Enneagram is a great tool for self-development, but it doesn’t promise quick results. Without consistent daily practice, there won’t be any long lasting transformation!
Our Enneagram type is like a box that limits us. With understanding and awareness of the box that we are in, it can create a lot of freedom for us. The Enneagram assists in helping us understand our core motivations and fundamental beliefs about what’s necessary for a fulfilling life. It shows us where our attention is going to help support us in our liberation.
The most important daily practice is to stay grounded. That is be present with ourselves, be in our body, and put our focus and attention on our breath so we can open ourselves to receptiveness. Grounded breath opens our heart and mind to be present.
The simple practice, The Universal Growth Process, was developed by Dr David Daniels (cofounder of Enneagram in Narrative Tradition with Helen Palmer) and his colleague Terry Saracino over their many years of teaching the Enneagram programs and workshops.
The Universal Growth Process with Dr David Daniels
The Universal Growth Process for Self-Mastery
It is a very practical and powerful tool for personal development, the integration of our spiritual qualities back into our lives, and consequently to well-being and wholeness. It interweaves five basic components: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation, Action, and Adherence that can be used in all kinds of situations and relationships.
Awareness – having a practice to increase our receptivity and grounded presence
Acceptance – opening our hearts in non-judgment to accept whatever arises in the moment. This includes befriending our reactivity and working with the critical mind or superego
Appreciation – manifesting gratitude for the positives in life and by being in the natural flow of giving and receiving
Action —
- Noticing → pausing → collecting energy → containing not suppressing
- Inquiring to discover, discern and work with whatever reactivity or theme arises in the moment – Our key identifications, core beliefs and associated deepest concerns and feelings embedded in type structure – Our personal stories/wounds
- Mentoring with the “inner coach” into conscious conduct. Conscious conduct includes two interrelated forms: releasing into acceptance and taking action
Adherence – committing to regular practice and the process itself
Meditation Practice For Each Type
According to Dr David Daniels, the Basic Breath Practice for all types form the basis for growth and development. In addition to the basic breath practice, Dr David Daniels also developed specific guided meditation for each Enneagram type with “Additional Key Themes for Reflection” and “Short Reflections for Reclaiming the Essential Quality”.