Episode 186 Embodying Your Soul: Practical Applications of the Enneagram

In this episode of The Real Enneagram, we continue our exploration of Dr. Joe Howell's new book, Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram and delve into the practical applications of the Enneagram, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to deepen our understanding of our souls rather than merely improving our egos.

Joe shares his insights on how each person is a, "living document," with unique experiences that shape their understanding of the universe and spirit. He discusses the concept of "shock points"—moments in life where we face dilemmas that challenge our capacities and require us to seek deeper truths. We explore how spiritual practices, such as mindfulness meditation and embodiment practices, can help us recognize when our unchecked ego is dominating our lives.

Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of inquiry as a tool for self-discovery. Joe recounts a profound experience of inquiry that led him to realize that the expectations he felt were imposed by his parents were, in fact, expectations he had internalized himself. This realization brought him a sense of freedom and empowerment.

Scott shares his own experience with inquiry, illustrating how it helped him cultivate self-compassion and shift his inner dialogue from self-judgment to curiosity. We emphasize that the journey of knowing our souls is not about achieving a destination but about navigating the complexities of life with awareness and openness.

As we wrap up, we encourage our listeners to recognize that their souls are always available to them, offering guidance and insight as they navigate life's challenges. We hope this episode inspires you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and soul knowledge. Thank you for joining us!

To learn more about the Institute for Conscious Being, visit: theicb.info