Introduction
Back in August, we kicked off a little adventure into the different areas of life that shape how we live with intention. (If you missed that first stop, you can catch up [here]—no FOMO needed!) Michael Hyatt often calls these areas life domains—things like the Circle of Being, the Circle of Relating, and the Circle of Doing.
But here’s the fun twist: I use a slightly different map. Picture three colorful circles overlapping—like a Venn diagram that’s actually about your life. Right in the center is you—because you’re the one holding it all together. And then wrapping around everything is a bigger circle: your physical environment, the space that supports (or sometimes sabotages) all the rest.
That’s the framework we’ll be working with. Over the next few posts, we’re going to zoom in on each circle, unpack what it means, and discover practical (and maybe a little quirky) ways to bring more intention and joy into everyday life.
Let me just ask you something: how are you really doing? Not the polite “I’m fine” answer. I mean, deep down.
When was the last time you felt a real sense of peace in your mind, or lightness in your body, or calm in your spirit? Maybe it’s been a while. Maybe you’ve had glimpses of it—on a walk, in prayer, in those rare quiet mornings before the world wakes up.
Here’s why I ask: the Circle of Being—your mind, body, and spirit—isn’t just one more thing to add to the to-do list. It’s the foundation of how you experience life. It’s the difference between dragging yourself through the day and actually feeling alive in it.
This isn’t about “doing more.” It’s about caring for yourself so you can show up to the people and purposes you love with joy and steadiness.
In August, I introduced the framework I use—a map of overlapping circles that represent the different areas of life. Michael Hyatt calls them life domains. I like to think of them as the four circles: Being, Relationships, Doing, and Environment. Today, we’re slowing down with the very first one, the Circle of Being.
So, pull up a chair with me. Let’s talk about what it looks like to nurture your mind, body, and spirit—not perfectly, but intentionally—in a way that brings more peace and joy into the world right now.
Why the Circle of Being Matters (Mind, Body, Spirit)
If your life were a journey, your Circle of Being would be the compass you carry with you. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it quietly points you in the right direction. When your mind, body, and spirit are cared for, that compass keeps you steady—helping you love your people well, show up to your work with focus, and create spaces that feel good to be in.
But if the compass gets neglected? It’s easy to drift. You lose clarity, feel restless, or just hit that “blah” stretch where nothing seems fun anymore. I’ve been there—and maybe you have too.
Here’s the good news: when you tend to this circle, it changes everything. Your thoughts feel clearer. Your love stretches deeper. You’ve got the energy to not just keep going, but actually enjoy the view along the way.
Takeaway: Balance doesn’t start outside—it starts inside.
💡 Want to know which circle in your life needs the most attention right now? Take the Balance Breakthrough Quiz—you’ll get instant clarity plus a few simple suggestions to help you realign.
So, let me ask—what’s your personal signal that your compass might be off? Do you notice yourself snapping at people, zoning out, or sliding into total exhaustion?
And if you’re curious how this fits into the bigger picture, you can read more about the 4 Circles of Life here.
What’s your personal warning sign that you’ve neglected your mind, body, or spirit—snapping at people, zoning out, total exhaustion?
How Your Enneagram Type Affects Mind, Body, and Spirit Balance
Every Enneagram type has a natural ‘tilt’ in the Circle of Being, which reveals unique patterns of Enneagram and self-care. Some parts come easily, others tend to get neglected—and noticing these patterns is the first step in learning how to find balance in life.”
- Type 1 – Principled Reformer: Strong focus on discipline and routines, but can get rigid and forget rest and renewal.
- Type 2 – Nurturing Supporter: Pours energy into others’ well-being, often ignoring their own body’s needs or quiet space for spirit.
- Type 3 – Admirable Achiever: Pushes the body and mind to perform, but struggles to slow down for inner reflection.
- Type 4 – Introspective Individualist: Nurtures the inner world (mind/spirit), but can lose touch with the grounding rhythms of the body.
- Type 5 – Analytical Investigator: Stays in the head, overthinking, while overlooking the body’s limits or spirit’s need for connection.
- Type 6 – Loyal Guardian: Lives in constant mental “what ifs,” which makes practices of trust, rest, and grounding essential.
- Type 7 – Enthusiastic Optimist: Runs after stimulation and activity, but often avoids deeper spiritual or emotional grounding.
