Description of Working with the Enneagram

The Enneagram is the study of attention. Attention is an act of connection...the reward for attention is healing. Focusing on attention (where is it?; what does it focus on?; where do you place your attention?) helps us discover our patterns of living. In this way we use the Enneagram for personal self-discovery. The ability to observe our “inner world” of thoughts, feelings, and sensations is key to understanding our own personality and how this inner world locks us into the way we see the world and the people in it.

We explore this “inner world” using a method of self-observation. This method invites us to question the very basis of our tightly held beliefs. Self-observation, in turn, triggers curiosity about what makes us tick. This is a vital part of the personal work—when we are being curious about our own reactions we are not judging, doubting, blaming, shaming, etc. Once we begin to understand ourselves in a more conscious way, we have an avenue for understanding others. We begin to realize that other people have their own beliefs of how the world operates and their beliefs are held just as tightly as our own.

So how do we work together to bring a more tranquil, compassionate way of being in the world? We take on the loving task of learning what patterns are running us (behind the scenes) and how we begin to master our thoughts, feelings and actions.

Toni Marie Clifton works with both groups and individuals to discover the patterns of the personality that determine our worldview—our understanding of “reality.” She helps the client develop the ability to distinguish between times when the personality pattern serves, and when it does not. Armed with this skill, one is better able to make different decisions for a more conscious and rewarding life.

Learn more about GROUPS, WORKSHOPS and INDIVIDUALS.