Sunday 3 July 2022

9 Dimensions of the Soul

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: The 9 Dimensions of the Soul - Essence and the Enneagram by David Hey

Published by: O Books Paperback: £10.99 168 Pages

Author website: http://sbpra.com/davidhey/

This is an insightful and in-depth book by a student of Baghvan Shree Rajneesh. Along with an introduction, Core Understandings and a History of the Enneagram are provided Hey explains that the Enneagram as a symbol that has represented a way of understanding the spiritual evolution of mankind. 'Essence' is explained as 'different qualities of being' and 'our true nature'. Essence is explained as a way to look at our individuality and that what 'defines the aspects of our true nature'.  I clearly understood what the author was discussing as his words were easy to understand from both a humanistic and spiritual perspective.


Within each chapter, the qualities of each personality type is discussed. I particularly found the description of each type rather fascinating as Hey dives into the name, essence, color, symbol, passion, fixation, etc of each personality type as a mini introduction and overview. 

Let me showcase this in more detail. We read in Chapter 1 titled 'Childs Play' about the 'Pink Essence' which is described as 'sweetness and innocence, safety and security'. This is fluffy and sweet, cotton and candy like. Within this essence, we enjoy ourselves and embrace our child-like innocence, and are 'blissfully child-like'.  The author's words painted for me, a calming, fun picture of the Pink Essence, for within this personality type we embrace our inner child and embody characteristics of the child and the experience of the mother. The mention of “ giggles and laughter and games” helps readers find the place within themselves or their 'essence' where this pink essence once existed and still exists within their personality and child-like personality makeup.


We see therein the contrasting element of the 'Perfectionist' explained in detail and how we, as a reader, could heal the contrasting characteristics that a Perfectionist might embody. Hey explains what aspects are more detrimental than productive, and how their functionality in society is seen on both a spiritual and earthly level. The author gives informative insights into the darker side of the nature of a Perfectionist and provides information on how to heal, rebalance, and let go of that which might no longer serve them. These sections of the book are intrinsic to read and absorb and I find Hey's writing to be intuitive and forthright, yet not overbearing. While there is a technical side to his explanations, he presents them in a manner that is relatable, compassionate and highly educational.

This book challenges readers to examine their personality type, and take an indepth look at themselves. Hey brings to light how each person might 'integrate' each essence or how to face certain things about themselves that they may or may not want to acknowledge.

In Chapter 3- Master of Myself,  I was drawn into the information presented about 'The Pearl Essence' in which Hey writes: 'The Pearl dissolves the layers of ego that are fixation and false personality. The Pearl goes beyond ego activity. In the integration of the Pearl, our activities are informed by Being'. I found this fascinating because, in effect, The Pearl Essence requests us to go beyond the ego - we are spiritual beings, in touch with our true nature, and that we relate to our true selves with greater connection. Balancing our inner connection to the ethereal, spiritual worlds and our own humanity. The author writes: 'In the personal Essence of the Pearl we are totally involved, totally connected and totally present'. I found this chapter very educational, for how many times do spiritual people struggle with balancing the connection between the spiritual and the earth realities? How many times a day do we fully embrace our true self and stay connected to the 'now' as a sense of being present, fully alive, feeling, knowing and experiencing life in a pure state of being one with the moment? The chapter dives deep into the contrasting element of the Performer and brings very enlightened information on how Performers function and what best suites them.  

The 9 Dimensions of the Soul is an educational, indepth and knowledgeable read. The author writes with clarity, wit and a down to earthness, even when the material in parts is esoteric and metaphysical. I enjoyed his ability to ground the material in a sensible way, while also exploring the highly evolved esoteric nature of the subject of the Enneagram and the Essences. Within each chapter the reader is able to not only learn about the subject but find within its parameters facets in themselves and their corresponding natures. We read about how to heal our natures, what our natures mean, how to work with the Enneagram and what kind of techniques and ideas we can use to explore the depths of our own individualistic personalities.

At times intense yet extremely informative, the book showcases the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type and their energetic associations, and explains ways to counterbalance and temper them. I found the book enlightening, interesting, and I learned a lot. Definitely a book worth buying, re-reading a second time and keeping as a reference. The 9 Dimensions of the Soul delivers fully with deep explanations of  esoteric knowledge. Easy to understand and full of potent wisdom, this book is one I would highly recommend, not just to someone seeking information on the Enneagram, (although it is a thorough and well written book about the subject) but to anyone seeking personal insight and understanding. From Chapter 9 titled Grace: 'The nature of existence is love'. I felt this book was written with spiritual love and is a wonderful journey into enlightenment and rebirthing of the self. I truly loved this book!  



Reviewed by Brad J Tesh: Co author of Seek Joy...Toss Confetti with Bonnie Cehovet. Columnist and Radio co- Host at Attune Magazine with Mary Nale. Freelance Writer. www.awakeninglite.com  



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