Becoming Yourself - by Robert Holden (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Know yourself better--and understand the people around you more fully--with a fresh, practical approach to the wisdom of the Enneagram from a top author in the field.

"If you think something is missing in your life, it is probably more of the real you."

The Enneagram is one of the most powerful self-awareness tools we can access for greater happiness, success, and fulfillment. But if we just identify our own "Ennea-Type" and its most overt characteristics--and we stop there--we're not tapping this powerful thought system's full potential.

Enneagram expert Robert Holden wants us to have a fuller picture: not just to understand what our own Type means for us personally, but to see the people around us through the Enneagram's lens and navigate our lives by its light. Becoming Yourself is inviting and exciting, a rich and reader-friendly deep dive full of timeless wisdom and practical insight you can put to use in your life right now.

In Becoming Yourself, you'll start by pinpointing your Enneagram Type, then you'll explore all 9 of the types in detail--since all their energies are present in all of us. Robert illuminates the essential characteristics of each Type: their core strengths and innate gifts; their ego drivers, fixations, and basic fears; the path of growth that connects them to the virtues of other Types; and more.

On every page, you'll find insight and guidance to help you:

• Thrive in your personal relationships
• Excel at work
• Improve your mental health
• Walk your spiritual path
• Live your purpose

"My aim with this book is to help you use the Enneagram to become yourself," Robert writes. "The Enneagram doesn't try to fix you or change you; it helps you to grow. It recognizes that your essential self is already whole, complete, and perfectly made."

Review Quotes

"In Becoming Yourself, Robert expertly reveals how the Enneagram offers an exquisite blend of ancient wisdom and modern psychology to help you become your True Self. I recommend his book wholeheartedly to you."
-- Richard Rohr, author of Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self

"This book is a masterclass in integrating your personality with your soul--helping you to be fully human and fully divine. If you are ready to stop fighting the world and start living with authentic purpose, let Robert be your guide."
-- Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times best-selling author

"Becoming Yourself is a work of spiritual brilliance. Robert Holden leads people into the wondrous world of the Enneagram with mystical precision, describing human nature and archetypal patterns within the framework of the cosmic power of numbers. This book is truly a spectacular accomplishment."
-- Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Conversations with the Divine

"For years, I battled with the habits and behaviors that kept me from realizing my full potential. Then I found the Enneagram. Thanks to Robert Holden, I became a grateful student of the nine Types and learned to see myself and others as both human and divine. In Becoming Yourself, Robert's passion for the Enneagram is evident on every page. Written with his signature warmth, humor, and good sense, this book has added a new, important resource to the field--one I'll use for years to come. If you struggle to understand why you do what you do, let the Enneagram help. Take the test, learn about your Type, and let the transformation begin!"
-- Cheryl Richardson, author of The Art of Extreme Self-Care

"In Becoming Yourself, Robert brings the Enneagram to life. Through music, art, poetry, and pop culture, you learn about the 'Types' and their gifts in a way that's very relatable. This book is like spending time with a close friend who knows your story, your history, and is rooting for you to be your most authentic self--because becoming yourself is the greatest gift you can give the world."
-- Kyle Gray, author of Angels Are with You Now

"Studying the Enneagram has been one of the greatest tools for understanding myself and my fellow humans. Whether you're a newbie to the Enneagram or an experienced practitioner, please give yourself the gift of learning about the Enneagram with Robert. It will change your life and your relationships for the better--forever."
-- Sonia Choquette, author of The Answer Is Simple . . . Love Yourself, Live Your Spirit!

"Unequivocally the best book on the Enneagram! Robert has a way to make complex concepts digestible and practical. I saw myself so clearly in this book. Highly recommended!"
-- Colette Baron-Reid, author of The Map: Finding Meaning and Magic in the Story of Your Life

"An astonishing achievement. Robert's new book makes the rich complexity of the Enneagram accessible to all, guiding us toward a greater understanding of ourselves and others. It is a deeply wise companion for life's journey--profound in its insight and beautifully clear in its expression."
-- Liz Trubridge, producer of Downton Abbey series and films

"Becoming Yourself celebrates the Enneagram as a model for self-awareness that helps us better understand ourselves and each other. It honors the 'original goodness' of the soul and how the Enneagram helps us meet our basic fear, heal old wounds, open our hearts, find our essential qualities and talents, while offering a path of lifelong learning and growth. Another substantive gift from Robert Holden to the healing of humans and the world! A classic in its genre."
-- Matthew Fox, author of Original Blessing and Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the Peoples of the Earth

"Robert Holden has written a book that feels like a homecoming for the soul. Becoming Yourself is a radiant reminder that the Enneagram is not about fixing what's broken, it's about remembering the wholeness that has always been within us. With his signature warmth, humor, and deep spiritual insight, Robert offers a loving guide for anyone seeking to live as their truest self. . . . It invites us to see ourselves and one another through the eyes of grace."
-- Dr. Deborah Egerton, author of Know Justice, Know Peace: A Transformative Journey to Awareness, Healing, and Wholeness and The Enneagram Made Easy

"While most books on the Enneagram seem to shrink us down to a number and a type, Robert Holden's beautiful exploration of this ancient model opens us up to the richness of our being and the possibilities for our life. If you're ready to become more of who you really are, this book will become your companion and your guide!"
-- Michael Neill, author of The Inside-Out Revolution and The Space Within

"Profound, illuminating, and full of heart. In this book, Robert Holden brings the timeless wisdom of the Enneagram to life, guiding us home to a deeper understanding of who we truly are and how we can love more fully, ourselves and each other."
-- Rebecca Campbell, author of Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It

About the Author

Robert Holden, Ph.D.'s innovative work on psychology and spirituality has been featured on Oprah, Good Morning America, and the PBS special Shift Happens! and in two major BBC-TV documentaries, The Happiness Formula and How to Be Happy. Robert leads Living Your Purpose retreats to Assisi. He hosts a Hero's Journey Mastermind. He has taught workshops on Purpose & the Enneagram in London, Findhorn, and Italy. His article for Oprah.com, "Discover Your Purpose," is a people's favorite.

Robert's services as a consultant and coach are employed worldwide by organizations and brands such as Dove & the Real Beauty Campaign, the Body Shop, IBM, Google, and Virgin. In the last two years, he has worked with Unilever on a BRAND PURPOSE mission for all of its 400 brands.

Robert has presented two TEDx talks on Destination Addiction and The Tea Meditation. He has given over 100 keynotes to industry and 50 keynote talks for I CAN DO IT! conferences worldwide. Robert is a best-selling author of 10 books, including Happiness NOW!, Authentic Success (formerly titled Success Intelligence), Shift Happens!, Loveability, Holy Shift!, Life Loves You (co-written with Louise Hay), and Finding Love Everywhere. www.robertholden.com