I began my study of enneagram in 1978, and like many practitioners, I soon realized what a great help it is in working with clients. It empowers whatever methods we are using. We know much sooner, and much better, about the deep emotions, needs and defenses of those we work with. I became immersed in the enneagram both personally and professionally, and for the next 40 years in my practice as a holistic counselor and bodyworker, I learned so much more about the nine enneagram types from my clients!

Our enneagram type is not only in our mind. Our personality, or more accurately our type structure, is based in all three centers: head, heart and body. To heal deeply, to develop ourselves and our relationships, to live a full life – we need to work with each center. Between my teaching, my practice and my parenting, here are some things I learned (and put to work) about the embodiment of the nine types. We will explore these patterns in the workshop. I will speak about each type, and I will invite participants to share their experience.

We will explore:

• The nine somatic structures – each with observable patterns of emotions, breathing styles, and being in the body
• Neurobiology and temperament for each type
• Nine somatic structures and the defenses
• Nine types and the patterns of body armor: how withheld emotions lead to chronic tension or numbness and restrict our breathing
• Breathing patterns and conscious breathing practice for each type
• Non-verbal communication from each enneagram type

The format includes: presentation and discussion on each enneagram type; personal sharing; gentle stretching and breathing exercises; physical sensing combined with awareness practice. Before the workshop you will receive the Embodied Enneagram handbook (digital).

Peter O’Hanrahan: I have been working with the enneagram since 1978, applying the enneagram in my counseling and bodywork practice. Many years of hands-on experience have given me a deep appreciation of how the nine type structures are based in somatic patterns – with body, breath and emotion – and the importance of working with these patterns on the path of growth. I have had the opportunity to teach Embodied Enneagram workshops in the US, Europe, and Asia and learned how family and culture can influence our embodiment.