I’d like to show a new spiritual and shadow work which I created by using the Enneagram and “Big Mind (Genpo Roushi proposed).” Firstly, Big Mind practice is composed of the western psychologies (Jungian, Freudian, and Gestalt therapeutic dialogue) and eastern philosophies (especially, Zen philosophy). As you know, we have a lot of different roles in us, for example, I as a controller, I as a judge, I as a helper, I as self. The list goes on. So, the purpose of the Big Mind is to clarify these roles in us, integrate them, and find true self. I created a new type of Big Mind process (called “Enneagram Big Mind”). I think this Enneagram Big Mind enhances the understanding of our unique type. The process is the following.
Facilitator (F): “Who am I speaking to?”
Enthusiast (E): “Yes, you’re speaking to an enthusiast.”
F: “Thank you. Please tell me about you.”
E: “Yeah, I’m an energetic person. I really like doing something new.”
F: “OK. So, do you like yourself?”
F: “OK. So, do you like yourself?”
E: “Of course, I love myself. But, I suppose I sometimes bother Self.”
F: “Would you tell me more?”
E: “Well, as you may know, I’m an epicure, so my mind often is occupied with a lot of plans or ideas for the future. Because of my busy mind, Self sometimes feel exhausted.”
F: “Thank you for sharing. How does Self evaluate you?”
E: “I believe Self thinks highly of me. Because, I am one of the important vitalities of Self. Without me, Self may be bored in his life. However, recently Self asks me to have a calm mind.”
F: “The advice may be good. So, if you have a calm mind, how will Self change? Do you think Self will be happy?”
E: “Yes, of course, Self will be happy if I have a tranquil mind. Also, Self will be able to fully enjoy the present moment!”
F: “That sounds wonderful! May I ask one more question? How do you get a tranquil mind?”
E: “That’s a very good question. Thank you for asking, but please tell me how to get it…that is my joke. I believe that Zen meditation is one of the most beneficial ways to obtain a peaceful mind. Thus, I practice it every day.”
F: “Thank you so much. Next, I’d like to talk to your Self, bye enthusiast!”
Self (S): “Nice to meet you. I am Self.”
F: “Nice to meet you, too. Please tell me about you. Also, what do you think of the enthusiast in you?”
S: “Well, it is difficult for me to describe me, but I am I-Amness. I am not objectified…In a word, I am a seer. Yeah, I really respect the enthusiast in me because he gives me powerful energy every day. Please tell him so.”
F: “Sure, I’ll tell him so. He will be happy to hear that. Thanks.”
The above is a simple example of Enneagram Big Mind, but I think this practice will be very effective when I talk with every type in the Enneagram.
