Sunday, June 28, 2009

Ennegrams, Truth of Your Own Being


“Peace is what’s alive in your heart.” ~Eli Jaxon-Bear



Isn’t it exciting when one thing leads to another in your spiritual search or research for broader understandings and investigations?

A couple of weeks ago it was suggested I look into Enneagrams which is a psychological/spiritual personality profile of Nine Types, which in itself is rather interesting.

The ancient wisdom of the Enneagram is a map of and for personal growth and spiritual development. It depends on an aspect of awareness of the I, the knowing of one’s inner self. It can awaken in each of us the inherent essence of discover of ourselves and each other in ways that are authentically spiritual, psychologically sound, and lead us ultimately to freedom and love.


Within the discipline various teachers/writers call the Nine Types by different names. For example at the Enneagram institute dot com they are described as:

Type One: The Reformer, the principled, idealistic type.
Type Two: The Helper: the caring interpersonal type.
Type Three: The Achiever, the adaptable, success-oriented type.
Type Four: The Individualist, the introspective, romantic type.
Type Five: The Investigator, the perceptive, cerebral type.
Type Six: The Loyalist, the committed, security-oriented type.
Type Seven: The Enthusiast, the busy, productive type.
Type Eight: The Challenger, the powerful, aggressive type.
Type Nine: The Peacemaker, the easy-going, self-effacing type.

Helen Palmer, a leading authority and preeminent teacher of the ancient wisdom system known as the Enneagram, has these names for the nine types:

The Profectionist; The Giver; The Performer; The Romantic; The Observer; The Loyal Skeptic; The Epicure; The Protector; The Mediator.


Helen Palmer and The Enneagram



I hope to get her book, The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life, as I was told by a psychologist her book is excellent and easily understood. Her website.

And then my friend Anne happens to have another book, The Enneagram of Liberation, from Fixation to Freedom by Eli Jaxon-Bear, which she loaned me. Eli presents a slightly different focus on the Nine Points of the Enneagram, more of an Eastern philosophy, I would say, but nonetheless, still interesting.

That book lead to this video of Eli Jaxon-Bear, which I enjoyed seeing.






~Linda


5 comments:

Ronda Laveen said...

I don't have much knowledge of Enneagrams so look forward to learning more. Interesting concept.

Randy said...

this is interesting, I will have to look into it. Thanks

Nancy said...

Wow, this is very interesting. A combination of spirit and psychology, right up my alley. Thanks, I'm going to order the book!

Anonymous said...

I have found out my personality type is "The Epicure" Type 7, and I am wondering is there a book out there that can match my type 7 with an occupation?

Linda Pendleton said...

Anonymous

You might try looking at Helen Palmer's book that I mentioned. I don't know if occupations are listed but it appears your personality would want an adventure. :-)

Also read this if you haven't:
http://www.enneagram.com/enneagram_type7.html