I have been studying the enneagram for more than twenty years and have accumulated quite a number of books on the subject. Having said that, I now state that this book (for me, at least) has been the most helpful.
Through the years, I have taken several tests and have been evaluated by an "expert". Results that seemed to fit - at the time - for other positions, were confusing because they did not resemble each other and did not continue to "fit" me after awhile. Although many sources instruct that the Nine will see herself in (nearly) all the positions, I was hesitant to accept this wisdom because the descriptions of Nine did not "fit like a glove".
I read this book, literally without interruption, in two days. I am now firmly convinced that I belong in the Nine position on the enneagram. I do not know if clarity came from the language or style that was used; perhaps I am (finally!?) willing to consider thoughts about my approach to life and experiences from a clearly different approach.
The authors do not provide a test to determine one's position on the enneagram. Instead, "we recommend that readers take another approach first: it makes sense to begin by reading through all nine descriptions. To some, it will be immediately clear where they are "at home". Others will need a little time. A good criterion is the following: if, in reading the description of a type, I get uneasy or am even humiliated, it could be that I am on home ground."
I found myself "uncomfortable" in many of the descriptions, but it was when I read the Nine description that I came to the humiliated part. I could resonate to the authors' earlier comment in the preface: "It seems that human beings cannot see what they are not readied to see. We cannot hear what we have not been prepared to hear. The 'obvious' seems to have little correlation with our acceptance of it".
I am guilty as described; guilty, but encouraged. Now, I not only know my faults, strengths, and sins (there's that troubling word!), the authors provide insights and suggestions (based on Scripture and from their pastoral experience of many years) to change behaviours and thoughts to grow to personal maturity and development.
The authors are very plain-spoken about the difficulties one may expect on this path: "After many years in pastoral care-giving, we are both convinced that there is nothing on which people are so fixated on as on their self-image. We are literally prepared to go through hell just so we don't have to give it up. It determines most of what we do or don't do, say or don't say, what we occupy ourselves with and what we don't. We're all affected by it". Each enneagram point experiences different challanges to this surrender.
The discussions of the "instincts", "wings", and "arrows" are the clearest explanations of this vocabulary I have encountered and are a great aid in helping to distinguish one's enneagram point.
If one approaches this book with humility and a true desire to know in order to grow, the tools of positive transformation are in their hands. I appreciate the fact that the authors use Scripture and illustrations from the life and ministry of Jesus without preaching from the proverbial soap-box. Their tactic is very much like a trusted physician who tells you what you need to know to become healthy or what changes need to be made to regain your health. Sometimes, it calls for a tweak in a lifestyle; sometimes, major surgery is required. "Whatever it takes" is the most beneficial attitude to the work suggested in this book.
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Reviews with images
Great book. But I ordered new, not used.
The book is just what I need to jump start into understanding enneagrams and my self. However, I ordered a new book for $15 and change but received a used and dirty book which is priced at $10+. There is even a sticker on the back indicating used. Will be purchasing a new book from another source and returning this one.
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S.L.Perkins
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Non il solito libretto all'italiana sull'enneagramma...
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