Dear Enneagram Community,

I am sending abundant love and strength to our diverse and international Enneagram community today. In a world often marked by traumatic events, it’s easy for many of us to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Recent events, such as the latest senseless shooting in the United States, remind us of the pain and suffering that exists globally. While some may find engaging with such painful realities too complicated, others may feel called to confront them head-on.

Let us remember that our individual energies contribute to the collective spirit of our world. If we are to cultivate a kinder and more compassionate planet, meaningful action is needed from wherever we are. The Enneagram teaches us the significance of presence and awareness, transforming our understanding of ourselves and each other. No matter your location, you are likely witnessing circumstances that provoke sorrow and conflict. The Enneagram invites us to look inward, deepening our capacity to resonate as forces for good in these challenging times.

I became inspired to write this message while listening to the BBC news in London. The previously mentioned tragedy made its way here. It heightened my awareness that there are so many current atrocities happening everywhere in our world that are resulting in needless pain, suffering, and death. While, unfortunately, there are too many to mention individually here, I know we are all united in our pain and our healing. The essence of our Enneagram community is that we share in this collective energy, encompassing an array of perspectives and experiences. When I stepped into my role as President of the IEA, my heartfelt mission was to weave us together as a supportive, caring community, transcending borders and fostering genuine connections. An atrocity anywhere is a shared experience for us everywhere.

We, as students and practitioners of the Enneagram—whether as educators, consultants, coaches, spiritual leaders, or enthusiasts—have embarked on this transformative journey together. We possess a powerful map illuminating the path to meaningful conversations and courageous action. Let us not shy away from being part of a healing community that equips us to address injustices and oppression where we encounter them.

I would ask you to consider how our inner work practice of the Enneagram can promote deeper connections and encourage us to step into each other’s shoes. Attend workshops celebrating our shared humanity or global forums amplifying diverse voices and perspectives. By exploring the nuances of our types in varied cultural contexts, we enrich our understanding and appreciation of one another. The IEA board members are constantly working toward creating opportunities for the Enneagram community to have more opportunities to participate with us in shaping the IEA today and for the future.

No action is too big or small when embodying our purpose and power with passion and love. Let us affirm our vital roles in humanity's ongoing narrative in a world that often tries to convince us that we are insignificant. Your actions matter deeply, and together, we can inspire hearts and minds toward love, compassion, and understanding, steering away from fear and division.

Let's choose to show up—for ourselves, each other, and the love of all humanity. Continue to study the Enneagram, practice presence, and let’s commit to building a global community rooted in support, understanding, and transformative change. We belong to each other—let us act with this knowledge and spread our love and light to every corner of the globe.