Forty Days on Being an Eight

By: Sandra Maria Van Opstal

Narrated by: Raquel Beattie

What is it like to be an Enneagram Eight?

"Fosforito! The explosion happened so quickly there was no stopping it. My mother called me 'tiny match' when she would see this fire exploding from me." This is how Latina pastor, activist, and worship leader Sandra Maria Van Opstal describes her experience as an Eight. There came a point in her life when she saw how her fiery explosions were undermining her leadership. A wise spiritual director helped her discover how the Enneagram could reveal more about both her gifts and her weaknesses. Sandra offers insight from her ethnic journey alongside Enneagram wisdom. Each of these 40 readings concludes with an opportunity for further engagement such as a journaling prompt, reflection questions, a prayer, or a spiritual practice.

Any of us can find aspects of ourselves in any of the numbers. The Enneagram is a profound tool for empathy, so whether or not you are an Eight, you will grow from learning about Eights and enhance your relationships across the Enneagram spectrum.

©2021 Sandra Maria Van Opstal (P)2022 eChristian

helpful for anyone

While the title emphasizes the specifics of the enneagram eight, the author presents spiritual reflections that are helpful for anyone whether you follow the enneagram or not. Humility, reflection, rest and embracing who God made us to be are essential lessons for all.

Soothing and revealing

The reader has a very soothing and pleasant voice and the author paints such poignant scenes as you walk through 40 days on being an 8.

Seriously Profound Insight

Very relatable that resonated with my soul & mind. I find it to be incredibly insightful information to help me grow and be more mindful about what is important to me.

Excuses!

I did not enjoy that she used being a woman and minority to make excuses for being the way she is as an 8. I wanted to hear about being an 8 and accepting those qualities. Struggled to make it to chapter 17 and finally just had to stop wasting my time.