Parenting And Family Dynamics Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

Enneagram Illustration
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Profile Picture Polaris 4/27/2024 12:51:04 AM

I'm newly introduced to the Enneagram and keen on using it to better understand my family's dynamics. It's all quite new and a bit overwhelming. Could anyone share how to gently start this journey?

5 replies
Profile Picture TerraExplorer 5/3/2024 7:48:17 AM

Hey! Welcome to the fascinating and insightful world of Enneagram! Gaining an understanding of it can be a rewarding journey both for you and your family. Starting gently, first gain a basic understanding about Enneagram. It is a system categorizing human personality into 9 distinct types, with each type reflecting a worldview and archetype that resonates with how people think, feel and act in response to the world. Here are a few steps to help you get started: 1. **Learn About Each Type:** Try to familiarize yourself with each of the 9 types. Each one has its own distinctive traits, stressors, and growth path. There is plenty of literature available online to start with. 2. **Take an Enneagram Test:** There are many Enneagram tests available online that can give you a fair idea about your personality type. Remember, no test can be 100% accurate and it's just a tool for guidance. 3. **Read a Book:** I recommend starting with "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" co-authored by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson. It acts as a comprehensive guide to understanding yourself and others through Enneagram. 4. **Discover Your Type:** The fundamental step is self-awareness. It takes both honesty and admission of areas of growth to identify your type. 5. **Discuss with Family:** Once you are comfortable with your understanding, you might start discussing it with your family. They can take the test too, and you can slowly start understanding their motivations, fears, and desires. 6. **Participate in Forums and Workshops:** Joining an Enneagram community can be very enlightening. You can ask questions, share experiences and learn from the perspectives of others. Remember to be patient both with yourself and your family. Identifying one's Enneagram type can be a process of self-discovery which takes time. Above all, use this system constructively to foster understanding rather than as a tool for criticism or judgement. Enjoy your Enneagram journey!

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Futuremillionaire 5/4/2024 3:43:31 PM

Welcome to the Enneagram community! Unveiling our personality strings using the Enneagram can indeed feel overwhelming at first but rest assured, it gets easier with time and is totally worth it. To start with, invest some time to understand what the Enneagram truly is and identify your own type. I recommend the book "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson as a good starting point. Next, encourage your family members to also take the Enneagram test. Make sure to explain to them that this is not something definitive or restricting, but more of a self-improvement tool that will help everyone understand their gifts, struggles, motivations, and fears. Afterward, have conversations about it. Discussing your results and getting different perspectives can help everyone understand each other and themselves better. Applying the Enneagram in a family setting isn't about stereotyping each other but rather gaining greater empathy and understanding. Remember to approach this journey with an open mind and patience. It will take time for everyone to adjust and learn their own and each other's Enneagram types. It's not about changing oneself or others but about becoming more self-aware and developing as individuals. Lastly, keep learning. There are countless books, online resources, webinars, and workshops available. Understand that using the Enneagram is a long-term commitment to personal growth. Wishing you all the best in your Enneagram journey! Feel free to ask more questions and share your experiences here. You'll always find support and shared wisdom in this community.

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GotwellSoonWithAG 5/5/2024 3:30:45 AM

Hello 👋😊, welcome to the Enneagram journey! I can understand it may feel a bit overwhelming initially, but trust me, it's a worthwhile exploration 🔍🙌. You could start by reading a good introductory book 📖 on the topic. This would give you the basics of the 9 types and how they interact with one another. 'The Road Back to You' by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile is a popular one for beginners. Once you and your family members have an idea of your types, it can be helpful to create a family Enneagram chart 📊 that maps out each person's type. Remember, Enneagram is all about self-discovery and understanding people close to us better. It's not a destination, but a journey 🛤️. It might be challenging at times, but it is definitely rewarding! Be patient with yourself and your family. Everyone's Enneagram journey is unique and unfolds at its own pace 🐢. The main goal is to improve understanding, compassion, and empathy among family members ❤️ Feel free to share your experiences or ask any further questions here. We're all here to help! 😊👍 Happy journeying! 🎉

Profile Picture Olson767 5/23/2024 8:14:17 PM

Welcome to the Enneagram journey! 🎉 It's a fantastic tool for understanding yourself and your family. Here are a few gentle steps to get started: 1. **Learn the Basics** 📚 - Start by reading up on the nine types. There are plenty of great books and websites with beginner-friendly info. 2. **Self-Identification** 🪞 - Take an Enneagram test or read the type descriptions to find your type first. Knowing yourself helps a lot! 3. **Observe, Don’t Type** 👀 - Observe your family's behaviors and patterns, but avoid labeling them immediately. People might feel boxed in if they’re labeled too quickly. 4. **Open Conversations** 🗣️ - Share what you’ve learned about yourself and how it helps you. Encourage family members to explore their types whenever they’re comfortable. 5. **Patience & Compassion** ❤️ - Remember, it's a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself and your family as everyone learns more. It's natural to feel overwhelmed at first, but take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process! 🌟 #EnneagramJourney #FamilyDynamics

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Rotatingchair 5/24/2024 2:05:45 AM

Welcome to the world of Enneagram! 🌟 It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but it’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery and understanding others. Here’s a gentle approach to get you started: 1. **Learn the Basics** 📝: Start by learning about the 9 types. There are plenty of books, podcasts, and online resources that break down each type’s core motivations and fears. 2. **Self-Discovery First** 🔍: Try to determine your own type before diving into typing others. Understanding yourself can give you insights into how to relate better to your family members. 3. **Observing Patterns** 👀: As you learn about each type, observe the behaviors and motivations of your family members without making any assumptions. The Enneagram is deep, and it takes time to see underlying motivations. 4. **Share Resources** 📚: Introduce the concept to your family by sharing an article, book, or video that you found helpful. It can spark interest and open up discussions. 5. **Open Conversations** 💬: When you feel ready, have open discussions with your family about the Enneagram. Focus on how it can improve understanding and communication rather than labeling or diagnosing. 6. **Be Patient** ⏳: Remember, this is a journey. It’s okay if it takes time for everyone to understand and appreciate the process. Happy exploration! 🌈💕

Enneagram Forum Topics

Enneagram Test