Aaron Manes, Spiritual Director

I never thought running would become part of my spiritual practice—but here I am.

In my latest newsletter, I reflect on how something I’ve resisted (running) is teaching me about presence, focus, and the slow, steady path of transformation.

I talk about how this connects to my somatic and Enneagram work—especially the journey of moving from the body to the heart.

If you're doing hard inner work, facing resistance, or just need a reminder that you don't have to go fast to go deep, I hope you'll read it.

Read the full story at https://aaronmanes.com/blog/july-2025-lessons-from-the-road (or link in bio)

Sign up for my newsletter at www.aaronmanes.com/newsletter
Learn more about my work at www.aaronmanes.com

Starting to run again has been one of the hardest and most surprising spiritual practices I’ve taken on lately.

In my latest newsletter, I share what running is teaching me about presence, resistance, and somatic transformation—especially as a 5 in the Enneagram 8-5-2 triad.

It’s not about going faster. It’s about being resourced. It’s about noticing where your focus is and learning to stay with yourself, step by step.

If you're doing deep inner work, if you're hitting a plateau, or if you're longing for a more embodied and compassionate path forward, this reflection is for you.

Read the full story at https://aaronmanes.com/blog/july-2025-lessons-from-the-road (or link in bio)

Sign up for my newsletter at www.aaronmanes.com/newsletter
Learn more about my work at www.aaronmanes.com

These new blue lights have become a favorite part of my late night walks.

I had the joy of joining my friend and spiritual director, Lindsay O'Connor, on her podcast "Words From Silence." Lindsay hosts such thoughtful, soulful conversations—and in this new episode, we dive into the Somatic Enneagram (what it is), my personal journey, and the deep beauty of walking alongside others in their inner transformation.

If you're curious about embodied wisdom, nervous system regulation, or how the Enneagram can be a tool for healing, this one's for you.

Give it a listen wherever you get your podcasts!

April was a month of deep stillness and sharp contrasts. I spent ten days on retreat—first at a monastery in New Mexico, then at a convent in San Francisco—both places rich with quiet, simplicity, and something sacred I didn’t realize how much I needed. And then, in a wild twist of timing, my connecting flight home landed in Las Vegas. From silence to slot machines. The contrast was jarring—and kind of perfect.

I’ve been sitting with that shift ever since. What do we carry forward from sacred moments? How do we stay grounded in the in-between spaces, when life pulls us back into the noise and overwhelm?

I wrote about that in this month’s newsletter—along with some updates about upcoming appearances and how to schedule one-on-one work with me. If any of that resonates with where you are, I’d love for you to read more here:
👉 https://aaronmanes.com/campaigns/view-campaign/I7ohQAb2A7vsfODZk-dJzLc6rTYmbTiBWKD0RwODxQNLUWm5i-gsk59YX_G9mBrBrH76wIhZmiznvwu-NyAojRfBBn0Gd_e6

Embodied Wisdom: A Somatic Approach to Working with the Enneagram is a 5-week course (on Zoom) that helps you reconnect with the powerful, often-overlooked wisdom of your body.

Through teaching, contemplative practices, live group processes, and practical tools, you’ll explore how each Enneagram type shows up physically—so you can meet life with more clarity, ease, and grounded presence.

Registration is now open! Begins May 1 at 6:30 pm (Central/Chicago/USA)

Sign up at www.creativadallas.com (or hit the link in bio).

Photos from my time with The Somatic Enneagram and Marion Gilbert in San Francisco. I love getting to do this transformational work with people.

Day 1 photos with leading Module 1-3 with Marion Gilbert in SF.

ANNOUNCING NEW ZOOM GROUP: Do you want to deepen your work and engage with an introductory group to the Somatic Enneagram. Every Thursday in May this group with gather on Zoom (6:30 pm Central Time, US) and you are invited.

🌿 Embodied Wisdom: A Somatic Approach To Working With The Enneagram is a transformative 5-week course that connects you with the Intelligence Centers—head, heart, and body—to help you:

💡 Understand your Enneagram type as a physical, embodied experience
🌬 Practice somatic techniques to find calm and groundedness
🤝 Engage in discussions to witness diverse perspectives

If you are looking to deepen your inner work or Enneagram practice, this course offers a grounded, holistic approach to self-discovery.

👉 Are you ready to align with your truest self? — https://linktr.ee/aaronmanes

A few photos from my weekend in Albuquerque at an Enneagram and Relationships retreat.

May you go forth today wrapped in the presence of Christ—before you to guide, behind you to guard, beneath you for strength, above you for peace. May Christ dwell within you and shine through you, touching every heart, every word, and every moment with grace.

Above, below and beside, may you experience the holding of this universe today. ☘️

Sharing a few photos from a really holy spot down in Central Texas.