Tag Archives: Prayer

Type One

Learning the enneagram can feel like a spiritual practice. There is so much depth to it, that I am always uncovering new layers and areas of growth for myself. I want to spend some time with you over the next several weeks exploring the enneagram and spiritual practices.

Today we’ll talk about what spiritual practices are, and specifically dig in to a few that are great for enneagram type one.

As each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, we are each drawn to certain practices naturally. The place I want us to land on, is understanding ourselves in our number (which is always a big goal here at Let’s Inspire Today), and finding a spiritual practice that allows for the most growth for our particular type and person.

What is a Spiritual Practice?

A spiritual practice is something you do regularly that connects you to the divine. This definition leaves open many options and opportunities. It really can be that simple. What do you do on a regular basis that brings you into the presence of more? When do you feel an expansiveness, an awe, or special awareness that is both beyond you and part of you?

The practices that come naturally to you, and simply flow out of you are not the ones you need to work on. It’s fantastic that you have found those, and you should keep doing them, but we are always looking to grow. The practices that will force growth are going to be the ones that we almost cringe about.

Challenge is always going to allow for the largest opportunity for growth. This means we have to practice the things that are hardest for us.

To give you an idea of some common spiritual practices here are some examples:

centering prayer

meditation

yoga

morning pages

confession

Now that we’ve defined spiritual practice and looked at a few examples, let’s shift to focusing on enneagram type one specifically.

Enneagram Type One

It’s important to remember when deciding on a spiritual practice, that it is practice. One’s tend to want to be good at things right away. The focus here, is that in practicing, you have already done what you set out to do. The goal is in the effort, not the result. Committing to your practice and sticking to it alone is enough.

The Down River Practice for Ones

“Down River Practices,” are practices that are easy and natural to you. It’s like simply floating down river. This takes little effort, you are naturally good at it, and enjoy it. I didn’t want to overlook these kinds of practices, because it is worth noting that these are good and an important part of who you are. Keep doing these down river practices.

Ones, being present oriented and repressed in their thinking center, chiefly want something to do in the moment. This means they are naturally good at things that fall into the doing category. Many type ones find it easy to lead, teach others, serve or guide, and organize a group or cause. They interact with others well and find joy in making a difference in peoples lives.

The Upriver Practice for Ones

However, if you are in a place ready to grow, it’s time to move into upriver practices. These are going to be practices you don’t enjoy, that you are going to have to work hard at. It’s as if you are paddling upriver to get to where you want to go. Though challenging, these will be the most rewarding for you.

For Ones, these will be the quieter more contemplative type of practices. These could include: journaling, centering prayer, and meditation.

A big challenge for type one during these practices will be quieting the inner critic. This is the time to really work against the negativity of the inner critic by intentionally adding in positivity.

Through journaling daily, type one can focus on what is going well. This will really counteract the power of the inner critic’s constant judgement. Type one needs to own all the good that they have done. By writing this down daily, the negative voice will begin to get quieter.

This practice will also result in a less stressed type one, who feels good about the day ahead. Noting the many things in life that are going right, lifts the spirit and reinforces positivity.

Centering prayer, and meditation are also great choices for enneagram type one. These may be even more challenging because they require stillness and an emptying of thoughts. Quieting the mind can is definitely an upriver practice for a type one.

The best way to begin, is with a small, achievable goal. Choosing a time that works and an amount of time that isn’t too overwhelming, maybe only five minutes a day to start, working towards a goal of twenty minutes.

As always, remember that growth takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Showing up for your practice is the most important step, and that alone is enough to build on. I applaud you on your efforts and encourage you to keep doing your best!

Thanks for reading!

Are you an enneagram type one?

What practices work for you? What practices do you find challenging?

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