As human beings, we are all connected, but Dr. Deborah Egerton (or Dr. “E” as she’s known) believes we’re moving away from each other — not physically, but socially and spiritually. “Our society contains silos of similarities, and our families are increasingly divided by politics and beliefs,” said Dr. E.
“Our communities struggle with the acceptance of our ever-expanding diversity which culminates in our own lives becoming compartmentalized into acceptable paradigms. We are faced with so many divides because we have forgotten the connection to our hearts.”
From her perspective, as we learn to restore and strengthen our heart connections, we will acknowledge more similarities — and differences — as beautiful “complexities” and a “rich tapestry of humanity.”
In advance of her upcoming workshop, Dr. E shared with me the alignment of our inner work with exploring the enneagram for transformation of the whole of… Us.
Christine Chen: How does healing relate to the Enneagram approach?
Dr. Egerton: When the work is honored and continued beyond self-reflection, its wisdom extends into our spiritual growth and touches the world. The Enneagram teaches us how to heal our own wounds by illuminating our blind spots and showing us what we are really up to when we show up in the world. We become more open and accepting that we all see the world through 9 different lenses as we begin to heal by doing our inner work. Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being — this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Our concept of IDEA — inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism — how does it intersect with Enneagram work?
DE: If we truly intend to repair the divides our world currently faces, we must start with ourselves. The Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being—this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Who are the “types” to guide healing across our differences?
DE: Every “type” or Point within the Enneagram has the capacity to actively engage in healing across differences and ultimately contribute to a unified reconnection across our divides. There are inherent gifts found within each of the nine Enneagram personality “types” — remember we have all nine types within us and we lead with our dominant Enneagram energy — and we can harness the gifts from every Point as we become engaged Advocates and Allies in healing and reconnecting our fractured society.
CC: Much of this work includes work around “othering” — can you describe the potential healing impact of Enneagram work?
DE: IDEA work is not sustainable without having an ongoing relationship with and dedicated practice for “doing the work.” You need to surface your inherent biases, internal wounds, and trauma to build the capacity to go through the fire without being consumed.
“Othering” is the process of assigning meaning and perceived value to a group of people based on some dimension of their diversity (assumed race and ethnicity, gender and sexual diversity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, geographical location, physical and mental ability, skin tone, culture, compounded with the stereotypes, biases, and unconscious patterns ingrained into the societal perception).
When viewed through the lens of the Enneagram, race as a social construct, the effects of systemic discrimination based on all dimensions of diversity, and subsequently how we have all been gaslighted into accepting this as our reality becomes painfully clear.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Dr. E's workshop, Know Justice Know Peace: A Transformative Journey of Healing Humanity Through the Power of the Enneagram, is June 13-17, 2022.
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
As human beings, we are all connected, but Dr. Deborah Egerton (or Dr. “E” as she’s known) believes we’re moving away from each other — not physically, but socially and spiritually. “Our society contains silos of similarities, and our families are increasingly divided by politics and beliefs,” said Dr. E.
“Our communities struggle with the acceptance of our ever-expanding diversity which culminates in our own lives becoming compartmentalized into acceptable paradigms. We are faced with so many divides because we have forgotten the connection to our hearts.”
From her perspective, as we learn to restore and strengthen our heart connections, we will acknowledge more similarities — and differences — as beautiful “complexities” and a “rich tapestry of humanity.”
In advance of her upcoming workshop, Dr. E shared with me the alignment of our inner work with exploring the enneagram for transformation of the whole of… Us.
Christine Chen: How does healing relate to the Enneagram approach?
Dr. Egerton: When the work is honored and continued beyond self-reflection, its wisdom extends into our spiritual growth and touches the world. The Enneagram teaches us how to heal our own wounds by illuminating our blind spots and showing us what we are really up to when we show up in the world. We become more open and accepting that we all see the world through 9 different lenses as we begin to heal by doing our inner work. Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being — this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Our concept of IDEA — inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism — how does it intersect with Enneagram work?
DE: If we truly intend to repair the divides our world currently faces, we must start with ourselves. The Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being—this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Who are the “types” to guide healing across our differences?
