The si – do interval on the enneagram of this second Course of Study happened, I believe, on Sunday after most of the students had left. Technically, Claymont’s four-month course ended on Saturday night of the final in-person week. Sunday entailed breakfast and departures for the majority of students. Although some had left very early, Sunday morning was mostly final farewells. However, as Jack likes to quote, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
And so, this was that odd place on the enneagram where seven connects back to one, bringing “the kitchen back to order.” Yet point eight must bridge the si-do interval to successfully reach point 9, where all begins and all ends.
In real life, everyone did their bit to put the Great Barn back in order, even those who left early. Stripping beds, folding blankets, emptying trash, taking down decorations and displays, emptying the meditation room of cushions and chairs. As a whole group, we traversed the seven — one inner line of the enneagram, back to stasis.
Point 9 represents DO, point 1 is Re, 2 is Mi, 4 is Fa, 5 is So, 7 is La, 8 is Si.
Bridging the Gap
After most had left, a handful stayed on to be sure the last dishes were washed, food was stored, the kitchen and dining room clean and restored to order. But what about the mysterious si-do interval between point eight and nine? How did the connection between eight and nine manifest for COS-2? Perhaps the answer will be revealed in time.
Yet, I believe something happened on Sunday. The handful who had remained behind to finish, worked on behalf of the whole, rather than as individuals. COS-2 had formed a group with a common experiential understanding, and we were holding that group as we worked together.
Si-Do Interval to Completion
As I see it, the Enneagram of COS-2 bridged the si-do interval via their connectivity, bringing the course to its completion at point nine. We didn’t just announce the end of the course, we enacted it, right down to the coffee machine being properly cleaned at the end.
The beauty of a true completion is that it carries the seed of a new beginning. That is the secret of the si-do interval. The course was still “on” to the end. How that will sprout and what that will grow into for COS-2 remains to be seen. The Course prepared the ground and planted the seeds for an entry into the Work. Now the students must tend their gardens, both separately and jointly. With work, let’s hope the fruit will feed that which is greater than any one of us alone.
I was unable to attend the second in-person week for COS-2, but yet still felt carried by the group energy. Reading this blog evokes that sense feeling all over again. So…..I only speak “pidgin Enneagram” at best: while “putting the great barn” into order was Seven-to-One and back to stasis, something began on Sunday, and perhaps these are some of the earliest manifestations of a new collective “doh” from the connection between eight and nine: many of us have taken that COS-2 energy and are gainfully deploying it in caring for family members battling with illness and depression, engaging in giving voice (whistle!) and protection to those most vulnerable in society, and actively finding ways to remain connected and continuing to do the Work.
I look forward to our COS-2 reunion gathering on Jan 21st, to hear how this Si-do completion continues to unfold.
With deep gratitude for what we are and what we are becoming.