** Books mentioned have Amazon or Booksop affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.

For years, I’ve been a big fan of the Enneagram, a personality typing tool that goes much deeper than personality. The simplified gist of it is that we all come into life and/or are formed to have an instinctive view or outlook. This way of being can become a compulsion.

Our path to contemplation means being aware of this compulsion and knowing that we have choices. 

I’ve read many books on this topic and even attended several workshops. Recently, I read a book that is now my all-time favourite, called Enneagram Spirituality: From Compulsion to Contemplation by Suzanne Zuercher.

The Enneagram can move us toward that contemplative life which is the destiny of the human person. To become a full human being we need to become contemplative, alert, and aware of inner and outer reality as it becomes known to us moment by moment.” ~ Suzanne Zuercher

What I want to address here is the author’s description of a contemplative person. Below is a summary of the qualities described in the book.

* Confronts and accepts the world just as it is, neither avoiding the dark nor lingering in the light.

* Lives life with real zest.

* Knows that life cannot be controlled.

* Is open to surprise and goes with the flow.

* Does not bemoan what is or try to make it better.

* Loves truth and acts confidently.

* Even their bodies seem to flow with life.

* All of their senses are activated. They take everything in.

* They’re curious, not judgmental.

* Their emotions are real and immediate.

* Their insights are clear.

* They seem grounded and intimate with their intuition.

* They are truly graceful people.

Who in your life exemplifies many of these qualities?

As a number 5 on the Enneagram (the observer), I’ve become more aware of my need to hide and withdraw into the safe world of knowledge and perception. I practice being more aware of sensations and emotions in my body.

I notice what energizes me and moves me out into the world (photography and connection).

I know that it’s important for me to share what I learn and not wait until I have all the facts.

I know that I need to risk making mistakes and letting them go when I do. At the same time, I embrace my need for solitude, reading, and research and realize that not everyone will “get it.”

Which one of these qualities could you use more of?” 

Make that your intention for the next week or so.

For example, if you’re not feeling much zest for life, think about what does make you come alive, and work some of that into your schedule this week.

If we use the Enneagram as just another personality theory, it yields much valuable information for assisting self-appraisal and coming to self-awareness. At another and deeper level, however, the Enneagram can assist conversion and transformation by radically confronting deception. ~ Suzanne Zuercher

More on contemplative living – The 9 Habits of Contemplative Living, Are you a Contemplative? Take the Quiz.

Another good book on the Enneagram – From Fixation to Freedom by Eli Jaxson-Baer

Online Enneagram Resources – Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition and The Enneagram Institute