The Enneagram

I attended a retreat last week-end with the topic “A Journey to Personal Growth” at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City. The retreat was organized by my community - Light of Jesus Family. Its main objectives are: a) to examine the dynamics of our own personality; (b) increase self-understanding and in understanding others; and (c) Reflect on one’s life experiences so that we may become more deeply aware of the forces that shape our being and examine God’s purpose in the events of one’s life. In its entirety, I can say that the retreat was successful!

We use the Enneagram Self-Test to determine our dominant traits among the nine (9) personality types, which are: 1) the Perfectionist; (2) the Helper; (3) the Achiever; (4) the Artist; (5) the Observer; (6) the Supporter; (7) the Optimist; ( 8 ) the Leader; and (9) the PeaceMaker. I am one of the Sevens – the Optimist. Before the test, I thought I am one of the Eights or Threes or Ones. Yes, I am in some way a leader, an achiever, and a perfectionist but these were only my secondary traits. After taking the test, it turned out that I am more of Sevens. It’s my dominant trait. To convince you, just take a look at the character traits of Sevens below:

Type 7: The Optimist

The busy, productive type. Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical. They can also misapply their  many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience, and impulsiveness. At their best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Can't explain further about Enneagram Test. If you are interested, try to google it (I find a lot of information in the net when I once tried to search about it.) About the retreat, all I can say is that: "It is worth taking it!" I especially like the activity that night when we were formed in a group and assigned an "LOJ Counselor" (those whom you speak with when you call at LOJ's Counselling Hotline) for each group. They were great (especially Sis. Evelyn who was assigned to our group.) After hearing our stories and allowing us to outpour "anything" that bothers us, they also prayed over us. There's also a moment of silence for prayers and meditations. In a nutshell, everything seems perfect! I like the experience and the encounter... encountering my true-self (and being open about myself without any mask) which is the first step for personal growth.