Our Creative Archetypes Series continues this week with Enneagram 2's "The Helper." Merideth chats with author Holly Oxhandler. Holly is the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and as a studio art minor in college, she embeds creativity into every aspect of her life and work. Merideth and Holly explore how to be a helper without burning out and seeing creativity as an act of self-care and connection.

Other 2 voices in the episode: piano teacher and podcaster Christina Whitlock and author/spiritual growth coach Stephanie Miller.

Invitation:

1. Put your oxygen mask on first. Write 3 pages of longhand stream of consciousness first thing upon waking. After you finish writing, step outside of yourself, re-read your pages and look for clues about what it is you need. What is one thing you could give to yourself today that you need? Be your own helper, mother, giver, or friend.

2. Having taken care of yourself, look at those around you and ask the same question. What needs do I see? How can I serve them personally— with a phone call or a bouquet of fresh flowers— or creatively—with a handmade card or homecooked meal? Use your creativity to find connection and collaboration, to comfort yourself and others.

Holly's website

Holly's newsletter

Holly's book

Jerome Lubbe's teaching

Connect with Christina Whitlock: Piano Instructor, Beyond Measure Podcast

Connect with Stephanie Miller: Author, Writing Coach, Spiritual Growth Coach

David Gate Enneagram Poem Postcards

Buy Merideth a Coffee

Register for the Artists for Joy enneagram workshop