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Zen and the Enneagram: We Are All Nine Types
Wednesday, August 9
Class 4
Practicing with the orientation of Enneatype 3 reveals the extent to which we are conditioned to abandon Authenticity and look to “the fantasies of external authority” for our sense of wellbeing. This looking to become what the “externals” demand leaves us feeling hollow and empty. As we practice tuning into Life and calibrating to what is so, we discover a joy and satisfaction that completely fulfills.
Let’s move to Enneatype 4
Type Four – The Romantic
Worldview: Something essential is missing from life; I’ll be complete if I can just find it.
Belief: I’m different from other people. No one can truly understand me or the depth of my longing. Authenticity is found in deep emotional connection. Other people have what I am missing.
Focus of Attention: What I desire is distant; what’s here and now is not what I really want.
Characteristics: Romantics feel something is missing in their life. Other people have it, but they don’t.
Fours believe they are different from other people. Deep inside they feel defective, as if something essential were lacking. Longing desperately to feel whole again, they search for the missing elements that will fulfill them. “If only I could find that perfect job, love, whatever, I would be complete.” But as the object of the Romantics desire comes closer, they see its flaws and realize it doesn’t make them feel whole after all. So they push it away. Then as it moves away from them, it begins to be desirable again. “Maybe that was it after all,” Fours tell themselves. A push-pull pattern can develop as they continue to search for the missing piece. They are destined to be disappointed.
Fours are often melancholic and their longing feels bittersweet. They yearn for a deep connection where they will be met emotionally. “Authenticity” is found in intense emotional states so they return there again and again. Romantics abhor anything ordinary and would rather embrace being different that be just like all the rest. And they would rather be disappointed that settle for less.
Exercise
How are you an Enneatype Four? How do some of the qualities, processes and characteristics of the Romantic show up in you? How does the focus on what’s missing prevent you from experiencing contentment? How does the pursuit for what is absent in your life stop you from receiving and enjoying what you do have?
In 50 words or fewer, write to us about your process. Here is the link to use:
https://www.livingcompassion.
Submit your response after 9.00 a.m. PDT on Saturday, Aug. 12. Submissions received before 9:00 a.m. PDT on Saturday, Aug. 12 will not be accepted.
All submissions and responses will be posted as Cheri finishes with them. As we begin posting Cheri’s responses for each class, we will send a notice. All of the assignments can also be found here.https://www.
NOTE
When writing your responses, please pay attention to spelling and punctuation. This will help Cheri to more easily discern your meaning.
We recommend recording the class, listening to it, responding, and recording your response before submitting it. Remember to include “R/L” with your response to indicate that you are Recording & Listening.
Gassho