Sole to Soul Wellness

The Enneagram
Free Enneagram Personality Profile Test

The Enneagram is a map;
You are the journey.

A Few Good Reasons to Work with the Enneagram:

• Discover your Type and how it affects the way you think, feel, act, live!

• Develop insight and deepen compassion for yourself and loved ones.

• Revolutionize your interaction with family, co-workers, clients, friends and even “enemies”!

• Experience the Grace of your Essential Self.

• Learn practices to avoid the pitfalls of your specific Egoic trance.

A Profound Tool for Self-Understanding

The Enneagram is based on an ancient and precise system of the core dynamics of Universal laws and how they are expressed by humanity. In the past 30 years, it has arisen in popularity as one the foremost maps of self-understanding. The Enneagram of personality types, as it is known today, gives a brilliant and detailed view of what happens to our Essential Nature as we incarnate and create an Ego structure to survive on this earthly plane.

A Dynamic Map of Nine Different “Types”

“Ennea” is the Greek word for “nine,” so Enneagram roughly translates to “a nine diagram.” (see symbol at top of page). The organization of its principles are both simple and multi-faceted. There are nine, wildly different styles of Egoic formation – or personality types- each with its own set of beliefs, fears, defense mechanisms, inherent challenges and essential qualities. When you discover your type, it sometimes feels like someone has been reading your mind, or at least your diary! Suddenly your personal quirks, communication style, values and gifts are articulated in such a precise and profound manner that it is difficult to deny. When we are able to appreciate each of the types through the larger lens of Universal law as it manifests from Essence to our Humanity, we develop a deeper sense of Trust in the inherent goodness of Life.

Worldviews Vs. Types

Some people balk when they hear the word “type,” equating the word with a sense of confinement that limits, rather than expands, their notion of Self. I would offer instead to consider the Enneagram a map, and the “types” represented on the maps as countries, each having its own, particular landscape and cultural identity. Just as the inhabitants of Africa have their own way of relating to the world that is uniquely different than say, the inhabitants of South America or Asia, so it is for the nine basic worldviews of each Enneatype. But to say, for example, all people of one type are the same is like saying that all the people from Italy are alike. Obviously, every Italian has their own, very unique, expression, yet it is still clear that they are Italian and always will be Italian, even if they move to Belgium!

Like any system, the Enneagram can be misused. It is very tempting, especially when first immersing oneself in such a profound approach, to use the Enneagram as a template for reducing someone to a number with a pre-perceived meaning. Ouch. This ends up a disservice to both you and the person you’re labeling.

Self-Understanding, Distortions and Essence-based Living

For many of us, there is an inherent desire to understand ourselves and the world around us. Self-understanding is the basis for transformation, yet we all have Egos that continually thwart our best efforts at expanding our sense of self. Transcending the ego is an aspect of every spiritual tradition – in order to understand who we really are, we must first understand the “false self.” The beauty of the Enneagram is that it maps – sometimes in humbling detail – the perilous pitfalls and swamplands of our inner terrain so that we can truly SEE our personality and its holy grail of beliefs for what they are: Distortions of Reality. In identifying our particular trance of Ego, we invite inquiry into the deeper motivations of our soul’s Essence. The Enneagram offers a map that acknowledges the Essence from which our Egos were formed, illuminating how our personalities are, in their own distorted fashion, reminders of the Holy state of Existence from which we all began.

Shedding Light on Our Humanity

In its optimal use, the Enneagram can shed light on the deep core beliefs that constantly inform and guide your thoughts, behaviors and actions. It is also a profound tool for developing insight and compassion for others as you learn to appreciate a worldview wildly different (or perhaps too uncomfortably familiar!) from your own. Such insights can support us in leading more fulfilling lives, of interacting with our friends and “enemies” in revolutionary new ways, of experiencing the grace of our Essential Selves a little more often.

Only a Map- YOU are the Journey!

As stated though, the Enneagram is a tool, a mystical and practical map of human consciousness. As such, it offers guidance, but not the courage or will needed to do the inquiry and work required to see the truth about ourselves. That, of course, comes from within.

What I Offer

I have been studying the Enneagram since 1988. In 2001, I began working extensively with Ben Salzman, immersing myself in this amazing system through group settings. I supported his pioneering efforts in Santa Cruz, CA by organizing several workshops and classes. I consider his friendship and our collaboration instrumental in catalyzing my passion for this profound system of self-understanding.

I also use the Enneagram in private coaching sessions with couples and individuals.

Joy is an incredible intuitive who applies her heart-centered presence to her deep understanding of the Enneagram. In my work with her, I was able to finally recognize some key self-defeating behaviors and belief systems that have kept me from being happy and living to my full potential. Through her council, I have learned that I can transform these energies, harness my strengths and live a more satisfying life. Thank you Joy!
~ J. Ambrose, Tourism Executive