The Enneagram
Introduction to the Enneagram
The Enneagram of Personality is a dynamic personality typing system with its roots in a long history of observing human behavior. It outlines nine different personality types with each type operating out of a mix of both natural gifts and developed defensive strategies. Once these gifts and defensive strategies are recognized, self-awareness and behavioral choice increase. The areas of life where these changes can take place are numerous resulting in increased success and satisfaction.
Enneagram Insights
It’s all one thing
Could it be that one of the first wrong turns we took as we journeyed through life was the one whose sign read “You are alone.” This insidious ever creeping lie has caused us a whole heap of suffering. Luckily for us there are many alternative routes whose signs read “You belong; you are inside the circle that holds everything and everyone.”
I think it is quite wonderful how generous God, Life, the Universe, Love (whatever name you use) is to offer so many ways back to this original truth. I have found the Enneagram to be one of these paths as it highlights for us both the powerful truths and the powerful lies we encounter along our journey.
With a repeating theme of the oneness of everything, and a rejection of the isolated separateness of anything, we hope to bring insights from the Enneagram that will encourage you toward wholeness and the love of all things.
Soon we will be providing Enneagram Insights each first and third Mondays beginning in January. Stay tuned!
Sali Honess-Ondrey
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Enneagram Insights: The Teamwork Between the Law of One and Love
The Enneagram holds many aspects (core type, wings, arrows, centers of intelligence, instincts, virtues and vices, holy ideas and fixations, stances, etc.) that all affect how we operate in the world. This is one of the reasons I find the Enneagram so fascinating and helpful. It is as if there are multiple transparent overlays stacked upon one another, revealing this amazingly intricate system that gives me insight into what is going on with me and helps me see how I move about in the world. But to take in these many aspects of me, I must approach this stack of transparencies and the picture they reveal with Love.
We cannot see, we cannot keep our eyes open to all that is true about us, without the presence of Love to guide and hold us when we encounter our more challenging pieces. Knowing there exists no trap doors out of the circle of belonging, knowing there is no snare we can step on that will cause us to be ejected, that is the wonderful gift Love gives us all. And it is because of this gift that we can hold open our eyes and see ourselves, just as we are, as we travel the path of awareness and growth. I like the picture of a mother hen gathering all her chicks—the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful—and proclaiming, “You are mine! You are mine!” That is Love.
Enneagram Insights: The Law of One Reflected in the Enneagram’s Circle
The Law of One, depicted by the circle that holds the nine points together, says every part belongs.
I want us to begin together in that lovely place of safety. Let’s start with the practice that everything belongs, which means all of me, all of you, and all of everything. Nothing has been kicked out! Often, we don’t mind kicking certain things to the curb but don’t want what we value to be kicked to the curb. Instead, here we are beginning in a place where nothing gets judged as out of place. This concept-turned-practice can be very challenging, but let’s challenge ourselves.
Today, play around with this picture and explore what it is like to believe and practice welcoming every part of ourselves, every part of whoever is with us, and every part of what is happening. This is not denial. This is not indifference. This is a beginning place that can calm and center us for right action—and can lead us to some surprising consequences. Beginning with a YES to what is, rather than a protesting NO, opens us up to what our NO might have missed. But don’t take my word for it—see what you find!
Sali Honess-Ondrey, Certified Spiritual Director, LCSW
Workshops
We offer several workshops for those new to the Enneagram, or to those who wish to explore the Enneagram on a deeper level.
Teachers
The Journey Center of Chicago has two certified Enneagram teachers. Both have experience leading individuals and groups through the Enneagram.
Sali Honess-Ondrey
Sali was first introduced to the Enneagram in 2000 using the wisdom it offered in her private counseling practice. In 2016 she was certified as an Enneagram Trainer through Enneagram Spectrum program. Since that time Sali has developed and facilitated several workshops for a variety of groups from corporate employees to those living in generational poverty and the homeless. She has been a Certified Spiritual Director since 2010.
In 2021 Sali became an Accredited Professional with the International Enneagram Association. To learn more visit: https://salihonessondrey.com/
Pam Sutherland
Pam is a certified spiritual director and Enneagram teacher. She uses the Enneagram extensively in her work with individuals, couples, leadership teams, and groups as a framework for facilitating deeper self-awareness, mutual understanding, appreciation, and compassion. She is certified in Enneagram Spectrum and Bringing out the Best in Yourself at Work, and has extensive training in the Enneagram Instincts and Subtypes. Learn more at http://present-journey.com.