The Enneagram: A Tool for Spiritual Growth
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
—Carl Jung
The Enneagram
What is it?
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system. It is a tool for spiritual growth comprised of nine personality types, which are identified by the numbers one – nine. The prefix “ennea” comes from the Greek word for “nine.” A defining feature that distinguishes it from other personality typing systems is that it is based on motivation rather than behavior.
Another feature of the Enneagram that sets it apart is that it is dynamic because it describes movement. While each person’s personality type is based on a core motivation that does not change, the lines shown in the Enneagram symbol represent the ways each number tends to take on the energy of other numbers for support. The energy of the numbers on either side of our core number may also be influential.
What is it not?
The Enneagram is not the only spiritual growth. It is not a way to put yourself or others in a box, and it is not based on behaviors. It is not an excuse for harmful behavior or immaturity (lack of growth), nor is it an invitation to criticize or get rid of the parts of ourselves that have tried to protect us. The Enneagram is one of many tools that can be used for personal and spiritual growth. It is an invitation to awareness and transformation.
“Keep us from demonizing our false selves, but let us turn to them in curiosity and compassion: knowing every mask is born of a wound.”
–Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley
The Enneagram & Spiritual Direction
The Enneagram can be a helpful tool for spiritual growth in spiritual direction. It offers language and a framework for what we know to be true about ourselves but sometimes have difficulty articulating. It describes the personality (or coping mechanisms) we have put on to protect ourselves. This awareness empowers us to be more intentional about allowing those protective patterns to fall away, at a pace and in a context that, while uncomfortable feels tolerable. Read more here.
My Enneagram training & experience
The Enneagram has been radically transformative in my own life and relationships. I am proud to be an International Enneagram Association Accredited Professional and have learned from and worked for Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile, who learned the Enneagram from Fr. Richard Rohr. Additionally, I have taken courses from The Narrative Enneagram, which incorporates a more somatic approach.
I have taught the Enneagram to groups at an introductory level and have guided small groups through deeper Enneagram work. The Enneagram is a valuable tool for one-on-one work in spiritual direction. Due to my personal experience and training, I am equipped and eager to help those who want to incorporate Enneagram work into their healing journey.
Other Enneagram Offerings
I enjoy using the Enneagram as a tool for growth in one-on-one sessions, small groups, workshops, and gatherings. Descriptions of past events are here, but you can contact me below if you would like to discuss an idea tailored to the needs of your group.
Contact Lindsay
Contact me below if you would like to discuss the needs of your group and how we can do Enneagram work together, either in a one-on-one or group setting. I look forward to hearing from you!
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