You're driving along. All of a sudden strange noises erupt from the front of your car. You know nothing about auto mechanics. This is not a good scenario. You're living your life. All of a sudden recurrent problems keep screwing it up. You know nothing about the inner workings of your own core motivations. This is not a good scenario either.
From Douglas and Olivia I have gained insight into myself as well as my wife. When I find myself careening off the road, I can chuckle. There goes that 'seven' again. When my wife is being a 'two,' I am not afraid to point it out. There are fewer flat tires in our relationship and much more laughter as a result of the insights we share.
—BN—
Cartoonist/Screenwriter/Actor
Upon learning about my relational style, the most powerful thing I gained was the insight that I was not merely a byproduct of my environment, rather I was a web of being that the Universe had the means to help me unweave.
As an employee, knowledge of the Enneagram relational styles helps me to quickly and compassionately identify the relational style of my co-workers, so we can work as a team rather than hide from one another's motivations
In my relationship with my husband, I use the relational styles on a daily basis. Instead of blaming or getting defensive, the relational styles gve us a way to talk about our deepest need without being shamed or covering the same ground.
When we begin learning about spiritual studies, we yearn for an "elevator to the mountain": we want to skip past the rocky climb and meet the Zen master that will bestow enlightenment. Well, this is no quick ride to the top, but it is the way to find out that we are already sitting there, and we are the Zen master if we embrace the lessons of our relational styles.
—AS—
Returning Graduate Student/Psychology
The Enneagram is the best tool I have come across for
understanding myself and others. Douglas and Olivia have taken it to a new level, illuminating rather than simply labeling. They presented it in such a way that I was able to grasp it and use it immediately in my life. They are brilliant teachers.
—RG—
Writer/Puppeteer
Since learning about the Enneagram, and my relational style,
I have a much clearer understanding of how individual personalities work. I do not take things as personally as I used to, and I find I am more understanding and forgiving. I have learned to "detach with love," and allow others to be who they are rather than enmesh myself in trying to "help, fix, or change." Understanding what motivates people and how they approach life is such a valuable tool to have in all relationships.
—SB—
Massage Therapist/Business Owner
"My work with Douglas and Olivia gave me a new lens through which to view the world, and the tools with which to keep that lens clean."
—LT—
Writer, calligrapher, mule rider
