Intimacy, Vulnerability and the Three Marriages
Preparing for the A PLACE TO NOURISH OUR HEARTS - ENNEAGRAM RETREAT that takes place APRIL 1 - 8, 2019 has given me time to reflect on my personal relationship as well as those of my friends.
American anthropologist Margaret Mead suggested that we should all have three marriages in our lifetime. The first for love, the second for parenting and the third for companionship. Basically, she was suggesting that we match up our love lives with our different developmental stages at different ages.
She famously said, “I’ve been married three times — and each time I married the right person.” She also said that sometimes you marry the same person three times.
My partner and I have been together for 36 years. On the day of our last anniversary I was thunder struck by the thought that we might only be half way in our marriage together. We married for love, we parented together.... now what? What are we going to do together for the next 36 years? How will we continue to grow our relationship? And most importantly, do we still choose each other?
In these early stages of courtship regarding our possible third marriage I have observed the importance of knowing ourselves intimately and being honest and vulnerable enough to show our partners who we are .... this is who I am now — do you still choose me?
I know, it sounds simple — but in fact it’s powerful stuff!
Joanie Peters
Inspired Enneagram
Joanie Peters has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is a graduate of the Prairie Jubilee Program for spiritual directors. Early on she recognized, in working with the enneagram symbol the possibilities to transform lives as well as its ability to offer a fresh perspective growing relationships and strengthening our world.
“We all shape each other by how we treat each other, and we draw on something different for perspective? I am energized in finding my authentic voice in the drama of life, and look forward to helping each of you find your authentic rhythm in the dance of intimacy.”
Learn more about Joanie Peters as well as A PLACE TO NOURISH OUR HEARTS - ENNEAGRAM RETREAT that takes place April 1 - 8, 2019 by visiting inspiredenneagram.com or emailing us at info@inspiredenneagram.com.