Mary Poppins.
I was raised on her whimsical magic, her strict adherence to schedule and her intolerance of poor posture. Umbrellas became instruments of flight, carpet bags gained a sudden mystical quality and chalk drawings on pavements – portals to other worlds.
Yesterday, we passed on the baton – introducing the next generation to the catchy tunes and muddled family dynamics of the Banks household. Our eldest has been roaming the house absentmindedly singing ‘Chim-Chimminy’ all morning, and Dave spontaneously decided to serve out spoonfuls of sugar as the credits rolled. (He may or may not have made the rookie mistake of leaving the open sugar jar in front of an unattended Ivy, returning seconds later to find her enthusiastically spooning more of it into her mouth.)
Returning to this classic has been enlightening due to the discovery of the Enneagram. The inimitable Mary Poppins is a perfect example (practically perfect, in fact) of a healthy Type 1. She has firm expectations of those around her, ensures everything is subject to an appropriate amount of order and control, but does not become derailed by obstacles. She cautiously seizes moments of spontaneity and weaves magical reform throughout the ordinary moments of each day.
There is a moment towards the very end of the film – Mary gazes happily (though a touch wistfully) at the retreating figures of the now united Banks family as they musically skip off to fly their kites – and the ornately carved parrot on the handle of her umbrella begins to chatter. He laments the rude exit of the Banks and their failure to say ‘thank you’ to Mary Poppins, and suggests that she will be torn up by having to leave the children. She listens politely to his diatribe and then kindly but firmly cuts him off. It hit me later how this is the perfect depiction of the superego and a healthy approach to controlling that critical voice that is ever-present in the background.
Identifying moments that are laced with the superego’s irrepressible critique is so important for a healthy Type 1, and choosing (like Mary) to embrace truth instead of surrendering to that deluge seems to be a key factor.
All these years on and Mary Poppins is still changing the hearts and lives of children (and adults, it seems) everywhere. Now excuse me while I go and practice my clicking skills at all the mess in the living room.
This post is inspired by the Five Minute Friday writing challenge. Each week I join with this talented group of writers, free writing for five minutes in accordance with a prompt (though again, I used far more than five minutes). Today’s prompt is ‘truth’.
12 comments
Totally enjoyed reading your post and love how you wove it together. And you whet my appetite to go back to this beloved story once again =)
Thank you!
Your fmf neighbour
I was so glad that I did after so many years! Looking forward to hearing what you think of it xx
I loved your post! Mary Poppins was one of my favourite films as a child so this brings back lots of memories! I like your insights about her character and the Enneagram too- that’s something I have just begin looking into and am starting to get my head around, so this example is interesting. Visiting from FMF #12.
So excited that you have just discovered the Enneagram – I think it has been one of the most revolutionary discoveries that I have made, giving me so much more grace for myself and others, and understanding when people actually really don’t view life the way that I do. Would love to hear more about your journey with it!
So true! We must shut the beak of wretched voices like that in our minds with Truth! Excellently said. Thanks for contributing to FMF!
Thanks Ruth! Definitely worth identifying those voices as ‘other’ and not our own narrative, that’s for sure… I think sometimes that is the majority of the battle.
This is SUCH a fascinating reflection on Mary Poppins and the Enneagram (two things I bet have never been discussed together before!). I’m not a One myself, but I think this is such a good example of a healthy One: disciplined and idealistic, but not so obsessed with every imperfection that they lose perspective on what’s really important.
Thanks for this. I am always applying the Enneagram to literary characters, so this post really appealed to me!
Jeannie (I’m at #30 in the FMF linkup this week)
Oh applying the Enneagram to literary characters and characters in shows/movies is one of my favourite things to do! Particularly because you are usually privy to their internal dialogue so it is easier to see their motivations. So glad to find another Enneagram kindred spirit xx
Emma, this is SUPERB. MP is one of my favourite films, and now I can see it again, with new eyes! Thank you!!!!!
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-312-and-there-is-joy.html
How great is it!? So glad I got the chance to rediscover it… I think it made my weekend actually!
Emma, What a “practically perfect” post! I love me some Mary Poppins! I took my daughter to see the Touring Broadway version several years ago. Loved every moment! Very intriguing analysis of her personality. I’m going to go reflect on it as I go to bed.
Wow, what an incredible opportunity! I would love to see the Broadway version one day! So glad you resonated xx