We spent all of this evening’s time studying the Enneagram. Rosemary introduced the subject by reading a children’s book which addresses all of the nine types through characters in the book. The book, Finding the Birthday Cake, is by Elizabeth Wagele.
We then did a quick tour of the types by briefly describing each one. I, as an Enneagram One, described some of the characteristics of my type. Rosemary, a Type Two, gave a good description of the basics of a two; and we both went around the Ennegram wheel describing each of the other types. (Go to this link for a summary of each type: E-gram Intro).
And, for fun, we took a look at the types from the perspective of nine guests at a dinner party. (See this link for the cartoon: E-gram Dinner).
At this point we passed out a five-page document to help everyone focus in on their type. The document consists of nine paragraphs in random order. By reading each paragraph and highlighting the sentences most applicable to one’s self, it is possible to hone in on type. One of the three paragraphs with the most highlighting likely points to the main type of an individual. Reading detailed descriptions of each of these three types often results in the narrowing down to one type as the dominant one. These paragraphs are taken from the essential enneagram by David Daniels, M.D. and Virgina Price, PH.D. (This link contains the nine paragraphs: E-gram Typing Paragraphs). You can use these paragraphs to help identify your type. We also offer the essential enneagram for sale to further refine the typing process.
Another of the Enneagram authors we have studied is Stephen Hatch, who has explored the spiritual dimensions of the Enneagram and the Sacred Ideas deeply embedded in its structure. We presented a diagram as an introduction to these sacred ideas. (Find it here: E-gram Sacred Ideas).
A final handout provided during the evening is an extensive list of resources for further study. (Here is that list: E-gram Resources).
We concluded the evening with a discussion of next steps. Several members of the group wanted to dive deeper into the Enneagram. Others were more interested in moving on. Since our group is more about discussion than teaching we will move away from the Enneagram specifics and broaden our discussion in September to include other tools for better understanding self and others. Stay tuned for more specifics.
On a personal note, before we leave the Enneagram, I would add that this model for human behavior and human understanding is one of the most complete that I have encountered and studied. It is very complex (it has to be to model human behavior), it is dynamic (taking into account all of the myriad possibilities we encounter) and it is evolving, just as human consciousness evolves and grows in the process of becoming. I believe it is well worth further study; I intend to be a “life-long” student of the tool.
And please note that in order for all of us to enjoy the long Labor Day weekend, which includes the 1st Monday, we are postponing our September meeting until the 14th. We hope to see you there!
Blessings during this end-of-summer time!
Wisdom Connections 
August 20, 2009 at 12:06 pm
One of the benefits of learning about the Enneagram, beyond deepening our self-knowledge, is that we can understand the perspective of others and value the differences. There are 9 main Enneagram types and you would want a representative of each one on a team because they each have a different worldview to contribute. Honoring differences among us can make for more peaceful interactions: judging and trying to convince others to believe the way we do creates separation. The people who study the Enneagram are very accepting folks and are interested in learning about each other’s different perspectives.
If you’d like to learn more we’ll be offering a workshop this Fall and Spiritual Exploration Group members will be given a discount on the workshop fee. Stay tuned.
In September we’ll continue discussing using the Enneagram for self-examination as well as what other personal growth tools we’ve all used. Hope to see you on Sept. 14th!