This class provides a thorough groundwork for understanding and utilizing the Enneagram Personality system. Ennea is Greek for "9" and the Enneagram describes nine personality types; how we develop ingrained patterns of behavior from the standpoint of where our attention goes and what drives our thoughts, actions and feelings. It is the "why" behind the "what" of our behavior. It reveals the blind spots we often project on other people and works with identifying our habit of emotion(passion), our habit of attention(mental fixation), avoidances, characteristics and defense mechanisms that hold the type in place.

We examine the relationship between the personality self and the inner/core self with its permanent essential qualities of the life force(the Virtues) and of being itself(the Holy Ideas). It also provides and overview/introduction of the paths and practices that lead toward integration.

Methods include teaching, exercises and brief panel interviews with class participants. The Essential Enneagram by Dr. David Daniels is used to assist participants to identify their own Enneagram personality type. This basic course is highly recommended as preparation for all of the continuing Enneagram programs.  

The defense system is made up of unconscious habits that serve to protect our view of ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. The awareness and loosening of these defensive barriers leads to greater spiritual, psychological and emotional freedom.

The objectives of this course are to deepen our understanding and awareness of the habits of emotion and how the defense mechanism, avoidance and projection of one's worldview support the habits of emotion of each of the Types. Class format is highly interactive and includes exercises, practices, and dialogue that awaken the intuitive knowing of the Inner Observer and qualities of the life force. Topics include the passion, Virtue, defense mechanism, projection and avoidance of each of the Enneagram types.

The Holy Ideas are qualities of Being itself, and can be recognized and experienced in spiritual experience. Using images of the Holy Ideas and the symbolic meanings they evoke, we will explore the Holy Idea of our own Type and invoke its presence in everyday life. We will also explore our experience from the perspective of Holy Love, Holy Faith, and Holy Hope, and their effect on our worldview.  

This class enters into an examination of the reality and validity of intuitive knowing. Methods will include meditation, guided imagery, inquiry exercises, dialogue and journaling.

The Enneagram of Emergence: Exploring the Higher Aspects.

Panels are made up of individuals of each personality type and are led by AEA Professional Members. Experience the wisdom that comes from the community. The weekly class is open to all who are interested. It is not necessary to have attended Russ' workshop to come to this four-week class.

Understanding one's subtype is valuable in relationships and clarifies one's understanding of their own type as well as that of those with whom they are in relationship.

Using teaching, exercises and brief panel interview with class participants, students can expect to identify their subtype and deepen their understanding of how their behavior is influenced by their instinctual drives.

The Enneagram System's 27 Personality Subtypes by Beatrice Chestnut is used to help participants identify and understand their Subtype behavior. The class is taught in a one day format. Recommended preparation for this class: Foundations of the Enneagram of Personality Types.