The Peacemaker in Me

I understand that a valid and reliable instrument that science uses should be able to measure what it wants to measure at several times resulting the same way. I was dubious about the Enneagram test from the first time I heard of it.

I first heard of it from my mom, who answered the instrument in a retreat she attended. Then, I heard of it again from my PhD classmates, who took the test from one their professors. My doubt arose from my precept that no test could really determine a person's typology when in fact people change and no one person is the same with another, in thinking and behavior.

Curious, I tried taking an online test two years ago. Then I tried it again last night. In the first test, I was a type 9 with combination of type 2. The next test resulted to identify me as type 9, with even tendencies 1, 2 and 7. As to telling something the same way about me, at two tries, for me the instrument is reliable. I am not in the capacity to judge the test validity because I am not an expert in psychology.

The type 9 personality is a peacemaker, the crown of the nine points in the Enneagram, but of course it has drawbacks of complacency and stubbornness. Reading, from the descriptions I could relate to many things that the descriptions tell about me. I could even see my personality at level 1 of type 9. As compared to other types, I the descriptions tell that I have less problems than with other types.

I do like to be at peace with everyone and anyone. I am a good mediator because of my academic background in communication. I believe in the unity of the body, mind and spirit to make a person whole. I have high regard for introspection, reflection and equanimity in everything. I am open to others and other's ideas. I am assertive, but I know where my limitations are. I should feel good with the results, because my type is the same of great men in the world.

However, as it is true in dialectics, there are always two faces of a coin. In defense of the rich ancient narrative of the Enneagram, those promoting the said typology of personality types of course says it best to sell the idea to the public. On the otherside of the fence, critics argue of its dubious presentations of its history and authenticity as to describing the complex human personality.

Realizing these, I understand that my personality is not a product of the 'divine' properties that Enneagram teaches. Rather, it was simply able to describe me fittingly. The test must have been carefully crafted upon several studies and analysis. What is dissonant in my belief is that these personality types have been set by mystical powers, with inconclusive historical background.

The Rule of Thirds to Manage Your Time

In photography, there is such a principle called rule of thirds to position the subject in focus but still with the perspectives of having a good background or foreground. The rule of thirds also has applications in budgetting time It ideally works, depending on one's circumstances, goals and priorities, by simply dividing your time into three parts.

In a year, some parts of the world are blessed with four seasons, at least each season goes for three months. In a week we have 168 hours to spend on the many things that we do. Basically there are only three important things that we have to do, sleep, work and the rest is ours for the taking.

An eight-hour sleep is important to energize our body for the day's work. Anyone working or studying will need those good hours of sleep if they want to do well in their jobs or at school. Those homebuddies also need the same amount of rest. Lack of sleep adds to stress and spells alot of trouble that result to poor quality of work and negative emotions that can affect relationships with others.

The other third part of your weekly time can be spent for your work or studies. Well less working hours can really be more productive for any person. But, since 40 hours are usually required as working hours, then you still have 16 hours left for your travel time to and from work or school. In schools, students are not really required to stay there for 40 hours, so the rest of the time can be spent for extra studies, group studies, personal reading or doing homeworks.

The last third part of your weekly time can be budgetted to anything as you please. If family is high value to you, and your working or studying, then the weekends are supposed to be your family time. If you have other activities or interests, then you may spend those remaining 56 hours for them. Say, you have social engagements, organizations, and other commitments you should be able to crunch all of them in this third part of your weekly time.

The ABC principle of setting priorities is also a time management strategy. Here, you set the things that you need to do as to their value or importance and urgency. A's will be your top priority because they are important and urgent. B's will be the next thing you have to do, because they are important although not so urgent. C's are those fun things that you want to do, no deadlines and some may not really be important.

There are is the rule of thirds applied to managing your time. I hope it helps you and works well for you. Remember time is your friend, it can work best for you and never against you if you can manage it well. There is time for everything, but time runs as it is fluid. You can never turn its hands back. If you can not set your priorities and manage your time, the rule of thirds loses its magic and you'll regret not finding the time to do what ever you had to do.

Everything is in your hands not in the clock's.

Time to Begin Anew

What Easter brings is a new beginning with hope that things will be better. To Christians around the world, Easter is that symbolic occasion to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection. On this day, we remember the victory Christ had over death and sin. With it comes our hope for the eternal life when we passed this world.

This is the highlight of the Lenten season. In its celebration, we have joy that we can join Christ to where he is, in our afterlife. It calls for change, renewal of faith and perspectives to be born anew. All those entails dying from an old past and coming to a new life from an old self.

At home, there were times that I was broke because I didn't want to touch the money I keep. There were times I did not want to give, because I felt others are not generous in giving. There were times don't want to share anymore, because others are not even grateful. There were times I did not want to help in the housework, because I thought I provide the bread and butter for everyone.

At work, there were times I don't brush up on my lessons anymore, because I thought I knew much of them already. There were times I did not want to know my students more, because I thought I would have them for a short term only. There were times I did not want to help some people, because I thought they should help their selves.

In my studies, there were times I was not serious about them, instead I talk foul of my professors who do not meet my expectations. There were times I thought I knew much and thought better of my self compared to others. There were times that I put so much time on what I study to find my body suffering from lack of sleep and stress. There were times that I was not speaking my mind because I just want to please my professor.

Thank God it's Easter, it reminded me that I have to find my good self like how children enjoy hunting easter eggs. The time I spent away from work and far from school favored some time to see my self and a time to think of what I have become and what I ought to be. I am not perfect, I am sure of that as no one is. But, I take this day like a spring -- a new season of life to begin anew.