- Type 8 – Passionate Protector: Powers through stress physically and mentally, but forgets to pause for recovery and soul care.
- Type 9 – Peaceful Mediator: Craves comfort and calm, which can slide into passivity instead of intentional care for body, mind, or spirit.
No matter your type, the Circle of Being is an invitation: notice your default pattern, then lean into the piece you’re most likely to overlook.
Your Enneagram isn’t just a label—it’s a roadmap to spotting what throws you off balance (and how to fix it).
How can your enneagram type help you understand where you need to focus in the areas within the circle of being?
When you start mapping out a life plan, it can be tempting to jump straight to the big goals: the career moves, the financial milestones, the bucket-list adventures. Those matter—but they won’t mean much if your Circle of Being (your mind, body, and spirit) isn’t cared for. Think of this circle as the starting point for every other plan you make.
Here are a few ways to reflect as you plan:
1. Mind — Your Thoughts and Growth
Ask yourself: How do I want to think, learn, and stay mentally clear over the next season of life?
- Do I need to build in rest for my brain?
- What role will reading, learning, or creativity play?
- How will I protect my mental health when stress hits?
2. Body — Your Energy and Health
Ask yourself: What habits will help me feel strong, energized, and cared for?
- Do I need consistent movement that I actually enjoy?
- How will I prioritize sleep and rest?
- What kind of food or rhythms make me feel nourished instead of depleted?
3. Spirit — Your Meaning and Peace
Ask yourself: How will I stay connected to what grounds me and gives me purpose?
- Will I create space for prayer, worship, or reflection?
- What practices help me quiet the noise and hear what matters most?
- How do I want to grow spiritually over the next decade?
Simple Weekly Rhythms for Mind, Body, and Spirit Health
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive overhaul to strengthen your Circle of Being. Small, consistent weekly rhythms for balance—like journaling, mindful movement, and prayer—make the biggest difference and form powerful personal growth practices.
Try starting with:
- Mind: Write down one thought or gratitude each day.
- Body: Move for 15 minutes in a way you actually like (walking counts!).
Spirit: Pause daily—even for 60 seconds—to pray, breathe, or reflect.
These may sound small, but stacked up over weeks, they’ll shift how you feel and function.
Takeaway: Your Circle of Being doesn’t need perfection—it needs consistency.
Conclusion
Your Circle of Being—your mind, body, and spirit—is the quiet compass that keeps you steady on the journey. When you tend to it, life doesn’t just feel lighter—you actually get to live it with more joy, peace, and presence.
And if you’ve been drifting on autopilot lately, let this be a gentle reminder: balance isn’t about juggling everything equally. It’s about giving the right things your best…and trusting that enough really is enough.
So maybe grab a notebook (or your favorite coffee mug) and ask yourself: What’s one small way I can care for my mind, my body, or my spirit this week?
If you’d like some extra help finding your starting point, you can check out my free [Circle of Being Guide] or take the [Enneagram Test]. Both are simple ways to discover your unique path to intentional living and purposeful productivity.
Next time, we’ll step into the Circle of Relationships—the companions who walk with you on the journey: love, family, and community.
FAQ: Enneagram, Circle of Being, and Finding Balance
What is the Circle of Being?
Think of it as your compass—your mind, body, and spirit working together to keep you steady. When this circle is cared for, everything else in life feels lighter and more aligned.
How does the Enneagram connect to the Circle of Being?
Each type leans on one part of the compass more than the others—and sometimes ignores what they most need. Knowing your type helps you notice where you drift off course and gently bring things back into balance.
How do I set long-term goals for my mind, body, and spirit?
Picture yourself 10 years from now. What kind of energy do you want in your body? What grounding practices will feed your spirit? What ways of learning will keep your mind curious and clear? Start with one or two small steps now and let them grow over time.
What are simple weekly practices for the Circle of Being?
Keep it simple and steady. Journal your thoughts. Move your body in a way that feels good. Make space for prayer, quiet, or reflection. Small rhythms, practiced often, point your compass back toward balance.
How do I know if my Circle of Being is off balance?
Everyone has their own signals. For some, it’s snapping at people you love. For others, it’s zoning out, brain fog, or that heavy exhaustion you can’t quite shake. Pay attention to those early warning signs—they’re your compass nudging you back toward care.
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