We have to get a deeper sense of what we are – what it is to be human and to connect that with the wisdom. When we are connected, what we’re creating collectively is going to be more harmonious and helpful. And I think people are seeing that across the world in all sorts of different ways, and feeling that urge.
The Enneagram teacher Russ Hudson is interviewed by Flemming Christensen (2024).
You can watch it as a video interview or listen to it in Enneagram Insights podcast.
Russ Hudson reflects on his decades-long teaching journey, his collaborative work with Don Riso, and the interplay between personal growth and educational methodologies.
He underscores the necessity of practice and presence in truly understanding and applying Enneagram principles.
This discussion with Flemming Christensen looks into the profound purposes of the Enneagram beyond popular superficial understandings, urging people to explore their deeper selves.
It touches upon the reality of suffering, the necessity of presence, and the cultivation of inner gifts to navigate life’s challenges.
Russ Hudson emphasizes the importance of grounding in our human essence to foster positive creation in a changing world.
Listen to Enneagram Insights podcast episode 59 and hear more about:
✔️ The challenges and Rewards of Teaching
✔️ Reflecting on 22 Years of Collaboration with Flemming Christensen in Denmark
✔️ The early Influences and Work with Don Riso and engaging the Next Generation
✔️ The Importance of Presence and Practice and the Wisdom of the East and West
✔️ Legacy and Future Aspirations
The Deeper Message of the Enneagram
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the surface-level understanding of things, especially with the rapid pace and over-saturation of information online.
The Enneagram is often trivialized as just another personality type system, but according to Russ Hudson, it serves as an invitation to explore a deeper part of ourselves beyond mere categorization.
While it’s easy to make jokes about Enneagram types on platforms like YouTube, Hudson emphasizes that the real purpose of the Enneagram is to guide us to a deeper, more introspective place within ourselves.
It’s not about labeling oneself but about embracing a journey toward self-discovery and growth. We live in a world fraught with suffering, observable not only globally but also within ourselves and our communities.
The Enneagram aids in grounding us, helping us face these challenges with presence and courage.
Looking Towards the Future
In discussing Gurdjieff’s perspectives, Russ Hudson underscores the necessity of blending Eastern wisdom with Western ingenuity. This synthesis requires an ‘awareness’ to manifest true innovation and progress, leading humanity beyond reactive creation.
In essence, creating from a place of centeredness will likely foster harmony and advancement.
The upcoming century promises rapid global changes. As Hudson considers this shift, he wishes to pass on the rich legacies of both spiritual and scientific knowledge.
The collaboration of this wisdom will ideally equip future generations to tackle new challenges with resilience and understanding. The Enneagram, serving as a tool, can potentially help individuals align more closely with their authentic selves amid these changes.
Closing Reflections
For those engaged with the Enneagram, Russ Hudson’s message is clear:
The Enneagram should serve as a reminder to look beyond surface patterns and to connect with an underlying truth of existence.
In doing so, lives will transform for the better, regardless of the challenges that arise.
Every day is an opportunity to return to this deeper understanding, shaping a continuously evolving journey.
Russ Hudson Quote: “We have to get a deeper sense of what we are – the deepest place of what it is to be human and to connect that with the wisdom of what manifestation.
How do we start to create with an intelligent grounding in ourselves rather than creating out of the fear and reactivity that happens because we’re not connected with that ground.
When we are connected, that we’re going to create collectively is going to be more harmonious and helpful. And I think people are seeing that across the world in all sorts of different ways, feeling that urge.”
Read more:
Russ Hudson workshop in Denmark 2025
https://thinkaboutit.nemtilmeld.dk/293/
Russ Hudson on Presence
https://www.flemmingchristensen.com/russ-hudson-on-presence.html
