Expanding Enneagram Practice: Part 2 — Introducing Inner Abundance

In the landscape of Enneagram traditions, mindfulness stands out as a primary path, offering nine distinct paths to presence. This approach has deeply shaped my journey with the Enneagram over three decades. Yet, as my path unfolded, I began to seek something more—beyond the practices of presence and acceptance. My quest for a vibrant inner life has inspired an Enneagram approach that builds upon mindfulness, broadening the spectrum of inner qualities and resources.

My Background

My psychotherapy practice is deeply rooted in the primary methods of Enneagram facilitation, blending insight, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychodynamic theories, and somatic techniques. For over a decade, my resonance with body-based work has spanned both psychological and mystical realms. Somatic practices guide us beyond conventional insights and analyses, emphasizing a holistic integration of body, mind, heart, and sometimes spirit. This comprehensive background naturally equips me to pioneer new pathways in Enneagram work.

Cliff Notes: This Approach —

• Integrates traditional mindfulness with the Enneagram to foster inner presence, acceptance, and serenity.

• Enhances these methods to nurture a deep, vibrant happiness through a diverse array of inner resources.

• Brings to life the essence of all nine Enneagram types, creating a rich inner abundance.

• Provides a welcoming, secular path to profound personal growth and deep inner happiness.

The Sacred Call for More

In the journey of mindfulness and inner peace, we encounter the advice to "be present" and accept what the moment offers. This wisdom holds immense value, yet my experiences have taught me that we’re capable of embracing life more fully, more dynamically. This wisdom is central to my model, which enriches our inner lives with a diverse array of vital qualities, enabling us to navigate life with greater clarity, compassion, and strength.

Nurturing a New Path

My journey into mindfulness and well-being began in my early twenties, marked by profound peace and stillness. However, I've discovered that wellness encompasses more than serenity. Heart and gut awakenings have revealed new dimensions of vitality and love, illustrating that each Enneagram type harbors unique and essential qualities for our well-being, much like a diverse garden providing a balanced diet for the body.

Connecting to Established Models

Ken Wilber's Integral Theory has always resonated with me, offering a multi-dimensional framework for understanding consciousness. My model aligns with his integral approach, suggesting that true inner abundance requires a spectrum of qualities, reflective of the diverse essences within the Enneagram.

Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory, which recognizes diverse cognitive abilities beyond traditional IQ, aligns with the holistic ethos of my Enneagram model. Gardner proposes that while we each have a primary intelligence, we also possess capabilities across multiple domains. This concept parallels the Enneagram’s insight that, beyond our dominant type, we embody traits from all nine types, promoting integration among our intellectual, emotional, and instinctual centers. Despite critiques of Gardner's theory, its emphasis on intellectual diversity complements my model's aim to cultivate a diverse spectrum of inner resources.

Buddhism and Tantric Practices also share affinities with my approach. Buddhism's teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom have been integral to my understanding of inner peace. Yet, my model extends beyond this to embrace a wider array of inner experiences, akin to the holistic and inclusive path offered by Tantra. Through embodying different qualities or deities, Tantra celebrates the richness of human experience, a principle that is central to my model.

A Personal and Universal Journey

This model emerges from a deeply personal quest to live more fully and richly, aiming to cultivate an inner garden of diverse qualities. As I continue to explore and share my model's tenets through various platforms, including this blog, my YouTube channel, and our learning community, I invite you on this journey to discover a more vibrant and holistic way of being.