Enneagram

David Fauvre has been trying to introduce me to the Enneagram system since we studied counseling together in our MA program back in '94. A couple weeks ago I had him over for tea and it turned into a 6 hour personalized Enneagram workshop, running straight through dinner. It was fascinating.

Beyond the requirements of my degree program, I have stayed clear of personality typing systems in general and particularly all things enneagram. Many times people use "self-improvement" as an excuse for self-absorption. They justify endless self-analysis as effort to "be a better person." What is the point in putting so much effort into analyzing a personality you intend to transcend anyway?

However, what I learned was that the Enneagram system was originally a spiritual development tool. Think of the base of a mountain with 9 starting points around it and one summit of complete bliss, compassion, wisdom and unconditional love - the true spiritual self of us all. Each path between the starting point and summit would be different, but the destination is the same. One path is no more right than another, but the question is, which is right for you?

David was able to "type me" and give me the types for a number of well-known spiritual teachers. If you have an interest in this use of the Enneagram see:

http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/spirituality.asp

Also see David's site at http://www.enneagram.net/