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You never know when Life will hand you opportunities. 

The Narrative Enneagram (TNE) made a commitment in July 2019 as part of our Strategic Plan to create new online learning opportunities for our students over the next three years. Little did we know that we would be given the push we needed to work so quickly …

IN OUR INAUGURAL YEAR operating as The Narrative Enneagram (TNE), we engaged in the voluminous tasks and processes that a new nonprofit organization requires following the merger of two sisternonprofits – Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT) and Enneagram Association in the Narrative Tradition (EANT).

Where do you go to learn and grow yourself? Do you have a therapist, coach or spiritual director with whom you can tell yourself the truth? Do you have a physical place at church, in nature or at a yoga class where you can connect with yourself and the innocence of your true nature? Do you have a friend or loved one who can remind you to treat yourself kindly or give yourself permission to try a change?

In our sixth and final year as Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT), we enjoyed numerous successes and accomplishments. We presented 20 different programs in our Narrative Enneagram Curriculum in 2017, including four sessions for the Learning Communities in Dayton, OH and Menlo Park, CA. The heartfelt camaraderie, intimacy and embodied learning that takes place in these “safe containers” are a unique value in Enneagram study. We certified 18 Narrative Enneagram Teachers and Practitioners through our rigorous course of study and practice in the Enneagram Professional Training Program, and maintained relationships with international licensees in nine different countries.

I decided earlier this year that the best holiday gift I could offer my son and daughter-in-law was tuition to Enneagram Intensive 2.0. I spoke with them when they were finishing the second weekend. It was so encouraging to hear their curiosity and excitement about what they learned about themselves and other people. I hadn’t predicted that I would get such a wonderful gift back. In a world that often feels so full of divisiveness, discouragement and suffering, the work we do ignites a flame amidst the darkness, offering both warmth and light.

“The only constant is change” speaks volumes about how we have evolved over the last fiscal year. What started out as
 a bright idea and blueprint six years ago has been built with a firm foundation, now housing the treasured belongings of Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT).

It is my privilege and honor to be serving as ESNT’s president for 2017. I succeed Paul Strasburg, who has ably led our Board of Directors to become a well-functioning team. At our recent board retreat we could see, sense and feel that we are truly more than the sum of our parts. We have much work to do to ensure that we continue to be the vibrant and transformative organization that our mission and vision mandate.

Studying and training for the new CEP track has changed my relationship to my work for the good in unexpected ways.