“What is an ‘Any-a-gram?’” I asked.
“It’s called the ‘ENNEAGRAM!’” My friend retorted.
My first introduction to the Enneagram was in January 2017 at a conference. People from the conference encouraged me to start my Enneagram journey on the drive home by listening to The Liturgists (Science Mike who was here last February is one of the hosts) podcast on the topic. I imagine this advice came because it was safer listening to a podcast than reading a book while driving. It’s episode 37 in case you want to check it out for yourself.
The Enneagram is perhaps best defined by Enneagram author and expert Suzanne Stabile as, “nine ways of seeing and nine ways of processing our experiences in the world. Additionally, there are nine ways of answering some of life’s basic questions like, ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Why do I do the things I do?’”
Most of us have no idea that others don’t see as we see, nor do they process their experiences in the same way we do. Keeping this in mind is especially crucial in ALL of our relationships! The Enneagram is a tool that helps us understand people’s fears, motivations, desires, and relationship dynamics. It can be a key that unlocks sometimes mystifying behavior in others – and in ourselves, which can lead to more empathy and understanding.
You might remember an Enneagram workshop happening here a few years ago and perhaps benefitted from it yourself. There has been an influx of interest among young adults around this topic. As way to build relationships and engage with young adults in the area, we are offering an Enneagram Weekend to take place at Over-the-Rhine Community Church on February 22-23. Thanks to the Emerson and Jan Colaw Lecture/Leadership Endowment we are able to offer this as a free event.
I believe the weekend will be transformative for people’s relationship with God and others. I would love your help getting the word out to young adults! Please send them to hydeparkchurch.org/enneagram to learn more information. If you would like to help support the weekend (and get more information about the Enneagram for yourself) please check the One-and-Done section to get involved.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
