My Enneagrammatic Pilgrimage

Come stumble with me.

into the mystery

that lies ahead.

Watch your step, because

I have no idea where I’m going.

From the Mouth of a Child

Here I am. A child barely able to form words and voice thoughts, yet I feel the pull to step into the mystery, into the darkness, into the void. I understand I am only just beginning this adventure. I’ve taken my first few steps out the door, yet I feel compelled to turn around to tell you the tales of my magnificent journey.

Playing Pretend with Wisdom

This is how I feel. Like a child sharing the wisdom of a pilgrimage that has only just begun. It’s a game I like to play. A game of pretend. As a curious explorer, I enjoy searching and collecting. Each new glimmer of enlightenment is a pebble I put in my pocket to share with anyone courteous enough to give me a moment of attention. “Look at this wisdom! Isn’t it fascinating?” I have a backyard full of these pebbles and stones, and try as I may, I can’t collect them all. But I do try. These will be my precious gems that I will polish and present myself and to you as a great treasure.

New Paths, New Pebbles

Through the trees and weeds and hills and valleys that surround the safety of the backyard, lie even greater adventures. Every new book, idea, and way of thinking offers a new path to explore. All of this play and exploration is part of my pilgrimage. My quest to gather and share these small stones of wisdom and meaning. Not long ago, I stumbled upon a new path filled with treasures. In my daily play, I find myself returning to this spot, gaining familiarity, but still a bit lost in my wanderings and wonderings. Which of course is part of the fun of learning. As the adult here in my backyard, you’re welcome to sit on the porch and let me wander off. Or you can play along and humor me. I’ll be in the woods if you need me or if you want to follow along.

The Path to Me (and to You)

I had heard about this path long before I entered it. Others who had entered before me shared the pebbles of wisdom from their exploration. I first heard about it from Richard Rohr and Ian Morgan Cron. Jill spoke of the path, as did Shane Clairborne and Frank James. I already had a handful of marvelous stones to study long before I decided to explore on my own. When I did decide to go, I took a breath, looked back at the safety of my familiar backyard, then turned to enter into the mystery and adventure of this new path. This path to me and to you.

Finding a Glimpse of Me

What drives and motivates me? What are my tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses? Who am I and what am I doing here? These are some pretty big questions for this small child. I entered cautiously and was immediately rewarded with a variety of wisdom pebbles. As I began pocketing these treasures, I began discovering larger rocks of revelation. I had to watch my step as I stumbled and bumbled into this new territory. I continue to add more and more small stones to my collection with each new book, article, video, and conversation. There is too much to take in, but of course, I’m only a child catching a glimpse and my pockets are far too small. For now, I'm happy to simply be looking and pointing in awe of it all.

Today’s Pilgrimage

I find myself on this tiny pilgrimage. This journey to a sacred space of reflection and self discovery. I have been gifted with wonder, revelation, and even transformation. I hold in my hand a few small stones. I know I’ve only just begun, but I’m having fun playing on this path. Just a child, looking and pointing, unable to articulate the beauty of the view but happy that you’ve followed along to humor me.

Thank you for joining me on

this enneagrammatic pilgrimage.

I hope you put a couple pebbles

in your pocket.