In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our two-part series on overcoming obstacles and challenges in life, focusing specifically on the obstacles posed by our own ego.  We delve into the teachings of George Gurdjieff and the concept of the "fourth way," which emphasizes the importance of the soul in navigating our three centers of intelligence: the head, heart, and body.

We discuss how the ego seeks control, validation, and security through these centers, but ultimately, these pursuits are fleeting and illusory. Instead, we explore how love—the universal law—infuses our experiences and helps us transcend the limitations of the ego. We reflect on the idea that true security and validation come from a connection to the divine, rather than external circumstances.

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the need to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. We also touch on the role of mindfulness and spiritual practices in helping us recognize our triggers and reconnect with the divine love that sustains us.

As we wrap up, we invite our listeners to reflect on the obstacles in their own lives and consider what truths they may reveal about their hearts. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you find inspiration in this exploration of love, ego, and personal growth.

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the theme of obstacles and how they can serve as profound teachers for our souls. We explore the idea that obstacles, while challenging, can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding.

Dr. Joe shares a personal story from his journey through a PhD program in clinical psychology, highlighting a particularly daunting course in multivariate statistical analysis. He reflects on how he initially felt overwhelmed but ultimately found solace in the belief that if it was meant for him, the divine would help him overcome this obstacle. This led to a surprising outcome on his final exam, which he describes as a spiritual event that reinforced his calling to serve others.

We discuss how obstacles can help us clarify our true desires and aspirations, emphasizing that they often prompt us to ask what we genuinely want in life. The conversation also touches on the collective obstacles faced by society, suggesting that these challenges can lead to greater truths and understanding.

Additionally, we introduce the concept of the "trickster," an archetype that can lead us to confront our own truths, often through moments of humiliation or unexpected realizations. We also address the inner critic, a common obstacle that many face, and emphasize the importance of seeking support to overcome its harsh judgments.

As we wrap up, we invite our listeners to reflect on a thought-provoking question: "When you face an obstacle, how does your heart receive love instead of shame?" We hope this episode inspires you to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and deeper connection with your true self. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to continuing this conversation in our next episode!

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound topic of peace, its connection to our soul child and how our early experiences shape our understanding of peace and how our ego can often lead us away from it.

Joe shares insights from his daily reflections, emphasizing that while life can be fraught with anxiety and conflict, our essence is inherently tied to peace, which is a quality of the soul. We discuss how each Enneagram type has its unique fixation that can obscure the peace that is already within us.

Scott reflects on his personal journey, highlighting the importance of self-love and acceptance in overcoming self-criticism, which can block our access to peace. We also touch on the significance of spiritual practices in reconnecting with our divine origin and embodying true peace rather than merely conceptualizing it.

To conclude, we invite our listeners to engage in a reflective inquiry: "What is it about love that makes you feel most alive? And how might embodying that love bring greater peace into your life and your relationships?" We hope this episode inspires you to reconnect with your inner peace and the love that flows through you. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to our next conversation!

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound topic of peace, a universal desire that transcends all Enneagram types and explore how peace is not merely a reaction to our circumstances but a deeper quality of the soul that can be accessed regardless of external chaos.

We begin by discussing Viktor Frankl's insights from his book Man's Search for Meaning, highlighting how he maintained a sense of peace even in the most horrific conditions of the Holocaust. This leads us to reflect on our own lives, where many of us struggle with anxiety and anger in response to the turmoil around us. Joe shares a personal story about losing his job and how he and his wife cultivated peace through gratitude, transforming their kitchen into a reminder of what they still had.

Scott adds to the conversation by emphasizing the importance of being present and how peace cannot be imposed but rather is an emergent quality. We discuss the challenges each Enneagram type faces in maintaining peace and the practices that can help, such as self-inquiry and mindfulness.

As we wrap up, we encourage our listeners to consider how they can cultivate peace in their own lives and relationships, especially in a world filled with conflict. We close with an inquiry for reflection: "How might you use your body, your breath, your posture, your stillness, as a doorway back to peace when your type's ego pattern disrupts it?"

Thank you for joining us today, and we hope this discussion inspires you to seek and nurture peace within yourself and your communities.

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of the three levels of soul development, focusing on the concept of the palpable soul. We delve into the significance of the I-Thou relationship, as introduced by theologian Martin Buber, which emphasizes honoring the soul of another person rather than merely engaging with their ego.

We reflect on our previous discussions about the obscured and emerging souls, noting how the obscured soul often views the world in a dualistic manner, while the emerging soul begins to experience moments of self-remembering and connection with others. Dr. Howell shares personal anecdotes about palpable souls he has encountered, highlighting the deep sense of love and spiritual hospitality they exude.

Scott emphasizes the importance of embodiment practices in developing our soulality, suggesting that awareness of our energy and presence can help us navigate our spiritual journeys. We discuss the necessity of community in soul development, recognizing that while individual practices are valuable, true growth often occurs in relationship with others.

As we conclude, we reflect on the hope we find in the growing awareness of spirituality in the world today, particularly through practices like yoga and meditation. We invite our listeners to engage with our community at the Institute for Conscious Being, encouraging them to explore their own paths toward soul development. Thank you for joining us in this enlightening conversation!

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of the three major levels of soul development as outlined in Dr. Joseph Howell's book, Know Your Soul, and we dive deeper into the concepts of the obscured soul and the emerging soul.

We begin by summarizing the obscured soul, which represents the starting point of many individuals on their spiritual journey. This stage is likened to a moon hidden by clouds, where the soul exists but is obscured by the unchecked ego. We discuss how suffering often prompts individuals to seek relief, leading them to uncover their true essence.

