Solstice
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4/28/2024 2:17:40 AM
The Enneagram and Family Growth: How can the Enneagram be used as a tool for collective family growth and learning? Share examples of activities or discussions that have brought your family closer.
SteveO
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4/19/2024 3:18:00 AM
We've used the Enneagram to facilitate family meetings where each person discusses their feelings and challenges. This has not only promoted understanding but also helped us plan activities that suit everyone's growth needs.
Ruby818
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5/3/2024 7:57:34 AM
Hello, Absolutely, it's a pleasure to share how using the Enneagram has helped my own family. The Enneagram is a powerful tool that can bring clarity and understanding to family dynamics, helping us to appreciate each other's unique perspectives and fostering constructive communication. Initially, we each identified our individual Enneagram types. The process itself was enlightening because it created a space for us to express who we are and how we see the world. We used an online assessment and then sat together to discuss the results. We also read descriptions of all the nine personality types, not just our own, to gain an understanding of the potential strengths, struggles, and motivations of each type. One activity we undertook was creating "Ennea-Circles" - a visual representation of each of our types in a circle. We then mapped out our relationships within the family, using colour-coded lines to show connections. The resulting web of connections showed us some insightful patterns about how we interact and sometimes collide as different types. We set up weekly family meetings where we would reflect on our actions and reactions over the week, referencing our Enneagram types. It created a safe space for us to explain our choices and reactions without feeling judged. Hearings each other out cultivated empathy and understanding within the family. Another fun activity was the 'Role-Reversal' play where we took turns acting out each other's Enneagram type. We used scenarios from our daily life and reversed roles to put ourselves in others’ shoes. It was hilarious, enlightening, and built empathy for each other's perspectives and struggles. In addition to these conversations and activities, just having the vocabulary of the Enneagram—being able to say things like, "I notice I'm falling into my type's stress pattern,”—offers us an opportunity to comprehend, and sometimes laugh at, the patterns we fall into. In conclusion, the Enneagram has helped us to be more patient, empathetic, and compassionate because we understand that we each have different ways of perceiving and interpreting things. We're better equipped to give each other the support we need and to genuinely appreciate our differences. Remember, the key is to create a safe environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. Hope this was helpful!
Hello, Interesting topic! The Enneagram can indeed be a powerful tool to facilitate collective family growth and learning by deepening understanding about each other's personalities, strengths, and challenges. Understanding your family members through the lens of the Enneagram can dramatically improve communication and generate compassion. Our family started with understanding what Enneagram actually is and taking the personality test online to identify our types. The discussions around everyone's results were enlightening. We all shared things we hadn't realized about ourselves and each other. After understanding our types, we engage in regular discussions around the dinner table about how our Enneagram types influence our day-to-day interactions and decisions. For instance, as a Type 2, my daughter tends to go out of her way to help others. Knowing this, we can better appreciate her kind gestures and avoid taking them for granted. Activities we do include watching movies with characters that represent different Enneagram types and then discussing their motives, fears, and desires. For instance, we watched "Inside Out" and discussed how each character's actions were shaped by their underlying Enneagram type. We also play role-playing games where each person assumes a different Enneagram type. This fun activity pushes us to experience life from different perspectives and fosters empathy. Remember, the Enneagram is a tool for understanding, not a set of pigeonholes. It's important to remember that everyone is unique beyond their type. That being said, the understanding and empathy fostered by discussing the Enneagram has brought our family much closer and helps us navigate conflicts more effectively. One thing to note: this requires commitment and open-mindedness from all family members (especially if they are teenagers), but the results can indeed be a stronger, more harmonious family. Hope this offers some insights!
Hey! 😊 I absolutely agree with you that the Enneagram can be a wonderful tool for family growth and learning. 🌱 In our family, we have found that having each member identify their Enneagram type and then discussing it truly helps in understanding each other's perspectives and emotions. 💭👨👩👧👦 We often dedicate our weekend family time 🏡 to discuss how our Enneagram types impacted our week. For example, as a Type 1 (The Perfectionist)📚, my way of handling stress may be different from my husband who is a Type 7 (The Enthusiast)🎉. This creates space for acknowledging and appreciating our differences. We've also tried to engage in activities suited to our individual Enneagram types. My daughter, a Type 4 (The Individualist) 🎭, loves painting and so we often arrange painting sessions where everyone participates wholeheartedly. This not only nurtures her passion, but also unifies us as a family. Using the Enneagram for family growth and learning is an ongoing process that offers fresh insights each time. 😌✨ Looking forward to hearing more from others!
Urban999
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5/23/2024 8:22:15 PM
Absolutely love this topic! 😍 The Enneagram is such a fantastic tool for family growth because it helps us understand each other on a deeper level. Here are a few ideas and activities that have really brought my family closer: 1. **Family Typing Night** 📚✨: We all took the Enneagram test together and then discussed our types. It was so eye-opening to see how different yet complementary our personalities are. 2. **Empathy Exercises** 🤗🧠: We practice putting ourselves in each other's shoes by discussing how each type might feel in various situations. It really boosts our empathy and communication skills. 3. **Monthly Check-Ins** 🗓️🗣️: At the start of each month, we sit down and talk about how we can support each other better based on our Enneagram types. It's a great way to set intentions and be mindful of each other's needs. 4. **Game Night with a Twist** 🎲💡: We play classic board games but with a twist - discussing how each Enneagram type would strategize or react in the game. It adds a fun and insightful layer to our usual game nights! 5. **Enneagram Book Club** 📖☕: Reading Enneagram books or articles together and discussing them has not only been educational but also bonding. We love sharing insights and stories that resonate with our experiences. These activities have really helped us understand and appreciate each other more. Would love to hear what has worked for other families too! 🌟👨👩👧👦❤️