Enneagram

At a spiritual companion training last week, we were led through the Enneagram, a personality system comprising 9 types. I was not too surprised when I reconfirmed my compulsion through the questionnaire. Some of the others doing it the first time were rather 'shocked' to discover theirs. I scored high for the number One type, described by some Enneagram teachers as the "Perfectionist". We are people who are useful when something needs to be done 'properly and responsibly' but can get on people's nerves by being too 'finicky' about getting things just right!!

I believe the following out of the whole list of characteristics of Type One apply to me - when I am under stress!!

Perfectionists

Has internal critic

Never enough time

Difficulty in relaxing

Task oriented

Strong expectations of self and others

Easily susceptible to guilt feelings

Resentful, out of touch with anger

It is amazing that God's grace 'redeems' us all .....out of our compulsions. In fact, we learn to laugh at ourselves - exposing the 'scary' shadow side so it does not go into hiding and jump out at the worst of moments as projections onto others!!

Bless the Lord O my soul

and bless his holy name

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion....

who satisfies you desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.