Enneagram

Today we had our retreat. I scraped myself out of my bed this morning to go to Mass at the crack of 10:30, the burden of my first graduate school paper looming over my head. We spent the most of the rest of the day in the warm shade of the Jesuit gardens behind the chapel. The seminarians sat on the skirts of the grass in silent retreat as we discussed our enneagram types. Enneagram is similar to Myer's Briggs or Strengths finder. I'm a two - the helper (although I feel like I have a strong inclination toward seven - the enthusiast.)

At first, I didn't want to be a two. Twos sounded so needy; they sounded like pushovers. But then I read about "healthy" twos. An unhealthy two was the kind I didn't like, and I think I didn't like it because of how many negative aspects of my past self I saw in it. But it was accurate. I've worked for years to get rid of my unhealthy two inclinations. But a healthy two really has it going on. Mother Teresa was a two. Now, I'm no Mother Teresa, but to be linked by how our personalities work is pretty cool. Things that make me know I'm a two - I value my relationships with people above most other things; I forgive easily; I believe love is not give and take... love is give; I am at my best when I am serving others. And even the negative things, they're a part of me too.

I'm not a huge fan of personality tests. I think they tend to box people into these nice little categories, and I don't think people fit in nice little categories. People are messy. But I appreciated how our director explained this one. Enneagram has nine categories, and each person has some of each number. She said that understanding our most pronounced number helps us understand our shortcomings with that, helps us take a deeper look at our motives behind doing what we do. I still want to read more about it, but it was interesting. Here is a link to the test that I took.

Tomorrow I start aiding at the Jesuit middle school, and I also start a new class. Wish me luck.

Also, I can't even begin to explain to you how good the food is here. I know that shouldn't be a big deal, but I've never eaten healthier in my life. We cook community meals, and everything is organic and fresh and healthy. For example, today for lunch we had a salad bar with greens from the farmer's market and tons of vegetables. For dinner we had traditional Nepali food (all vegan). It was so delicious. Honestly, invite me over, I'll cook it for you.

P.S. - I finished my paper. Now time for bed.