Eric Wheeler

Deepening Your Spiritual Growth with the Enneagram

August 30 – Sept. 5    

The Enneagram is an ancient system of describing nine personality types, each with a different set of gifts and challenges (ennea means nine in Greek.)  It combines both psychology and spirituality in the search for self-awareness and acceptance.  Study of the Enneagram can improve relationships with family, friends, co-workers and self.  From a Christian perspective, it brings awareness to the barriers that we construct between ourselves and God’s grace.   

While numerous books and tests have been written on the subject, the topic is best learned in the narrative tradition.  Through a combination of video clips and invited guests, we will observe people talking about what it is like to think, feel and act from their point of view.  This will help us discover what our own pattern of attention is.

One of the most important distinctions of the Enneagram system compared to other personality typologies is this method helps us identify the underlying motivation that fuels our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  These motivations are often unconscious to us.

In my ministry as a spiritual director and in my own spiritual journey, I have found the enneagram an extremely valuable tool. It provides us with a way of naming what we always knew about ourselves, but could never quite get a handle on. And, without being able to describe our motivations or drives, most of us are less effective in transforming their power for good.

An ancient Chinese proverb says, "We only know a thing for the first time when we call it by its proper name." The enneagram offers "proper names" for our underlying drives. While the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is helpful, I find the enneagram much more useful not only in interpersonal relationships, but in my relationships with myself and God. So I am very glad that Eric is coming for this session with the enneagram. Join us for a stimulating, informative six days.
— Carl Koch, Director

As a teacher of the enneagram, his graduate students and seminar participants say . . .

• “Eric Wheeler is known to us as an enneagram teacher in a LaCrosse setting and as a presenter at our own site. He is an excellent presenter and knowledgeable about the subject. He is insightful in using the enneagram to draw people to recognize themselves and to understand their relationships with others.” — Reverends Galen and Helen Beth Kuhens – McGregor, Iowa
• “From a Christian perspective, I think the study of the enneagram can bring to awareness to the barriers that we construct between ourselves and God’s grace. Eric led a four week session for our church, which was very favorably received. His polished presentation style is both enjoyable and stimulating. He creates a safe environment for those who don’t mind sharing their stories with others.” — Jerilyn Dinsmoor, Co-Director of Christian Education, First Congregational UCC – La Crosse, WI

For more about Eric Wheeler and the enneagram, check out his website - www.ninepathways.net

For more on the enneagram, check out these useful websites and books:

“God’s grace keeps flowing toward us, yet we do all these things to keep it at bay. The enneagram has helped me notice what needs to get out of the way in order to invite God in.”   

“It has been the means for me to be able to accept other people just as they are.”

“It has helped me treat myself and others with more compassion.”

“It helps me recognize the barriers that I unconsciously create which prevent me from being fully present in the moment. A simple thing like catching myself about to interrupt because of an urge to control. Things like that.”