The Real Enneagram, a Podcast by the Institute for Conscious Being

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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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Finlayson, actor, and creator of Dancing the Enneagram and UnDance. Kate shared her transformative journey, which began in Hollywood as an actor and evolved through her experiences with the Enneagram, Nia, dance, and various healing practices.

Kate recounted her introduction to the Enneagram in 1996 and how it profoundly impacted her relationships. She emphasized the importance of integrating physical movement and music with the Enneagram types, which she now teaches through her unique dance movement classes called UnDance. These classes focus on helping individuals connect with their bodies and emotions, allowing for a deeper experience of their authentic selves.

Throughout our conversation, Kate reflected on her healing journey, discussing the challenges of chronic pain and how movement has played a crucial role in her recovery. She highlighted the significance of being present in the body and the balance between the head, heart, and body centers of intelligence in the Enneagram.

We also explored the evolution of Kate's acting career, noting how her approach to theater has changed since embracing the Enneagram and embodiment practices. She now experiences a greater sense of freedom and connection with her audience, focusing on the joy of sharing stories rather than seeking validation.

Kate's insights into the Enneagram, healing, and the power of movement were both inspiring and enlightening. We are grateful for her presence and the wisdom she shared, and we look forward to having her back on the podcast in the future.

Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found this episode as enriching as we did!

To learn more about Kate and her offerings, including Dancing the Enneagram and UnDance, visit: katefinlayson.com

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we welcomed back our own Reverend Dr. Drexel Rayford, a senior faculty member at the Institute for Conscious Being. Our conversation centered around the discipline of silence and its profound role in contemplation, as well as the tenacity of the ego and its resistance to what it perceives as its diminishment.

Drexel shared a poignant story from his graduate school days that highlighted the essence of spiritual maturity, emphasizing the importance of humility and the acknowledgment of not knowing. We explored how silence can create space for the soul to flourish, allowing us to listen to a deeper presence beyond our constant thoughts and ego-driven chatter.

We also delved into the complexities of self-forgiveness, discussing how the ego often struggles to see itself as part of the problem in interpersonal conflicts. Drexel reflected on his own journey of understanding and forgiving himself for past actions, recognizing that we are all shaped by our experiences and the systems around us.

Throughout the episode, we highlighted the contrast between the ego's judgment and the soul's curiosity, encouraging listeners to embrace their shadows and the interconnectedness of our human experiences. Drexel's insights reminded us that true spiritual growth comes from surrendering control and allowing our souls to guide us toward healing and authenticity.

We hope you find this conversation as enriching as we did, and we invite you to join us in exploring these themes further in your own lives. Thank you for listening!

To hear Drexel's music, including "Nine Prayers of the Soul" and "The Seeking Soul," visit: vagrantschapel.com

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the theme of meditation, specifically focusing on a "know-your-soul" meditation. Joe shares his insights on the importance of understanding our essence and soul, emphasizing that our true identity goes beyond the mind.

We discuss Joe's personal journey with meditation, recalling his first experience at a study group during his time as a graduate student at Yale. He reflects on how meditation has transformed his life, allowing him to find stillness amidst the chaos of daily life.

Joe also touches on Heartfulness meditation, a practice that emphasizes the heart as the primary organ for connecting with our soul. He recounts his experiences at an ashram in India, where he learned this unique approach to meditation.

Before guiding us through a meditation session, Joe offers valuable advice for those new to meditation or returning after a break. He encourages a gentle approach, emphasizing relaxation and the importance of being present without expectations.

We conclude the episode with a guided meditation that invites listeners to connect with their inner selves, embodying aspects such as compassion, creativity, wisdom, and joy. This meditation serves as a reminder of the wholeness and serenity that can be accessed through mindful practice.

Thank you for joining us today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends and family.

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we delve into the profound ways the Enneagram can help us understand our souls during moments of daily struggle. Co-hosts Dr. Joe Howell, Nanette Mudiam, and Scott Smith discuss how, while many people are drawn to the Enneagram through a critical mass of suffering, the Enneagram is also brilliant at helping us navigate the smaller, day to day challenges that life throws at us.

We explore these everyday challenges that can lead to small sufferings, such as losing keys or dealing with family dynamics, and how these situations can trigger our ego patterns. Dr. Joe shares a personal story about losing his keys at the gym, illustrating how stress can cloud our judgment and lead us to blame others or ourselves. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ego's narratives and how they can distort our perception of reality.

The conversation shifts to how the soul can guide us through these challenges by encouraging us to ask what we can learn from our experiences. We discuss the significance of virtues and holy ideas in helping us respond to life's difficulties with awareness and compassion, rather than falling back into our ego's traps.

Ultimately, we remind our listeners that the Enneagram is not just a tool for understanding ourselves but a means to navigate the complexities of daily life with greater consciousness. We hope this episode inspires you to apply the wisdom of the Enneagram in your own daily struggles and to recognize the opportunities for growth that lie within them. Thank you for joining us!

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. David Gruder, a self described "recovering psychologist and professional troublemaker." Dr. Gruder shared his unique perspective on the Enneagram and how he integrates it into his work with leaders across various industries, including government and business.

We explored his five-step Enneagram Strategy, which helps individuals identify their primary Enneagram type, nuance their understanding of subtypes and wings, heal core wounds, appreciate the strengths of other types, and ultimately transcend their primary type to access the "superpowers" of all nine Enneagram types.

Dr. Gruder also discussed the importance of understanding one's core wounds, using his own experience as an Enneagram 1 as an example. He emphasized the significance of healing childhood wounds and how they shape our adult behaviors and interactions.

A key theme of our conversation was the evolution of the marketplace, moving from a focus on products to experiences, and now towards a transcendent marketplace that prioritizes spiritual development. Dr. Gruder highlighted the role of integrity in leadership and how it connects to being a whole and complete person.

