Enneagram as a tool: Psychology vs. Spirituality.
It has been labeled psychology or spirituality. I think it is both. My
take on the enneagram is that it is a tool. It is a model of how humans
work that can be used at different depths. On the surface, it can be
a psychological tool. It allows people to see and understand the point
of view of others and see that it is just as valid as other points
of view. A little deeper and people can see patterns in their own lives
and how to make choices to continue to follow those patterns or make
changes. Deeper than that is where it enters the realm of spirituality.
Information based on the enneagram can be used to look at the core
of self and personality. This core is the beginning of connection to
what would be called a Higher Power, Universal Consciousness, Truth...
whatever form spirituality takes for an individual. The enneagram isn't
a religion and can be used with pretty much every religion.
Enneagram for everyone?
For some people, the enneagram is this amazing thing. It explains so
much and is so incredibly useful. I think it isn't for everyone.
Some people have other systems and tools that work for them. Others
don't want what the enneagram has to offer. Others just work a different
way and this tool doesn't fit their hands or minds. And that is fine.
History
The enneagram is a concept that has started to spread in the late 1970's.
Parts of it are much older and there is still ground breaking work
being done on other parts. One of the main avenues of the early spread
of the enneagram was through the Catholic Church and the Jesuits. |
|
Free Test
I believe that Enneagram tests can come close but
are not completely accurate. It is possible to test for behaviors but not
motivations which are the core of the enneagram. Different motivations
can result in the same behaviors. The results of a test can point in
the right direction but the choice must be made by the individual.
sample RHETI Enneagram test
|