The Enneagram
I've heard a few people talk about The Enneagram, especially on the Relevant Magazine Podcast. I've always been very interested in qualified personality tests. I just think they are fascinating and can reveal an impartial analysis that, even if it doesn't ring completely true, can offer up a view point that was never considered before. My bff and sister (actual, biological sister!) Eva sent me the test and we compared our notes afterwards. To no surprise we scored in complete opposites of each other, which is kinda cool. My strengths and weaknesses were directly opposite to hers. I think this test is great, not so that everyone can be categorized or labeled, but so that I can understand how thought processes deviate from my own. Espeically considering my sister and I as a prime example. We were raised in the same house, same parents (okay, different high schools), similar opportunities ect. However, like most sibilings our differences have always taken a third spotlight on the stage of our relationship. Differences, albeit for the sake of being different is one thing, but knowing that we have different cognitive, emotional and logical wiring is very cool and gives us the tools to understand each other from totally different perspectives.
I scored a 4 with an 8 wing. Without going to densely into the results, personality type for is described as "The Artist- The Creative- Individualistic-Introverted-Depressive Person". Which is the main type I scored. An 8-wing means that I scored highly in a second category and partially identify with that type too. This is described as "The Lead- The Powerful-Expansive-Dictatorial-Destructive Person". Woah. There's a lot of good, and a lot of what doesn't sound so great. The idea is that there is a scale or a gradient for each of the categories and the profiles explain fears, desires, vices and virtues, and even recommendations for growth.
So, this post is just to reveal my answer I suppose and to explain the Enneagram. I plan to research more material that digs into different habits and learning styles that are geared for each type. So I've heard that there's quite a bit of information there, and quite a bit of material that is meant to be condusive to fostering growth and bringing forward the best attributes of your type. This is my starting point.
I by no means like labels unless they are self serving I suppose. It can offer a point for self discovery and analysis, identity and reflection. Labels are trickey when they are "bestowed" upon someone, and in this case I felt like I was fairly in control of becoming a 4. Hmmm, perhaps I need to keep thinking this one out, but I'm pretty excited about the Enneagram. I highly reccomend trying it, even if it doesn't resonate or if you're completely label-phobic.
How does this apply to teaching and my studio?
I think the more confident I am in myself, the more I know myself, the better I can serve others. The more stable I can be for my students to discover who they are is important to me and it is a challenge, but it's so fun. I really love that moment when students start opening up, and you can see who they are becoming infront of you. I want to present myself as a stable, strong, faithful, vibrant woman. To do that, I think it's important to continue constructive self-analysis and bring who I actually am to the table, to my lessons. That way I can present a genuine self, and hope that my students feel comfortable enough to reveal that to me too !! :)