This is the introduction to the Enneagram, learning about the centers, the nine types, and discovering your own type.  The Enneagram Experience is the prerequisite class for the other Enneagram workshops, classes and retreats.  It is presented in a Friday evening, Saturday morning format that first presents the overview of the Enneagram, explains the three centers and the nine types.  Before the evening is over, you will probably be able to identify your own type.  Saturday morning is then devoted to exploring your own type more in depth, to make sure the “fit” is correct.  Realize, however, that discovering your type is only the first step toward real self-understanding and making life-time changes in the way you think, act, feel, and relate. (register here)

No prior knowledge of Enneagram is necessary

Fee $150 per couple

Location TBA, depending on numbers of participants.  This will NOT be a “sleep-over” event. Note: This is an excellent premarital experience for those preparing for marriage.

•    Friday Night: The Enneagram and Relationships

•    Saturday Morning: The Relationship Dance

•    Saturday Afternoon:  Nurturing Wounded Centers

•    Saturday Evening:  The meaning of Intimacy

Note, this can be easily adapted to a weekend retreat at another location for any group who would like to sponsor this event.  I would require expenses and lodging in addition to the per-couple fee. (register here)

The best way to get to know the Enneagram and the sometimes subtle differences between the types is to be in a group where people of other types are present.  Not only is it fun to learn about other types not only gives us insight into our own, but allows us to see the world through the lens of another person.  It is a great “aha!” moment when we realize that not everyone looks at the world the same way we do and can actually get behind their eyes and take a peek of the world from a perspective different from our own.  There is no better way to learn to nurture another person, or heal a relationship.

•  From the perspective of those types who claim that particular center as its lead or dominant center. Here we can see the gifts of these types, as well as the flip side to those gifts, the compulsions and habits that come from the lead center being in lock-step with the center that supports it.

•  From the perspective of those types who have experienced early wounds in that center and so find it to be underdeveloped, or underactualized. Here we learn how to nurture and grow a center that has been crippled and neglected and bring it into maturity.

The basis for the Enneagram is the three centers of intelligence we all possess:  the head center (thinking, learning), the heart center (feelings, emotions, relationships), and the body center (being, doing).  Each of the three centers was originally designed to function independently and also interdependently.  Each has its own tasks, and functions to keep us whole and functioning at our best. When one is “down” the other two can cover…at least that is the way we were designed. Personality is based on the way these three centers function together.  Unfortunately, as we move through childhood, it is unavoidable that one center is wounded, damaged, or stifled in some way, and so the other two move in to protect it.  Of the two remaining centers, one becomes dominant and the other works to supports it. Thus, instead of all three working independently and interdependently, they become locked in patterns of behaviors, feelings, and thoughts that create what we understand to be personality.  The patterns created by the configurations of dominance and woundedness of the three centers, make the nine personality types of the Enneagram. So while everyone falls into one of the nine types of the Enneagram, everyone also has their own unique expression of personality.  The first task, then is to discover your type, and then to discover how you have established patterns, habits, and compulsions to protect your wounded center.  From there, we can learn how to “unlearn” what stops you from realizing your full potential.