About Aaron Manes…

My own journey has been anything but ordinary—marked by seasons of seeking, thresholds of change, and an evolving connection to the divine. In those barren places, where old certainties crumbled, I discovered that uncharted territory is often holy ground. Father Richard Rohr’s words, “God comes to us disguised as our lives,” remind me that even in times of confusion, our experiences are sacred invitations to growth and transformation.

In the mid-2000s, I entered a desert of faith deconstruction that was both disorienting and formative. What I thought was an unraveling became a doorway—leading me to the practices of spiritual direction and coaching, and eventually to becoming a Spiritual Director myself. There, I discovered that spiritual growth is not abstract or out of reach; it thrives when it is practical, grounded, and embodied, meeting God and ourselves exactly as we are.

Now, I see my work as guiding others through their own seasons of unknowing into practical transformation. Using the wisdom of the Enneagram, grief work, the twelve steps, Christian mysticism, somatic awareness, and the guidance of so many wounded healers, I help seekers awaken head, heart, and belly so they can live fully alive. Transformation, I believe, is not mysterious or reserved for a few—it’s possible for everyone who longs to awaken to their wholeness and live with grounded freedom.

Alongside spiritual direction, I’m deeply engaged with the Somatic Enneagram, a transformative approach pioneered by Marion Gilbert. As a certified teacher in her program, I guide clients to connect with their bodies and experiences, unlock blocked parts, and cultivate real-life transformation. I also co-host The Somatic Enneagram Podcast with Marion, where we explore these practices in depth.

Whether you’re navigating a dry stretch of faith, standing at a threshold, or longing for an embodied way of working with the Enneagram, I offer an open, affirming space—both in person in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and online via Zoom. I use he/him pronouns and am committed to helping each person I meet access their full self and live whole, because transformation is not a distant dream—it’s a lived reality.

Today, my work can be summed up like this: practical pathways through life’s thresholds toward spiritual transformation—whole self, whole life.

Aaron Manes Bio:

Aaron Manes (he/him) is a coach, a trained spiritual director, a certified Somatic Enneagram faculty member with Marion Gilbert and an inner work healing practitioner. He creates and holds space as a companion, guide and facilitator for people willing to do the hard and brave work of finding their selves in the world. Aaron’s current projects also include bringing to life “Creativa” which is community-making expression for public spiritual work.

Spiritual Direction Notables:

  • SMU Perkins School of Theology
    Certification Of Spiritual Direction

  • Spiritual Directors International
    Professional Member

  • Retreat House Spirituality Center Partner

Enneagram Notables: