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What is
the Enneagram?
A sophisticated and powerful ancient
system for self-understanding and
personal development, the Enneagram is used worldwide as an effective
tool in spirituality, psychology, and business.
The Enneagram reveals that all people belong to one of nine major
personality types. The purpose of the Enneagram is not to put you into
a box, but to help you identify the limitations of a box you may
already be in, and to give you guidance on how you may break free and
develop beyond it. The Enneagram offers a roadmap to address the
specific challenges of each personality type and to develop the unique
virtues of that type that are waiting to be discovered. Support
for
better relationships and communication is a focus of the system,
because discovering the "lens" through which we view the world is the
first step in our comprehending how others may experience the world
differently.
Our programs highlight and
evoke the
potential for
growth in intimate relationships, spirituality, work groups and
organizations. We offer something beyond the myriad websites, blogs and
books; that is, people learning face to face in the
Narrative Tradition. We learn from the most reliable
sources, people experiencing and describing their own worldviews
from the inside out. Our student community meets in person
once per month because we know there is a way of knowing that you
cannot get from a facebook page or a website. Participants from
all walks of life find our programs to be practical, educational,
transformative, and great fun.
Each
personality type has
gifts and challenges that affect behavior in intimate relationships and
at work.
Using the Enneagram, each type can address the more challenging traits
and develop specific gifts related to that type.
Working
in an environment with this common tool supports everyone's awareness
of
group challenges and strengths.
- The
Observer can move
from choosing to be isolated and detached to offering the useful skills
of observation and objectivity.
- The
Loyal Skeptic can
leave the stance of fear and defensiveness to stand confidently in a
role
that uses natural troubleshooting abilities and instills loyalty.
- The
Epicure can transform
an impulsive and undisciplined habit into a responsible role that
shines
optimism and innovation.
- The
Protector can change
tendencies of aggression and the need to control to become trusted as
one
who can lead confidently while gently protecting others.
- The
Mediator can transform
stubbornness and apathy into an open-minded yet engaged approach that
brings
consensus and harmony.
- The
Perfectionist can
let go of resentments and judgments to bring out the natural skills of
reliability, high standards and strong ethics.
- The
Giver can drop manipulative
and unhelpful roles so that natural generosity and helpfulness are
offered
freely.
- The
Performer can relax
the need for competition and playing false roles to become truly
persuasive
and authentically effective.
- The
Romantic can overcome
a melancholic and envious stance and bring out naturally creative and
intuitive
gifts.
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How
is the Enneagram useful in groups & organizations? The
Enneagram
helps people intentionally relate to each other by understanding what
motivates
themselves and others. Common problems caused by
miscommunications,
hurt feelings, and other misunderstandings often result from people
assuming
that others see, or should see, the world the way they do. The
Enneagram
puts organizational members on the fast track to improving their
working
relationships. With knowledge of the Enneagram, one can respond
and
interact in a manner that results in deeper understanding, better
communication,
and a more skillful use of energy toward achieving mutual goals.
With this common understanding and vocabulary among members, groups and
organizations can be positively transformed.
Please visit the Calendar of public events
and join the vibrant community of Enneagram enthusiasts that meet
monthly in Portland. Sign up for our Newsletter.
Since 2002, Enneagram
Portland has been providing training and monthly community
experiences with the Enneagram.
Professional facilitator Dale Rhodes is an Affiliate of Enneagram
Worldwide, founded by authors Helen
Palmer and David Daniels, MD. Dale has been the counselor on duty
at the Enneagram
Professional Training Program (EPTP) and he is a mentor for candidates
seeking professional certification. Dale has been
fortunate to study in person with a variety of Enneagram teachers,
providing the basis for an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the
Enneagram:
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