I am a big a big fan of the Enneagram and have been using it more and more lately in my work for my own personal growth and self-awareness, as with my work with students, and staff. As I was taking some time for reflection at the end of the semester I took some notes on exercises and practices from David Daniels’ great introduction called “The Essential Enneagram.” I highly recommend the book and I wanted to share the 5 principles he writes about in terms of working at personal growth within the context of the Enneagram. This summary is completely lifted from his book (73-82).
Principle 1: Three Laws of Universal Behavior
• Wherever your pattern of attention and energy go, your behavior follows. To change your behavior requires self-observation of your pattern and energy. Self observation is an ongoing practice.
- How did I do today at staying aware of my pattern of attention and energy?
- When I reacted automatically to someone or something, was I able to bring back my awareness and redirect my attention and energy?
- How can I better manage my pattern of attention and energy tomorrow?
