The Enneagram, Jungian Archetypes, and the True Self
Nov 10, 2022
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In this engaging discussion, Doug Scott, a licensed clinical social worker with advanced degrees in social work and pastoral ministry, delves into the Enneagram's healing power. He connects Jungian archetypes with concepts of the true self and false self, introducing the concept of the Anchored Self versus the Floating Self. Doug explores the emotional intricacies of Enneagram types, emphasizing personal growth through understanding our innate desires, anxieties, and transformational journeys, all while fostering deeper connections with the divine.
Doug effectively integrates Jungian archetypes with the Enneagram to facilitate deeper self-exploration and personal growth.
He distinguishes between the anchored self and the floating self, highlighting their impact on identity and personal fulfillment.
The podcast emphasizes the cyclical nature of personal transformation, showcasing the Hero's Journey as a framework for ongoing development.
Deep dives
Introduction to Doug Scott and the Enneagram
Doug Scott introduces the session by discussing his background and expertise in mental health and the Enneagram, a personality typing system that details nine different psychological types. He emphasizes the impact of personal experiences, such as studying abroad in Mexico and volunteering in Nicaragua, on his approach to using the Enneagram as a tool for healing. During the session, he connects the Enneagram with the concept of the true self and false self, a theme he attributes to Richard Rohr's teachings. Doug then invites participants to engage in a process of self-exploration that incorporates understanding archetypes alongside the Enneagram.
Exploring the Hero's Journey Framework
Doug discusses the Hero's Journey as a framework for understanding personal transformation, describing stages such as the call to adventure and the return transformed. He uses a visual representation to explain how this journey is cyclical, where reaching a new 'room' leads to the creation of further growth opportunities. The concept emphasizes that achieving a greater understanding of one's self requires navigating through challenges and facing inner trials. Each time a person reaches a new level of awareness, it becomes part of an ongoing cycle of growth and maturation.
Anchored Self vs. Floating Self
Doug distinguishes between the 'anchored self' and 'floating self', explaining that the floating self is often tied to external desires and social validations, while the anchored self represents a deeper, truer sense of identity connected to spirituality. He encourages participants to recognize how the floating self can hinder personal development and lead to unfulfilling pursuits for power, prestige, and possessions. By developing a connection to the anchored self, individuals can foster more authentic experiences and relationships. Doug asserts that understanding this distinction is essential for utilizing the Enneagram in a transformative way.
The Enneagram Types and Their Vices
The session includes a detailed overview of the nine Enneagram types, their characteristics, and corresponding vices. For instance, type ones are described as principled yet can display anger and resentment in their floating self; type twos may exhibit pride and manipulation due to an overwhelming drive to serve others. Doug draws attention to how these traits manifest at varying levels, emphasizing the importance of moving toward healthier expressions and behaviors inherent in the anchored self. This exploration of personality types aims to help individuals recognize areas of growth while alleviating the burdens of unproductive tendencies.
Practical Steps for Transformation
Participants are provided practical tips to navigate the liminal spaces encountered in their personal journeys. Doug emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and the need for active participation in identifying one's feelings and desires rather than relying solely on external validations or expectations. He advises attendees to engage in ongoing reflection about their motivations and to practice self-care routines that foster connection with their anchored selves. Integral to the process is recognizing that personal transformation is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous spiral involving accumulation of wisdom and self-knowledge.
This presentation takes place at the Retreat House Community Center in Richardson, Texas. Doug combines three teachings together to provide a deep, practical, and accessible synthesis of:
1) the archetypal wisdom of Jungian psychiatrist and spiritual director, Troy Caldwell, MD (retired),
2) the perennial wisdom of the Enneagram,
3) a modified version of Richard Rohr's teaching of the True Self/False Self, which Doug calls the Anchored Self/Floating Self
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The images used in this presentation can be found here: https://cosmicchrist.net/2022/11/10/jungian-archetypes-and-the-enneagram-part-2/
