Posts Categorized: Enneagram Narrative Programs

In recognition of the growing public outcry around systemic racism and police violence, TNE posted a call-to-action statement last month about our commitment to anti-racism, social justice and equity for all people. 

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 …

I recently read a news analysis in the New York Times titled “Why Zoom is Terrible.”  Author Kate Murphy’s message asserts that video meeting applications, although necessary today, can make you feel awkward, and that video conferencing makes you feel isolated and anxious. She argues that images are blotchy and blurring, audio is out-of-sync with the video, and “video chats have been shown to inhibit ‘trust’ because we can’t look one another in the eye.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’d like to take a moment to share my gratitude for my new role as Executive Director for The Narrative Enneagram (TNE). It’s been about a month since I began my tenure. I’ve been very busy learning my new role, meeting almost constantly with an incredibly professional and dedicated staff, Core Faculty and Board of Directors. And, now I’m beginning to meet with partners and supporters. What an incredible organization and thriving community with so many inspiring stories of transformation!

In 1998 I attended my first Narrative Enneagram class. I knew the basics of the Enneagram and thought that I might be a Type One, but I wasn’t sure. During the class, the teachers explained that a Type One was a body type. Ha! I thought that couldn’t be right – I must be a head type! The voice in my head was constant, always active – judging what I was doing, checking how things were going, always looking at others. And, by the way, what is a body type? I didn’t understand, and thought the teachers must be wrong.

I have the privilege of teaching the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition, following students in our certification tracks as they complete their internships, and witnessing their final interviews. I do not use the word privilege lightly. I am inspired by the diligence and growth that I witness during this process. To watch their wisdom and embodiment grow professionally and in their personal lives is astonishing.

More than three months have already passed since I began my tenure as Executive Director of Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT)! My days have been filled with learning my new role, understanding all of the organization’s moving parts, and interfacing with staff members, the Core Faculty and Board of Directors. Although we are a small nonprofit, I am in awe of the high level of sophistication, professionalism and teamwork that is carried out daily to ensure that ESNT is meeting its mission to refine and advance Narrative Tradition programs and curriculum.

After careful deliberation and with sadness in my heart, I have requested a leave of absence from my teaching engagements for ESNT, effective August 15, and will need to postpone my other Enneagram workshops. It is my deepest wish and intention to return to teaching the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition as soon as I can.

The first video in our new series of free webinars is now available to watch online until April 25. The recent “Enneagram in Your Life: The Heart Center” webinar was facilitated by Core Faculty member Renée Rosario, hosted by ESNT Social Media Manager Elizabeth Elkins Newcomer, and featured three delightful Heart Centered panelists.

Long a student of the Enneagram, I traveled to Menlo Park, CA in July and August 2015 to extend and formalize my studies, with the intention of becoming certified by Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT) in both the teacher and professional tracks. My expectations of attending classes, fulfilling requirements of the programs, and becoming certified all quickly morphed into something much more comprehensive.