Honoring the Seasons of Life

September 23, 2015 | By David Daniels

With this reflection, I want to share with you my decision to begin to wind down my teaching schedule. As many of you know, I had my second open-heart surgery to replace a valve in July 2014. I continue in my healing journey, but progress has been slow, and travel has become more difficult. I have been in a process of discernment of what’s the right balance for me, as I continue to value being engaged with all of you in the Enneagram Narrative Community.

Over the coming year, I will be traveling less to allow more time for writing and to be with my sweetheart Judy. I also look forward to teaching more locally, and to being available for podcasts and other special programs.

One of the greatest joys in my life has been getting to know and work with so many of you over the past decades. I can’t believe it’s been 27 years since Helen Palmer and I started the Enneagram Professional Training Program to train and certify Enneagram teachers in the Narrative Tradition. It’s remarkable what has happened since! We didn’t have a five-year plan, and we didn’t plan on expanding our teaching to 16 countries. We just wanted to set standards out in the field.

Enneagram Studies in the Narrative Tradition (ESNT) transitioned to an educational nonprofit in 2011. I have full confidence that ESNT will continue to hold the torch and structure in sharing our mission of transforming lives and creating more compassionate world. We are all moving forward, and I am deeply honored to be a part of that evolution. And finally, enjoy my website, www.drdaviddaniels.com, as it has so much valuable information with more to come.

Love,
David

ESNT Personal reflection


Comments

Ron Esposito says

David, Sending you all my Love! In gratitude, Ron E

Mira Barbara Rossman says

Knowing you, David, I know that you will continue to contribute to the health and welfare of our planet’s people in various and creative ways. You and Judy have been an inspiration to so many of us and I wish you well as you continue to enhance the lives of many.

Terry St Pierre says

I was touched by your message and your decision to take care of yourself. Always a great example!

Brenda meisburg says

David
You changed the direction of my life and have been so important to me.

I’m glad I came to Phoenix last year really just to see you.

Love
Brenda

Gail Cousins says

Dearest David – you have worked so long and lovingly. You have most certainly deserved a little down time for yourself and your tireless, devoted bride. I love you so much…. you have been such an important presence in my healing and growth.

Heather Marasse says

Best wishes to you as you wind down your teaching schedule while focusing on more “local” pursuits, David. Congratulations on the amazing work you have done with Helen and others. Your work has touched so many lives, including mine, and I am grateful for your contribution.

Nancy Shayeson says

I have learned so much about myself and how I interact in my relationship with others. And because of that awareness my life has more meaning. Thank you David for all you have taught me. Nancy Shayeson

Tim Smith says

You’re net is far larger than you imagine. Even if took not one more trip, your wisdom will continue its timeless journey. As I write this, I have many clients, new and old, who continue to benefit from what you’ve put out there. It is a gift that will keep giving even if you’re not personally the one to deliver. Thanks for all you’ve done and will do to bring us closer to our selves.

Debra Janison says

Dear David, More than anything we trust your wise and loving heart. May this new venture, working closer to the home and hearth, be as beautiful and fulfilling as everything you have put forth in the world for our benefit and the benefit of all. Thank you. Debra

Jane Kroll says

David, you’ve been a rock! Constant. Dedicated. Devoted. Loving. Teaching. Inspiring. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your part in laying the significant groundwork for those who have come after. We honor you. We love you. We wish you well in the next chapter of your journey.

Nancy C. Fox, Ph.D. says

Dear David,

What a model you are! Thank you so much for your work over almost 30 years with the Enneagram. I have benefitted immeasurably, as has my family. My clients find the system user-friendly and I frequently recommend The Essential Enneagram to them.

Take good care.

Sincerely, Nan

David Daniels says

Again thank you all for your kind and thoughtful comments. They move me beyond words. I will continue my work but just at a slower pace which fits the season of my life. Love, David

Marion Gilbert says

Dear David,

Deep respect and gratitude fill me as I reflect on your contributions and your being.
I want you to know how profoundly you have informed me in so many ways about the ways we organize ourselves psychologically. The content you brought, the research you did, the professional risks you took for all of us resulted in all of us to have access to this wisdom applied to our modern day humanity. It was and will always be an honor to work with you, share with you and having the privilege to teach with you.
I greet you with love, tenderness and immense compassion for the seasons of our lives we tend to ignore and devalue in our “civilized” world.
Deep respect for your recognition to know when your attention is being called home and your decision to answer with becoming more present to yourself, Judy and your family.

