By Pam Johnson
The underlying concept of spirituality alludes to some non-material plane. This is unavoidable. Therefore, when people claim to be “spiritual but not religious” they are either confused or holding an unfavorable opinion about today’s organized monotheistic religions. For those in whom the latter holds sway, this article will explore spiritual tools that can be used right now to enhance one’s feeling of spiritual progress and fulfilling inner journey. Some readers may have trouble with spirituality’s claim that all humans are endowed with soul or spirit. That assessment need not be a spiritual roadblock! The tools listed in this article do not depend on previous spiritual knowledge or ideological upbringing.
Wisdom of the Enneagram
The Enneagram, in the simplest terms, is a geometric figure that stands-in for ways of interpreting reality. As such, the Enneagram is a personality inventory and instrument for identifying one’s shortcomings, realizing their limited potential, and transcending those spiritual barriers. The idea behind the Enneagram is to clue people in to underlying habits that may be holding back their intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and even occupational progress. The Enneagram is used in business settings, much like the Myers-Briggs Typology Inventory, but its history and mission runs much deeper than mere HR tool.
More than Hype?
The Enneagram came into being thanks to the efforts of Oscar Ichazo. In the Enneagram’s current incarnation, users will select one of nine points on a geometric figure representing the Enneagram, which is shorthand for ways of viewing reality. Each of the nine points contains the following: characteristic roles; fears and vices; ego fixations; and, finally, virtues. For all of its apparent simplicity, the Enneagram actually goes much deeper than conventional personality inventories as the Enneagram is concerned with one’s underlying motivations. By uncovering these underlying, some might say unconscious, motivations, users and spiritual seekers will understand the core reasons why they act out the roles they do.
The Enneagram in Action
A link providing more preliminary information germane to the Enneagram will be affixed to the bottom of this article but perhaps some examples can provide a fuller picture of the Enneagram’s presence in everyday reality. Although the Enneagram concedes that users may find themselves on different planes of development and psychological health, it effectively marks nine ways of seeing the world.
Type Five Example
Each way has benefits and shortcomings, insights and blind spots. For instance, within the Enneagram theory, type five has an overwhelming fear of being invaded. A type five will respond to that fear by collecting information. In many ways, the type five personality resembles the withdrawn scientist. As such, the type five’s basic desire is mastery; the quest for mastery makes the type five feel more secure about an uncertain external world. Within Enneagram theory, the five feels as though by attaining mastery, they will overcome indefinable existential malaise. As with all types, fulfilling the desires and ego fixations of the particular type does not ultimately grant spiritual peace. So what’s the answer?
Beauty of the Enneagram
The true merit to the Enneagram is allowing people access to their unconscious drives and impulses that, at times, undermine spiritual development. As any type follows their ego script, they may feel a temporary, emotional benefit but remain oblivious to larger spiritual implications of their being. The Enneagram’s crowning achievement is showing people their script or perpetual role such that they may overcome habitual patterns. Only when their type’s limited reality tunnel is seen with total clarity can it be transcended. This vision is the beginning of spiritual progress.
Author Pam Johnson studies religion of all types with her sociology degree. She shares her findings on her blog and is also a contributing writer for Best Sociology Programs <http://www.bestsociologyprograms.com>