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I'm writing this from Johannesburg, South Africa, watching CNN in a serene small hotel that just brought me a delicious barbeque dinner called a braai. But first, I'll start with something that happened before I left California, a one-hour teleconference we did featuring Peter O'Hanrahan discussing the 3 basic instincts: self-preservation, social, and one-to-one.
This first of three recorded teleconferences on the 27 Enneagram subtypes was offered to The Enneagram in Business Network (EIBN) Senior and Associate Members as well as members of the Enneagram Learning Portal (ELP) as a way to provide in-depth Enneagram information and development. It was an experiment, and Peter was amazing: relaxed, informed, engaging, and so insightful. Peter preferred that I participate in this, so it was somewhat of a dialogue, though my role was more to ask questions. In the final segment, those on the call could ask Peter questions, and the entire format worked extremely well. We then provided the recording for people unable to be on the call. The feedback was very positive, Peter had fun (as did I), and I was thrilled to be able to offer such a stellar and spontaneous presentation to people for free. The next teleconference will be with Bea Chestnut in February, and I am very excited for her to present her latest precision thinking on the 27 subtypes. We're still thinking about if and how we can make these recordings available to others.
My experience in South Africa has been glorious, after a very long 26+ hour flight. I spent 8+ days in Cape Town, hosted by Paddie Paisley, the inspiration and leader of the Integral Coaching Centre. I have a new friend, went amazing places with her (literally and figuratively), stayed in her home, complete with an incredible garden, and had a fulfilling Coaching Certificate Program with her extended staff and Board. I also hit the jackpot for Helen Palmer, who asked me to do her a favor while I was there.
Now I am in JB (Johannesburg) for a few days, spent time separately with several lovely women who live here, including going to the famous rooftop market, meeting a spectacular Enneagram-savvy family (including an eight-year-old Four and an eleven-year-old Six), and experiencing the Apartheid Museum. Tomorrow I'm off to Knysna, a beach town oasis, then back to JB for a Train-the-Trainer on my first book. I know many of the people attending so it will feel like a joyous reunion.
About South Africa...I feel really drawn to be here. It is such a complex and dynamic environment, one that stirs everything within and challenges every assumption possible. Every day (really, every hour), something occurs that stirs something deep inside me, and I get the sense that I am working on something I can't quite name yet. Someone said that South Africa rearranges one's cellular system, and that might just be true.
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A Wonderful Thing for the Enneagram:
Jim Carrey Goes Public!
Jim Carrey, a highly respected comedian and actor (he is also really good in his serious roles), goes very public about using the Enneagram to get into the role and under the skin of his characters. The Actors Studio does a wonderful series of excellent interviews with well-known actors, with an interviewer asking them very precise questions in front of an audience of aspiring actors. You can watch Jim Carrey talk about the Enneagram in this YouTube clip, Inside the Actors Studio Part II. The Enneagram comes up at approximately 11:30 minutes into the interview, for those of you who only want to listen to that part. Click here to watch and listen.
For fun, think of Carrey as an Enneagram Seven (which most people would likely agree he is) and go to his official website, Jim Carrey.com. You are in for an experience! The Google site description: "Explore the eccentric, psychedelic corners of Jim Carrey's mind on his official site." To go to his site, click here.
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The Enneagram in Business Blogs
This month, you can read more about the South African animals and the Enneagram styles that they represent, but also about Newt Gingrich and his type, as well as another great Insight Activity by Gerry Fathauer on Balance, followed by my detailed blog on the 9 types.
 Enneagram Fours: GiraffeGiraffes in the wild are so much more gorgeous than giraffes in captivity, though this can be said for animals in general. But giraffes in the wild have such an incredible regal bearing, they are breathtaking. Find out how they are like Enneagram Fours. Click here to read this blog.
 Enneagram Threes: Wildebeest Another in the series of South African animals and ennea-type. I picked a lesser-known wild animal for Three, which is counter-intuitive since Threes often make themselves well-known. But there were some good reasons for doing so, which you can read in the blog! Click here to read this blog.
 Newt Gingrich: Is America Ready for a Leprechan President? Even if you do not follow US politics, this blog is really more about a public figure running for the US Republican presidential nomination and how, because he does not seem to have done much self-development work, to be engaged in type-based self-destruction. What ennea-type do you think he is based on his picture (though physical appearance is simply one factor to consider)? Click here to read this blog.
 Enneagram Styles and Balance
Gerry Fathauer, Senior member of the Enneagram in Business Network and this year's writer of Insight Activities, has written an excellent Insight Activity on Balance. Then, I wrote a blog that details the meaning of the activity for each Enneagram style.
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Development Tip: The Small Things
We often think that growth and transformation mean we have to engage in really big development challenges. That is an assumption, and assumptions are always worth challenging, even if we end up verifying what we already thought. Here are some small ideas that can have big results.
Idea 1: Think of one thing you almost never do (and don't select something you think is morally wrong), then do this thing at least three times over the next week. Explore what happens. Idea 2: Think of one thing you always do, something that is so normal you don't think about it much. Stop doing this thing for three days, and explore what happens. Idea 3: Do one really nice thing for yourself that meets the following requirements: (1) it doesn't cost money; (2) it doesn't cause any negative health issues whatsoever; and (3) it harms no one. Do this for one week, then explore what happens. As a note, you can do the same nice thing every day, or you can change your "nice thing" whenever you want. |
 Enneagram iPhone App
Created by Ginger Lapid-Bogda, this animated, interactive App for home and work includes typing and how to prevent conflict; reduce stress; interact with others; and engage in development activities specific to your type. There are type videos, a way to test your Enneagram knowledge in real-world situations, theory, and more.
Only $2.99 on the iTunes App Store. Go to EnneagramApp.com |
 Chat with us on facebook,  follow us on twitter, or visit  LinkedIn or Plaxo to learn more about Ginger's career and background. For questions or further information, please email us. |
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