Soften the Shell: Moving from Survival Patterns to Embodied Presence with the Enneagram

Starting October, 2026

Offered by: Ann P Baker 

Ann uses a trauma-informed, enneagram guided, holistic approach to help people identify and heal patterns that block the expression and embodiment of their authentic Self. 

More info: www.annpetrusbaker.com

At a certain point in our lives (usually mid-life) we are drawn towards discovering what is most real or authentic about ourselves. We intuitively sense there is something deeper within us that is beyond the personality patterns that we have identified ourselves with. We develop a longing to go “home” or live more from our heart.

Our personality patterns develop at a very young age with the goal of keeping us safe, loved and accepted. These defensive strategies become our Enneagram type structure, a.k.a. our personality. But with time, the very thing we relied on for safety, becomes an obstacle to experience Spirit and Reality as it is and embodying our True Self or Essence. We can learn to embody our Essence through establishing Presence in the 3 energetic and intelligence centers: Body, Heart and Mind.

In this 8 session workshop, we will work with 3 paths of personal development: 

• Psychological – Learn about your enneagram type structure; patterns, blind spots, defenses and avoidances. 
• Somatic – Working with the nervous system and Polyvagal theory from a trauma-informed lens, we can slowly and safely rewire patterns of defense and reactivity to allow an opening to Presence. Learn type specific nervous system and somatic tendencies. 
• Spiritual – This framework emphasizes becoming present with and integrating our three centers of intelligence that also are energetic portals of transformation: the body center, heart center and head center. Learn how the Holy Ideas and Virtues can help us open to Essence or Christ Mind.

 

Foundational to this workshop is creating a safe space in the group and also safely building capacity within our nervous system (bodies) to stay present with what we typically want to avoid:  triggers and emotions that overwhelmed us in the past. We will build resources in the 3 centers that will not only allow an alchemy to take place, but also to solidify new ways of relating to ourselves and our world. 

The Essence qualities will become more available as we build more capacity in our system by welcoming, feeling and relaxing the type structure in the mind, heart and body.

Each interactive 2 hour session will be a mix of content, guided experiential practices and reflection/sharing in pairs/small groups that will build over our time together. 

Prerequisites:  Knowing your Enneagram type is preferred for you to get the most out of the course.

Recommended test for typing: https://www.wepss.com/

Knowing your Enneagram type is helpful as well as an Introductory level of understanding of the Enneagram. Please reach out to me for testing recommendations or a typing consult. 

If you need to learn the basics I have a series of 7 short videos giving you an Introduction to the Enneagram available on You Tube. The link to the playlist is below: 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLxpU_WoO3hb_Kvzwr5_Qu1_TYWuYaXrA

Course Fee:  $285, sliding scale available if needed 

Please email me to let me know your interest and days/times you are available. I will send forms of payment. 

What you will learn over the 8 week workshop:

Session 1

Mapping the Territory

• Intro to Type, the Triune brain and the 3 centers

 

Somatic Awareness Practices:  

• Felt sense awareness
• Grounded presence

 

Session 2

The Head Center: 

• False Beliefs and Holy Ideas
• Focus of attention of each type

 

Guided Practices using the gifts of the head center

• Awareness – cultivating the inner observer
• Placement of attention
• Compassionate inquiry (repeating questions with a partner)

 

Session 3

The Heart Center

• Vices and Virtues of each type
• Healing Power of Love

 

Guided Practices using the gifts of the heart center; Creating a safe container within

• Self compassion
• Self-love: radical acceptance, and inclusion
• Coherence -gratitude

 

Session 4

The Body Center Part 1

• Your Nervous system and how your type responds to stress
• Intro to Polyvagal Theory – the key to regulation and encouraging the feeling of safety
• Ways to manage stress for each type

 

Guided Practices using the gifts of the body center

• Standing movement
• Vagus nerve techniques

 

Session 5

The Body Center Part 2

• Avoidances and blind spots for each type
• Somatic Tasks for each type for finding balance 
• Working with Polarities and the Law of 3 – the key to reconciling our dualistic nature

 

Guided Practices using the gifts of the body center

• Using felt sense awareness and grounded presence to be with our avoidances in the body
• Practicing somatic practices of titration and pendulation

 

Session 6

Working with Fear with the Head Center Types

• Energetic and Somatic tendencies of Types 5, 6 and 7

• 3 ways fear ignites the over active mind 

• Making room for fear in the body:  Guided somatic practice

 

Session 7

Working with Sadness, Grief and Shame with the Heart Center Types

• Energetic and somatic tendencies of types 2, 3 and 4

• Looking at how we seek worth outside of self and learning to embrace our authentic self 

• Practicing the art of self-remembering, tending and befriending ourselves 

• Guided somatic practice being with sadness

 

Session 8

Working with Anger/Frustration with the Body Center Types

• Looking at 3 types of Anger

• What it means to embody Essence

• Energetic and somatic tendencies and somatic tasks of types 8, 9 and 1

• Body awareness, and breath practices for each body center type

• Taking Care of Anger:  Guided somatic practice being with anger

 

One Hour Bonus Session:  Date/Time to be determined

• Integration
• Guided three centered practice

Q&A