The Long-Awaited Syllabus, etc.

If you have been following along, you probably already know that Mary Beth and I are teaching a class starting next Wednesday. The focus of the class will be applying the insights of the Enneagram to one's own life. There will be six sessions, Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville (located at 1808 Woodmont Blvd.) This is part of the adult religious education program at the church, by anyone is welcome to attend. There is no cost.

Here are some things you might not know:

1. What will be discussing during each class? Here it is:

1/16 -- introductions, an Enneagram overview, how to determine your type, an easy way to start writing about your life
1/23 -- issues of self-image and shame, lovingkindness meditation
1/30 -- open discussion, issues of fear and anxiety, group exercise ("reconnecting with the world")
2/6 -- more talk, issues of resistance and anger, proverbs and their opposites
2/13 -- talking about journaling, putting it all together, the Enneagram and spiritual practice
2/20 -- lingering questions, suggestions and next steps, handwriting analysis
At least, that's the plan for now.

2. How can you be a gold-star student?

Two suggestions:

a. Go ahead and get The Wisdom of the Enneagram , which we will be using throughout the class, and read as much of it as you can stand, particularly from "Part I: The Inward Journey", which we won't have much time to cover.
b. Bring a notebook and a pen to the first class.
These are just suggestions. All you really have to do is show up and we'll take care of you.

3. What's to eat?

Dinner is served in the social area of the church, starting at 6:00. Usually, it is a catered, vegetarian-friendly dinner from a local restaurant. Price is a reasonable $7. For the first session, though, it's potluck night, so there's no fee, but you have to bring a dish to share.

4. I don't live in middle Tennessee. How can I still benefit from this goodness?

Before every class, we will post, right here on this very blog, questions for your consideration and discussion. You are invited to comment and might even get to exchange ideas with actual class members.
After every class, we will post a recap so you can follow the discussion. We'll let you know what exercises we did, what questions we answered, which pages in the book we made reference to, etc.

I hope to see you all on Wednesday! If you still have questions, feel free to email me at cindibrown@email.com.