The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso

Even the most active, focused thinking is not the same thing as awareness. For example, we might be thinking intensely about what to write in this chapter, and we can also simultaneously be aware of our thinking processes. At another time we might notice that we are thinking about an upcoming business meeting—or rehearsing a possible conversation with someone in our head—while we are taking a walk. Usually our awareness is so completely taken up with our inner talk that we do not experience ourselves as separate from it. With more awareness, however, we are able to step back from our imaginary conversation and observe it. In the same way we can become more aware of our feelings. We may catch ourselves getting caught up in irritation, or boredom, or loneliness. When we are less aware, we are identified with a feeling—I am frustrated, I am depressed—and we do not see its temporary nature: we believe it is how we are. After the storm has passed, we realize that the feeling actually was temporary, even though when we were in the middle of it, it was our whole reality. By contrast, when we are aware of our feelings, we clearly observe their arising, their impact on us, and their passing away.