pay attention: spiritual practices & the enneagram
some thoughts + a free offering
Hi friends,
As the season of Lent approaches, I wanted to share some thoughts on contemplative practices and the Enneagram, as well as a free virtual small group offering.
Contemplative life teaches us to pay attention.
The Enneagram demonstrates how our energy follows our attention.
As we grow in consciousness, we become more aware of where our attention, and therefore our energy, naturally goes. With greater awareness comes greater freedom because once we notice a pattern, we can choose to disrupt it.
Most of us do not naturally choose to be with our suffering and discomfort until we’ve done some inner work and had life experiences where we’ve learned the benefit, and even necessity, of staying with and tending to our pain. There is no shame in this; our brains and bodies are wired for survival, and sometimes dissociating is necessary when the suffering is too great. Over time, we may discover that the ways we protect ourselves have become patterns and reactions that are now doing us more harm than good. We don’t have to let go of them altogether; rather, we can learn to be more conscious so that we can assess and choose when to pick up our armor and when to set it down.
When we develop a greater tolerance for being present to our own suffering, we increase our capacity to be present with the suffering of others. Our attention begins to shift as we disrupt our habitual patterns and practice being with our own discomfort. Now we are in a place where we can start to pay attention.
Spiritual growth involves paying attention and disrupting habitual patterns in order to respond rather than react. When we disrupt the patterns that keep us numb, asleep, distracted, and anxious, expanding the capacity to be with suffering in ourselves and others, we have an increased responsibility to pay attention. We can notice what we didn’t have the capacity to notice before: who is suffering, and what are they saying? These are important questions to return to both internally and externally. What parts of us are suffering internally, and what are they saying? What people and groups are suffering in the world, and what are they saying?
Years ago, as I read the Gospels, I noticed what probably should have been obvious sooner: if I want to be where Jesus is, I am choosing to be wherever there is suffering. Now I realize it’s nearly impossible not to be near suffering, but we have to have the capacity to notice and be with it. What suffering wants your attention today within yourself? What suffering in the world wants your attention today?
A free virtual small group offering: spiritual practices and the enneagram
You are invited to join in a free virtual small group offering on Spiritual Practices & the Enneagram on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm (CST) during Lent. It is free of charge, as this is a pilot program. Each week will have a brief teaching on the Enneagram and/or spiritual practices, a short practice as a group, and suggested practices for you to try on your own between meetings, with options to tailor your practices to your Enneagram type. You will need to already know your Enneagram type to benefit fully from the group.
There are a limited number of spots left. If you’re interested, you can sign up HERE.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at lindsayloconnor@gmail.com or message me below.
Spiritual Direction
In addition to the free virtual small group offering mentioned above, these are areas we can explore together one-on-one in spiritual direction. Check out my website or contact me for more information about spiritual direction or to schedule a free discovery Zoom call.
Blessing
May you find spaciousness and gentleness on the journey of waking up to your true self. May you have companions to encourage you along the way.
Be well, friends.
