Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Open Will, Open Heart, Open Mind

In his new book Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, A.H. Almaas writes about "a Fourth Way approach of bringing the full intelligence of the centers to whatever phenomenon [arises] in our consciousness." 

Inviting awakening from the gut, heart, and head centers entails "grounded presence, openheartedness, and a willingness to experience with an open, receptive quality of mind." 

This is ancient knowledge that Enneagram enthusiasts too often miss in focusing overmuch on the nine "types" or ego ideals.

Otto Scharmer has shown a parallel between opening the will, heart, and mind with seven sacred teachings from an aboriginal community bravery/courage, respect/love, humility/honesty/truth:
  • bravery/courage (open will: relaxing into the unknown vs. fear),
  • respect and love (open heart: compassion vs. cynicism),
  • humility/honesty/truth (open mind: curiosity vs. judgment).

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