“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
—widely credited to Martin Luther
What a week this has been ~ and it’s not over yet!
Because the podcast launches tomorrow!
🎉YAYYYYYYYYYY🎊
Yes, I am somewhat pleased about it.☺️
Indeed, this week has felt like a whirlwind.
Yet, of the million and one things I’ve needed to see to regarding this project since its inception, a few still remain.
So I’ve continued to invest a few minutes each day into the contemplative practice of stillness I told you about in my previous letter.
(Unlike Martin Luther, I don’t have three hours, but I’ve certainly got three minutes!)
And doing so has really helped me stay sane, accomplishing what it exists to do: usher my mind, heart, and soul into an atmosphere where I can “just be” and receive God’s unconditional love.
CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE FOR ENNEAGRAM TYPES 8, 9, AND 1
You may remember that practicing STILLNESS is particularly beneficial for people whose Enneagram Type falls within the Gut Triad: Types 8, 9, and 1.
Why is that?
- Because stillness slows them down long enough to remember what truly matters.
- It helps them resist the urge to stay busy simply for the sake of feeling productive and instead choose the next faithful step God is inviting them to take.
- And as they rest in Him, they find the clarity to invest their limited time and energy where they matter most.
Okay, maybe you don’t know your Enneagram Type yet.
It could be because you’re a newbie to the Enneagram, or no one else in your circle is a fan and discusses it with you.
But do any of the bullet points above sound attractive or like something you’ve felt desperately in need of?
Then maybe, just maybe, it’s time to get curious and see whether you may be an Enneagram Type 8, 9, or 1.
And, if nothing there resonated the least little bit, I’ve two other coats for you to try on. Let’s see how they fit.
CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE FOR ENNEAGRAM TYPES 5, 6, AND 7
For people whose dominant Enneagram Type falls within the Head Triad—Types 5, 6, and 7—practicing SILENCE is what helps them perceive and receive God’s unconditional love.
- Because silence creates space to hear God more clearly.
- When the noise around them quiets, they’re better able to recognize His gentle prompting and discern the direction He is giving them.
- Instead of relying on their own resources or trying to have all the answers, they learn to wait expectantly for His wisdom.
Does any of the above resonate with you?
Does the idea of “turning off the noise” for a time appeal to you?
Or does remaining silent feel as challenging to you as sitting or standing still does to me?
If you nodded “Yes” to any of these, learning more about Enneagram Types 5, 6, and 7 is a good next step for you.
And last but by no means least…
CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE FOR ENNEAGRAM TYPES 2, 3, AND 4
For those in the Heart Triad—Types 2, 3, and 4—it’s practicing SOLITUDE that helps them enter an atmosphere where they can gain awareness of God’s unconditional love and receive it.
- Because solitude gives them the opportunity to be alone with God without the constant pull of responsibilities or distractions.
- In that unhurried place, they begin to see themselves as He does and discover that His presence is enough.
- As they spend time with Him, they become more present with themselves and more attentive to the people He has placed in their lives.
Now, if none of the descriptions of the other Triads and their contemplative practices resonated with you, and this one does, even a little bit, then perhaps your Enneagram type is in the Heart Triad.
Funny, right now, thinking of my friends in the Heart Triad and solitude, Ernest Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea comes to mind.
Maybe it’s because I can think of few ways to better experience solitude than being out at sea on your own on a small fishing boat.
Anyhow… if you haven’t read this classic novella and have ever had the slightest interest in sailing, fishing, or living near a beach AND enJoy tales about epic struggles and perseverance, may I suggest you run to your library and check out a copy?
And let me know what came to your mind as you read about the three TRIADS (gut, head, heart) and their contemplative practices.
Which one resonates with you more than the others?
HIT REPLY and let me know. I enjoy helping people determine their Enneagram Type.
Talk again soon!
