How does knowledge of types help you be more skillful in your personal and professional relationships?
Do you behave in different ways with different types or prefer certain types over others? What typology do you like to use? How has learning your own type helped you to understand the way you show up in the world?
I love the way Deida takes these notions of masculine and feminine deeper, seemingly right to the edge of where the infinite and finite meet; basically, he seems to be saying that as soon as there is anything distinct from something else, there is masculine and feminine. That is, as soon as there is a Witness, and that which is witnessed, or seen, then there is masculine and feminine.
Given his little experiment, I would definitely say that I lean towards a Witnessing type...which I suppose would be an ascending type -- a focus on Eros rather than Agape.
That said, this area of inquiry seems over my head experientially, which suggests more need for embodied practice! (and thus the feminine, in a way). And yet, it would seem to me that the masculine is also associated with taking action...agency...and in order to undertake the kinds of practice Deida talks about, I would need a stronger sense of agency (i.e. to get myself to the workshop while still dealing with other life demands). Whereas, in this regard, I seem to be a stronger "communion" type than "agency" type. So, I see my "type" as vertically "Eros" but horizontally, "communion".
Without question, the knowledge of the enneagram types has improved my working and intimate relationships more than any other system or technique. The real power is in the self-awareness that comes out of the system. But let's talk about the understanding of what emotionally triggers others, how they see the world, and what they need to trust you.
I have a wife who is a type Eight on the Enneagram and I coach many eights in the business world. They are high power, intense people who value directness. In my relationships with them I tend to crank up my energy to meet theirs (this tends to make them feel safe) and I don't pull my punches. This quickly earns respect and allows us to resolve disputes with more ease.
I used to be fearful of their power and anger but as I came to understand that they are hiding a vulnerable child underneath all the bravado it allowed me to see through the bluster and connect with the innocent inside. Life changing stuff!
.jpg)
Please Log in to Vote.
1 out of 1 members found this useful.
Types in personal and professional relationships
Posted August 26th, 2008 by Durwin FosterI love the way Deida takes these notions of masculine and feminine deeper, seemingly right to the edge of where the infinite and finite meet; basically, he seems to be saying that as soon as there is anything distinct from something else, there is masculine and feminine. That is, as soon as there is a Witness, and that which is witnessed, or seen, then there is masculine and feminine.
Given his little experiment, I would definitely say that I lean towards a Witnessing type...which I suppose would be an ascending type -- a focus on Eros rather than Agape.
That said, this area of inquiry seems over my head experientially, which suggests more need for embodied practice! (and thus the feminine, in a way). And yet, it would seem to me that the masculine is also associated with taking action...agency...and in order to undertake the kinds of practice Deida talks about, I would need a stronger sense of agency (i.e. to get myself to the workshop while still dealing with other life demands). Whereas, in this regard, I seem to be a stronger "communion" type than "agency" type. So, I see my "type" as vertically "Eros" but horizontally, "communion".
--
Durwin Foster, M.A.
durwinfoster@gmail.com