Much Love and blessings on your life,

Marion

David Daniels says

Marion, It has been and is a great pleasure knowing you and working with you. Your contributions to this work especially in the somatic realm have contributed enormously even beyond words. Thank you for all you are and do. With great regard and much love, David

Gerry Fathauer says

David, I am deeply grateful for your devotion to teaching the Enneagram for 27 years and for your grace and compassion in doing so. I can only imagine how many lives have indeed been transformed through your teaching and your book. I have many memories of insights gained and of the love you emanate in your role of panel facilitator.

I wish the best of health for you and Judy as you enter this new season of your life, David.

Love and blessings,
Gerry

Kathy Tamm says

David,
You are so loved, admired, and respected in the Enneagram community world wide. You have touched all of us personally and professionally through your hard work and dedication, and I am glad that you are taking the time to take care of yourself so that your work can continue. My love to you and Judy…..and my gratitude to you, Helen, Terry, Peter, Marion and all of the support staff that keep this body of work alive and well. You all have every reason imaginable to congratulate yourselves on work well done!
With much love and appreciation,
Kathy

Barry Ahern says

Dear David,
It has been so good to know you and be in your wakeful presence over the years which is full of compassion for the travellers you meet on the way. Your trips to Dublin, Ireland, have been so rewarding for the local enneagram community and their families and friends. Your fountain is still flowing.
With much love,
Barry

David Daniels says

Hi again dear friends and colleagues. Barry you have contributed so much and are bringing the Enneagram to Ireland. And Kathy and all of you, I cherish you and what you have contributed. With endless regard and love, David

Rob Noble says

Dear David
A great decision! Look after yourself. Thanks so much for your gifts of wisdom, insight and love, which have deeply touched so many of us.
warm wishes and love
Rob Noble and Veronica Lunn
Australia

Tessa says

Thank you, David. May we all continue to create world peace with the Enneagram!!

Mary G. Anderson says

Dear Dr. Daniels,
You inspire me. You continue to write, speak and share the profound wisdom of the enneagram. I have listened to your generous lectures over the years. Your legacy of kindness and caring will forever enhance my life and days. Thank you for all that your growing contribution to our world and all that you will do and be.

“Anything that annoys you is for teaching you patience.
Anyone who abandons you is for teaching you how to stand up on your own two feet.
Anything that angers you is for teaching you forgiveness and compassion.
Anything that has power over you is for teaching you how to take your power back.
Anything you hate is for teaching you unconditional love.
Anything you fear is for teaching you courage to overcome your fear.
Anything you can’t control is for teaching you how to let go and trust the Universe.” ~Jackson Kiddard

Be the bright star that you are!
Mary G. Anderson
Legacy Coach

David Daniels says

Again, I want to thank all of you for your caring support and thoughtfulness. And you, yes all of you, have contributed to me in this support. Thank you.

Lynne Celeste Gonzalez says

Sandy and I are just two of many whose lives you have greatly impacted. The faith you and Helen had in our capabilities and drive, when you handed us TALK, changed our relationship, understanding of the enneagram and our lives. You didn’t have to travel anywhere to do that. You just picked up the phone in perfect timing. We don’t see your impact becoming less for lack of a plane ticket. In taking care of yourself and your loved one you are, once again, an enduring role model. You are never far from our thoughts and, certainly, remain close to our hearts. Thank you, loved one….

Lynne Celeste Gonzalez and Sandy Castaldi oxox

Marty says

I am the same way about swimming-AKA floating in the pool. It leaves me exhausted and starving!Do you like the coconut milk that you bought? Is it very coSPtunty?o.c. I really like that quote. I love all of the quotes you put up. Some of them are exactly what I need to read on that particular day! So thank you

David Daniels says

HI Barry, Your thoughtful comment warms my heart.And I have enjoyed the opportunity of working with you. My your life be full of joy and well-being. Love, david


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