DE: Every “type” or Point within the Enneagram has the capacity to actively engage in healing across differences and ultimately contribute to a unified reconnection across our divides. There are inherent gifts found within each of the nine Enneagram personality “types” — remember we have all nine types within us and we lead with our dominant Enneagram energy — and we can harness the gifts from every Point as we become engaged Advocates and Allies in healing and reconnecting our fractured society.
CC: Much of this work includes work around “othering” — can you describe the potential healing impact of Enneagram work?
DE: IDEA work is not sustainable without having an ongoing relationship with and dedicated practice for “doing the work.” You need to surface your inherent biases, internal wounds, and trauma to build the capacity to go through the fire without being consumed.
“Othering” is the process of assigning meaning and perceived value to a group of people based on some dimension of their diversity (assumed race and ethnicity, gender and sexual diversity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, geographical location, physical and mental ability, skin tone, culture, compounded with the stereotypes, biases, and unconscious patterns ingrained into the societal perception).
When viewed through the lens of the Enneagram, race as a social construct, the effects of systemic discrimination based on all dimensions of diversity, and subsequently how we have all been gaslighted into accepting this as our reality becomes painfully clear.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Dr. E's workshop, Know Justice Know Peace: A Transformative Journey of Healing Humanity Through the Power of the Enneagram, is June 13-17, 2022.
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
As human beings, we are all connected, but Dr. Deborah Egerton (or Dr. “E” as she’s known) believes we’re moving away from each other — not physically, but socially and spiritually. “Our society contains silos of similarities, and our families are increasingly divided by politics and beliefs,” said Dr. E.
“Our communities struggle with the acceptance of our ever-expanding diversity which culminates in our own lives becoming compartmentalized into acceptable paradigms. We are faced with so many divides because we have forgotten the connection to our hearts.”
From her perspective, as we learn to restore and strengthen our heart connections, we will acknowledge more similarities — and differences — as beautiful “complexities” and a “rich tapestry of humanity.”
In advance of her upcoming workshop, Dr. E shared with me the alignment of our inner work with exploring the enneagram for transformation of the whole of… Us.
Christine Chen: How does healing relate to the Enneagram approach?
Dr. Egerton: When the work is honored and continued beyond self-reflection, its wisdom extends into our spiritual growth and touches the world. The Enneagram teaches us how to heal our own wounds by illuminating our blind spots and showing us what we are really up to when we show up in the world. We become more open and accepting that we all see the world through 9 different lenses as we begin to heal by doing our inner work. Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being — this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Our concept of IDEA — inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism — how does it intersect with Enneagram work?
DE: If we truly intend to repair the divides our world currently faces, we must start with ourselves. The Enneagram provides a detailed guide for inner work and allows us to move out of a “me and mine” mentality and into an “us and ours” way of being—this is the framework for accelerating a cognitive shift into mindfulness at an individual level which can help us to become more present to how we show up in the world in relation to “other” human beings.
CC: Who are the “types” to guide healing across our differences?
DE: Every “type” or Point within the Enneagram has the capacity to actively engage in healing across differences and ultimately contribute to a unified reconnection across our divides. There are inherent gifts found within each of the nine Enneagram personality “types” — remember we have all nine types within us and we lead with our dominant Enneagram energy — and we can harness the gifts from every Point as we become engaged Advocates and Allies in healing and reconnecting our fractured society.
CC: Much of this work includes work around “othering” — can you describe the potential healing impact of Enneagram work?
DE: IDEA work is not sustainable without having an ongoing relationship with and dedicated practice for “doing the work.” You need to surface your inherent biases, internal wounds, and trauma to build the capacity to go through the fire without being consumed.
“Othering” is the process of assigning meaning and perceived value to a group of people based on some dimension of their diversity (assumed race and ethnicity, gender and sexual diversity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, geographical location, physical and mental ability, skin tone, culture, compounded with the stereotypes, biases, and unconscious patterns ingrained into the societal perception).
When viewed through the lens of the Enneagram, race as a social construct, the effects of systemic discrimination based on all dimensions of diversity, and subsequently how we have all been gaslighted into accepting this as our reality becomes painfully clear.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Dr. E's workshop, Know Justice Know Peace: A Transformative Journey of Healing Humanity Through the Power of the Enneagram, is June 13-17, 2022.
Christine Chen is a two-time Emmy winning journalist, best-selling author, California native, and senior teacher of yoga and Ayurveda.
Esalen Institute
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Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
