Grief takes many forms and can be a complex and individual experience. It’s not limited to major life events. Life is full of small, invisible losses.  In part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author, Christina Rasmussen explains what she means by “invisible losses” and the impact they can have on our lives over time: “our perception of self shifts out of what we know about ourselves and it changes…when that happens, we lose what I call the original self and what the original self is.”

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• what invisible losses are
• how to recognize our three inner narratives, and
• the importance of reconnecting with your original self

Tune in for valuable insights on navigating grief and reconnecting with your original self.

This week we welcome the incredible Christina Rasmussen as our guest. In part one of this two-part conversation, we dig into the topics of grief, personality types, and self-discovery through the lens of the Enneagram. 

In this episode, we explore: 

• Christina's personal journey of loss and how it led her to become a grief educator and author
• The multifaceted nature of grief that goes beyond traditional stereotypes
• Unique insights into how different personality types navigate grief and life challenges
• The nuances of the Enneagram 8 including the interplay between traits like strength, vulnerability, and projection
• How engaging in shadow work, self-reflection and continuous growth cultivates authenticity, compassion and resilience

Christina's wisdom and authenticity shine through, offering a powerful perspective on navigating life's challenges with courage and compassion. 

Tune in to discover more about Christina's work and insights on grief and the Enneagram. 

Today, we're joined by Liz Marie Galvin, author, blogger, and Enneagram 4. Liz shares how learning her Enneagram type has impacted her self-awareness and personal growth and the discusses some of the tools she uses to navigate the rich emotional landscape of being a Type 4. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the subtypes of Type 4 and how they manifest in different ways. 

We also dig into the challenges of being in the public space and curating an authentic persona online, exploring the Type 4's struggle with envy and the pressure to share vulnerable moments on social media. 

How do you find joy in a world riddled with anxiety? Today, we are joined by Randy Frazee, an Enneagram 3, pastor, and author of “The Joy Challenge” to explore the concept of joy and the science behind happiness. Randy shares his insights on finding joy in challenging circumstances and offers practical tips for increasing joy in our daily lives. He emphasizes that though joy and happiness are closely related, joy is characterized by inner contentment and purpose. He offers a few principles from the book of Philippians that can lead to joy, including seeking reconciliation in relationships, practicing unconditional love, and cultivating gratitude, highlighting the scientific evidence supporting the power of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and depression.

Join us for this wonderful conversation and start your “joy challenge” today.

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Randy Frazee is a pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A frontrunner and innovator in spiritual formation and biblical community, Randy is the architect of The Story and Believe church engagement campaign. He is also the author of The Heart of the Story; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; His Mighty Strength; The Connecting Church 2.0; and The Christian Life Profile Assessment. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Rozanne, for more than forty years. They have four children and five grandchildren, with more on the way! To learn more about his work and ministry go to randyfrazee.com.

In this episode of Typology, we delve into the intriguing world of the Enneagram 7 with special guest Bryan Crum, author of the book "Neighbor, Love Yourself, Discover Your Value, Live Your Worth." Bryan’s unique journey as a hospice chaplain for a decade adds a fascinating layer to the conversation, showcasing the unexpected intersection of a joyful Enneagram 7 personality with the profound experiences of confronting mortality and reflecting on life.

We explore the concept of forgiveness and the role it plays in recovering one's self-worth, drawing parallels between personal growth and spiritual development. Bryan emphasizes the powerful process of re-storying, countering past regrets and doubts, and embracing forgiveness as important components for healing.

The episode is sure to leave a lasting impression. Tune in from your favorite platform.

Driven by a need to be seen as successful and accomplished in the eyes of others, Enneagram 3s are known for constantly “doing” and striving for recognition. However, this constant drive for achievement can lead to burnout, as they push themselves to their limits in pursuit of their goals.

Today, we welcome meditation teacher and spiritual coach, Ben Katt, who shares his experience with burnout and how committing to contemplative practices such as silence, solitude, and stillness, helped him heal. These practices, which may seem counterintuitive to a Three’s productivity-oriented mindset, are essential for well-being and personal growth. 

Join us as we discuss the concept of midlife as a pivotal moment for reflection and explore the ritual practices that can awaken us.

This week, we welcome back Dr. Carol Tanksley, author of "Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships." Dr. Tanksley brings a unique perspective shaped by her extensive background as a former OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, offering a compassionate exploration of human sexuality, intimacy and relationships.

Dr. Tanksley sheds light on several misconceptions surrounding sex, aiming to challenge and reshape our perspectives. Drawing from her clinical experience, she provides valuable insights on how we all can begin to heal from societal and personal misconceptions about sexuality.

Moreover, we delve into the profound significance of true intimacy in fostering strong and healthy relationships. Dr. Tanksley emphasizes the importance of understanding and nurturing intimacy beyond mere physicality, advocating for a deeper emotional and spiritual connection between partners.

This episode of promises valuable reflections and practical advice from Dr. Carol Tanksley. Join us as we explore the complexities of human sexuality with empathy and wisdom.

This week on Typology, we welcome back Carlos Whittaker, author, podcaster, and global speaker…and Enneagram 3. If you remember, last time he was on the show, Carlos thought he was an Enneagram 9. We suggested he investigate the Enneagram 3, and that’s what we talk about today, as well as his brand-new book, Reconnected: how seven screen-free weeks with monks and Amish farmers helped me recover the lost art of being human.

Carlos shares his journey of self-discovery and vulnerability as he embarked on a seven-week screen-free experience that allowed him to uncover layers of his personality and confront feelings of loneliness, shame, and grief.  He shares how this experience helped him discover and appreciate the importance of solitude, authenticity, and true connection.

Carlos' story serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing process of self-discovery and the courage it takes to confront our true selves.

If you're interested in exploring the Enneagram, understanding the Type 3 personality, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey of self-discovery, I encourage you to listen to this episode.

You can tune in to the podcast on your favorite platform or visit our website to listen to this enlightening conversation with Carlos Whittaker.

Wishing you all a safe holiday and a week filled with self-reflection and growth.

Learn more about Carlos Whittaker

https://caroloswhittaker.com

https://www.instagram.com/loswhit/

https://www.facebook.com/carloswhittaker

https://twitter.com/loswhit

https://www.tiktok.com/@carloswhittaker

Award-winning columnist and commentator on politics, spirituality, and culture, Jonathan Merritt returns to Typology to explore the challenges of authenticity, fear and his journey towards self-compassion. Jonathan opens up about his personal experiences reconciling his identity with his upbringing, the role fear has played in his life, and how he’s learning to trust and let go. 

We discuss his new children's book, "My Gunkle and Me," a heartwarming story that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. As Jonathan explains, “the ways in which you are different from the majority of people in this world. Those differences are not liabilities. They're your gifts to the world. They're the things that make you, you.” 

Join us for this enlightening but deeply moving conversation, offering a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-compassion and acceptance.