THE PATH BETWEEN US: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships - Suzanne Stable

"I wrote this book for anyone who wants to do better at being in relationship with others - at home, at work, at church, or with friends. And I've tried to be clear without becoming simplistic. I'm sure you understood it - even the parts you didn't like. I want it to make a difference. But that isn't up to me. It will be up to ALL of us: 
- to protect our relationships from anger, fear, and shame.
- to be compassionate when we see others struggling to think productively, act intentionally, and feel deeply; 
- and to take seriously what others say about how they experience us in relationships, and then use what the Enneagram teaches to do something about it." - Suzanne Stable

I joined a women's group from my church over the summer, mainly to make friends. There were different groups meeting over the season focusing on specific topics ( Family, Career, Faith, Love, etc) for 8 weeks. The one I chose was for Healthy Relationships and this book was our reading assignment.

I have never heard about the Enneagram Test, a type of personality test that sections you by a number, until I started volunteering at a Non-Denominational Church. They seem really into it by our Pastor, who had us leaders and volunteers take it prior to one of our Leader Summit Meetings. And, then here I was again presented with it in the women's group I chose for better relationships in my life.

Before I scare away any Atheists or people highly concerned about the word 'church', I will assure you, it isn't some religious tactic to get you to 'believe' or come to church. Honestly, its very insightful and usually spot on, and has made it so much easier not only to be more aware of my strengths and weaknesses, but also be more understanding of my loved ones, once identifying what number they are. It's cute that in our group email we all must sign off after our name our Number (and for some, our Wing.) I am a 2w3.

What does this all mean? Well, before you even pick up this book, (and you made it this far into reading my blog) here is the link to take the test.

https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test

Take it! Who doesn't like to take a test about themselves? Have those close to you take it, and then I would get this book. Like one of those Astrology charts stating who you are most compatible with and not, this feels more personal, because YOU have control. Its created around you. In the book it will also give you the better numbers you are suited to and who isn't necessarily bad for you, just that you two may approach a situation in completely different ways. I felt it was beneficial in life as

a parent, a wife, and a friend. It helped me to understand myself better, and my triggers, and others around me.

In our group we get to hear every one (and their Number) experiences which can shed some light on something in your life. Maybe somewhere you have disappointments in now will make sense.

I feel this would be a great thing to have students take in school and study as a course. Or in a work environment, everyone is aware of each others Number. Its also great for a Book Club. It would a be a great ice breaker and a unique way to bond. Below are the chapter names...can you guess YOUR number by reading these descriptions? Drop us a comment or email and tell us your number!

Chapters:
9's Risking Conflict for Connection
1's Things Could Always Be Better
2's Your Feelings or Mine?
3's Being Everyone but Myself
4's Go Away but Don't Leave
5's My Fences Have Gates
6's Question Everything
7's It's All Good
8's Vulnerability Is Not Weakness