Next, we explore the emerging soul, which signifies a shift towards consciousness. This stage involves recognizing one's fixation and its impact on life, ultimately leading to a desire for peace and connection with the soul. We reflect on how our early experiences of love and peace shape our understanding of what it means to live authentically.

Scott shares insights on the struggle between ego and soul, emphasizing the importance of choice in our daily lives. We discuss the challenges of navigating this conflict and the significance of surrendering to the soul, especially during times of crisis. The conversation touches on the cultural context that often prioritizes ego over soul, highlighting the need for a collective shift towards deeper spiritual awareness.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the role of relationships in soul development. We discuss how emerging souls can support those in the obscured stage by sharing their experiences and being present for others. The importance of genuine connection and the power of presence in conversations are underscored as vital practices for fostering understanding and healing.

As we wrap up, we acknowledge the ongoing journey of soul development and the hope that comes from recognizing our shared humanity. We invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they can contribute to a more soulful world. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to continuing this important conversation in our next episode.

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the concept of soul development, a central theme from the book Know Your Soul. We explore the three major levels of soul development, starting with the first level, which we refer to as the "obscured soul."

Dr. Howell shares insights on how this level represents an unawakened state, where distractions, ego, and various fears obscure our true essence. He emphasizes that many people live in this obscured state, unaware of the beauty and potential of their souls. We discuss how suffering often acts as a catalyst for awakening, prompting individuals to question their assumptions and seek deeper understanding.

The conversation touches on the role of the "trickster," a concept introduced by Carl Jung, which highlights how our subconscious can push us to confront our inner challenges. Both Scott and Dr. Howell share personal experiences of how anxiety and suffering have led them to explore their souls more deeply, ultimately recognizing that true peace and joy come from connecting with our inner selves rather than clinging to ego-driven pursuits.

As we wrap up, we acknowledge that while the journey of soul development is ongoing, glimpses of our true selves can provide hope and encouragement. We look forward to continuing this discussion in our next episode, where we will explore the next level of soul development, the "emerging soul." Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found value in our conversation.

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming our friend and local sound healer, Danielle Hall, the founder of Sound Embrace. Danielle shared her inspiring journey from a career in commercial photography to discovering the transformative power of sound healing after facing significant health challenges.

She opened up about her skepticism towards alternative therapies and how a health crisis at the age of 28 led her to explore new avenues for wellness, ultimately guiding her to sound healing. Danielle explained what a sound bath is and how it can help individuals regulate their nervous systems, reduce stress, and facilitate their own healing.

Throughout our conversation, we discussed the importance of curiosity in exploring health and wellness, and how sound healing can create a space for individuals to connect with their inner selves. Danielle emphasized that sound healing is not just about spirituality; it can also be a scientific approach to well-being that anyone can benefit from, regardless of their beliefs.

We also touched on the emotional responses that can arise during sound baths, highlighting that these experiences are opportunities for self-discovery and healing. Danielle shared her personal experience of overcoming a car accident that injured her and destroyed her crystal singing bowls, illustrating her resilience and commitment to her practice.

As we wrapped up, Danielle provided insights on how sound healing helps individuals connect with their souls by fostering presence and awareness in a fast-paced world. We encourage our listeners to explore her work through her website, Sound Embrace, and to consider participating in her sound healing sessions or certification programs.

Thank you for joining us in this enlightening conversation, and we hope you feel inspired to embrace curiosity in your own journey!

To learn more about Danielle and her offerings, visit: soundembrace.com

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Jennifer Joss, a psychologist and leadership coach who has been using the Enneagram in her work for many years. Dr. Joss shared her journey with the Enneagram, which began in 1993, and her recent deep dive into understanding the Enneagram symbol itself.

She discussed how her exploration was sparked by a transformative experience during a workshop led by Uranio Paes, where she felt a profound connection to the Enneagram as a map for personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Joss emphasized the importance of the Enneagram's three laws— the law of one, the law of three, and the law of seven— and how they reflect universal patterns of creation and renewal.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the idea that the Enneagram is not just a tool for understanding personality types but a deeper symbol that can guide us toward wholeness and integration. Dr. Joss highlighted the significance of holding paradoxes and the necessity of coming apart in order to experience a new level of being.

We also touched on her coaching approach, which she describes as hermetic philosophy, focusing on distilling truths from various spiritual and philosophical traditions. Dr. Joss expressed her desire to create a workbook to make her insights more accessible and practical for those looking to navigate their own journeys.

This episode was rich with insights and reflections on how the Enneagram can serve as a powerful tool for personal transformation and understanding our interconnectedness. We hope you enjoy this enlightening discussion and find inspiration in Dr. Joss's journey and insights.

To learn more about Dr. Joss and her offerings, visit: jumpingcurves.com

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue to delve into the theme of "Know Your Soul," exploring the profound benefits of understanding our deeper selves, beyond the confines of our surface personalities. Joined by my co-hosts Scott Smith and Dr. Joseph Howell, we discuss the pervasive divisiveness in today's world, particularly in the realms of politics and personal relationships.

We reflect on how our egos often trap us in cycles of judgment and conflict, making it challenging to engage with those who hold differing views. Joe shares a personal story about overcoming his ego's resistance to connect with someone who had harmed his family, illustrating the power of approaching others from a place of soul rather than ego.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of curiosity and receptivity in our interactions. We highlight that true listening involves being open to being changed by others, fostering empathy and understanding even in the most volatile discussions.

Ultimately, we recognize the power of being present and reverent to one another and open in our interactions, even when faced with challenging perspectives. Our hope is that by embracing these principles, together, we can contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to continuing this journey of consciousness together.

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info