From Idols To Ideals: Stop Worshiping The Idols of Your False Personality and Follow The Path of Your Authentic Self
28 Apr 2012 - 28 Apr 2012 | 09:00 AM-4:00 PM | Claret Center conference room, Chicago, IL
The Bible tells the story of the Israelites turning away from the true God by fashioning a false idol in the form of a golden calf. Karen Horney, a neo-psychoanalytic theorist, writes about the idealized self image substituting for the real self. George Gurdjieff, the Armenian esoteric teacher, speaks of the personality compensating for our essence. The Enneagram shows how this dynamic plays out in nine personality styles.
From the Enneagram perspective, the idols of our personality beckon us to security and happiness. But to reach their promised land, we must pledge our unwavering devotion and fealty to them. And should we disobey them and take another route, they warn us that what we are most afraid of will surely come about. Here we find our “should’s” and “idealizations.”
On the other hand, our essence or genuine self invites us to a deeper security and well-being. It is a gentle calling, doesn’t use threats, and so is not as easily noticed. We are accompanied along this path by virtues and ideals. We’ll discover what are the virtues and ideals of each Enneagram style.
Coercion and fear keep us from being spiritual and prod us to go in a not-so-spiritual direction. We’ll remember when we weren’t encouraged or allowed to be ourselves and explore how we stay connected to our idols — to the inner judges of our should’s and to the outer judges of others’ expectations. We’ll consider what resources we can marshal to offset these fears and touch into what we are passionate about — what divine aspect God is inviting out in us now but we’re afraid to let it.
This workshop presumes a basic knowledge of the Enneagram. There will be some input, personal reflection, experiential exercises, type-alike sharing, and large group feedback.
Objectives:
- Participants will learn the idols and their promises of each Enneagram style.
- Participants will understand the mythical consequences of disobeying their idols.
- Participants will understand the fears and coercions associated with their idols.
- Participants will explore alternative sources of support and protection other than their idols.
- Participants will reflect on what higher aspects of their selves are being called out from them now.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:00 am – 4 pm
Fee: $95
Location: 5536 S Everett Ave, large conference room
Register on line at Claretcenter.org or by phone call Lupe 773-643-6259
Some knowledge of the Enneagram will be helpful for this workshop. You can learn about the nine styles by visiting the presenter’s website: www.enneagramspectrum.com. Those who register for this workshop and provide their e-mail address will also receive a complimentary code to take the Wagner Enneagram Personality Style Scales www.wepss.com, a $10 value.