We also delved into the importance of the lover archetype in the workplace, particularly in the context of HR, and how leaders can create a culture that values both beingness and doingness. Dr. Gruder provided insights on how to help leaders embrace their vulnerabilities and the necessity of balancing different archetypal energies for effective leadership.

Finally, we discussed Dr. Gruder's offerings, including his role as a fractional chief people officer and his resources for male leaders seeking to elevate their leadership skills. His books, The Nimble C-Suite and The Nimble Company, focus on fostering innovation and resilience in business.  More information about Dr. Gruder's offerings can be found at drgruder.com.

We hope you enjoyed this enlightening conversation and gained valuable insights into the Enneagram and its application in personal and professional development. Thank you for listening!

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we had the pleasure of welcoming special guests Theresa Hubbard and Walker Bird, who shared their unique journey into the realm of self-discovery and inner knowing. We engaged in a deep conversation about the transformative power of firewalking, a practice that Theresa initially explored as a means to connect with her body and emotions.

Theresa recounted her personal journey, highlighting how firewalking helped her break through mental barriers and access deeper emotional truths. She emphasized the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting our inner knowing, which aligns beautifully with the Enneagram's focus on the mind, heart, and body centers. Walker shared his own experiences with firewalking and how it has influenced his perspective as a trial attorney, illustrating the balance between vulnerability and strength in both his professional and personal life.

Throughout the episode, we explored themes of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Theresa and Walker discussed their podcast, My Inner Knowing, where they delve into various topics related to personal growth and consciousness. They also shared insights about their retreats, which combine experiential learning with mindfulness practices, fostering a safe space for participants to explore their inner selves.

As we wrapped up the conversation, we reflected on the shared goal of helping others navigate their own journeys toward self-awareness and authenticity. We encourage our listeners to check out Theresa and Walker's work at MyInnerKnowing.com, where they can find resources, podcasts, and information about upcoming retreats.

Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found inspiration in our discussion about the power of inner knowing and the transformative experiences that can arise from stepping into the unknown.

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of Dr. Joe Howell's new book, Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram and delve into the practical applications of the Enneagram, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to deepen our understanding of our souls rather than merely improving our egos.

Joe shares his insights on how each person is a, "living document," with unique experiences that shape their understanding of the universe and spirit. He discusses the concept of "shock points"—moments in life where we face dilemmas that challenge our capacities and require us to seek deeper truths. We explore how spiritual practices, such as mindfulness meditation and embodiment practices, can help us recognize when our unchecked ego is dominating our lives.

Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of inquiry as a tool for self-discovery. Joe recounts a profound experience of inquiry that led him to realize that the expectations he felt were imposed by his parents were, in fact, expectations he had internalized himself. This realization brought him a sense of freedom and empowerment.

Scott shares his own experience with inquiry, illustrating how it helped him cultivate self-compassion and shift his inner dialogue from self-judgment to curiosity. We emphasize that the journey of knowing our souls is not about achieving a destination but about navigating the complexities of life with awareness and openness.

As we wrap up, we encourage our listeners to recognize that their souls are always available to them, offering guidance and insight as they navigate life's challenges. We hope this episode inspires you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and soul knowledge. Thank you for joining us!

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, co-hosts Nanette Mudiam, Dr. Joe Howell, and Scott Smith dive deep into the theme of the year for the Institute for Conscious Being: "Know Your Soul." We explore Dr. Joe's new book, Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram, which emphasizes the Enneagram as a journey toward understanding our true essence beyond mere personality traits.

We discuss the origins of the Enneagram, tracing its roots back to George Ivanovich Gurdjieff and the ancient wisdom he uncovered. Dr. Joe shares his personal journey with the Enneagram, highlighting how it has been instrumental in his work as a psychologist and in his own spiritual growth, especially following the profound loss of his son. This experience led him to a deeper understanding of the Enneagram, revealing that it is not just about personality but about connecting with our soul.

Throughout the conversation, we touch on the concept of the "soul child" and how it relates to our spiritual journey. Dr. Joe emphasizes that while we all possess various soul energies, each of us has a primary energy that shapes our essence. We also discuss the importance of community in deepening our understanding of the soul and how spiritual awareness can lead to transformation.

As we wrap up, we invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the maps they use to navigate their spiritual paths. We encourage everyone to explore the insights shared in Dr. Joe's book and to join us in future discussions as we continue to uncover the depths of the Enneagram and its relevance to our lives. Thank you for tuning in!

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

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In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we wrap up our series on the Holy Ideas and Virtues, reflecting on the profound insights shared by our guests over the past nine episodes. Joined by Dr. Joe Howell and Scott Smith, we delve into the concept of amnesia surrounding our holy ideas and explore why we often forget these integral aspects of our true selves.

Dr. Joe explains that the holy ideas represent the way we perceived the world as soul children, free from the constraints of our egos. However, as we grow, we often lose sight of these ideas, leading to a sense of disconnection from our essence. The ego drives us to justify our existence, creating a narrative that we must earn our place in the world. This quest for validation can lead to feelings of inadequacy and fear, as we strive to meet external expectations rather than embracing our inherent worth.

Throughout our discussion, we emphasize the importance of remembering our holy ideas and virtues as a means of healing and reconnecting with our true selves. We share personal experiences and practical practices that can help nurture these ideas, highlighting that the journey involves intentionality and self-awareness. Ultimately, we encourage our listeners to engage with their spiritual practices, as they are essential for integrating the wisdom of the Enneagram into daily life.

As we conclude this series, we express our gratitude to our guests and invite our audience to continue exploring these concepts with us at the Institute for Conscious Being. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to our next series!

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