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking people, relationships and how others are connected to them. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking interpersonal relationships becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the interpersonal realm directly supports the hit of meaning they receive from tracking the purpose realm.
PUR/INT – PIS
• Ungrounded wondering of purpose and meaning behind everything
• Attention is fixed on relationships and what the hidden significance behind them must be
• Contextualizes the people in their life through what meaning and significance it inspires
• Uses their relationships to create emphasis on meaning and purpose
• People serve their greater need for significance and answers to grand questions
Purpose dominants with interpersonal secondary are tracking how interactions with others may affect the desired hit they receive from the meaning or purpose behind reality. This center stacking is able to turn their meter for interpersonal on and off based on how much it fulfills or feeds into the dominant realm. For this reason, they view the interpersonal realm as a place to explore as a beneficial addition to their dominant locus of attention: the purpose realm. The realm of meaning, purpose and what is lurking in the backdrop of reality is given the utmost care and attention and this center stacking may forego interacting with the interpersonal realm if it threatens their ability to track purpose. Since this center stacking has self-survival in last place, the first two centers must be aiding in a hit of aliveness for the individual to fully engage in tracking the physical world and how it enables survival. When something goes wrong or disconnects the individual from the hit in the first two realms, then managing or tracking self-survival becomes acutely stressful and not worth the attention it requires. This center stacking needs to know that any spark of intrigue in the self-survival realm directly supports the hit of meaning they receive from tracking the purpose realm.
Inner Cycle
SIP – IPS – PSI
SPIRALING INWARD
This cycle tends to move deeper into the energy of their valued realms. The goal is to become aware of the potential instinctual hits that are hidden in plain sight. Focus is always being reined in. There needs to be a feeling of “capturing” the worship object, then tinkering with it to figure out how to deepen the instinctual high.
ZOOMED IN
The energy focus of this cycle is zoomed in on the specifics of their valued realms. They see one part of the whole object and the picture “cuts off” any remaining fields.
JAGGED ROUTE
The shifting in energy and focus with this cycle is often unpredictable. There is a willingness to “roll with the punches” as they come. No need to expand or relate objects to other objects – everything happens as it should. Be along for the ride to find the diamond in the rough.
ANCHORED
When this cycle finds its worship object or hit of energy within their valued realms, they desire to anchor to it. The feelings of aliveness reside in that specific box where it was found, and the person believes they must anchor to it.
Outer Cycle
SPI – ISP – PIS
SPIRALING OUTWARD
This cycle tends to broaden their energy scope to see where more opportunities await. The goal is to become aware of the potential energy that is found in the grand scheme of things. Being focused on the eternal aspect of the realm gives the biggest hit. The worship object is to be referenced, included, and optimized into the greater plan.
ZOOMED OUT
The energy focus of this cycle is zoomed out on the conceptual makeup of their valued realms. They see multiple parts of the worship object and the picture tries to include how it changes over time and perspective.
SMOOTH ROUTE
The shifting in energy and focus with this cycle is smooth and for lack of a better term, “syrupy”. The desire is to make the feelings of aliveness available under all circumstances, so individual or broken apart routes to get there are a threat. This cycle wants to find their desired hit in multiple circumstances and objects – a diamond can be found anywhere if you create the right circumstances.
UNTETHERED
When this cycle finds its worship object or hit of energy within their valued realms, they desire to recreate it in every part of their lives. The feelings of aliveness reside everywhere so long as you can awaken yourself to the shift in perspective. Or as I call it, “the cosmic goop”.
-Attribution for the original theory of “flows” or “cycles” in the classic enneagram instincts goes to David Gray in his theory of syn-flow vs. contra-flow.