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Discovering Inner Depths Through the Enneagram: Know Your Soul by Joseph Howell

Overview of the Book

“Know Your Soul: Journeying with the Enneagram” is a pivotal resource for those on a path of healing and spiritual growth. Authored by Joseph Howell, a clinical psychologist and spiritual teacher, this work draws from his profound personal experiences of loss to explore the Enneagram as a transformative tool.

Joseph Howell’s Journey

Howell’s perspective on grief and healing was deeply affected by the tragic loss of his son in 2008, followed by the untimely death of his daughter. These significant life events led him to reassess the coping mechanisms that previously anchored him. His journey through grief catalyzed a return to the Enneagram—a system he had explored for decades. However, this time, he experienced it as a spiritual map guiding individuals toward their true essence, which he defines as the soul.

The Enneagram: A Tool for Transformation

The Enneagram is a nine-pointed geometric figure that classifies nine distinct personality types, each influenced by specific fears, desires, and coping mechanisms. These types are divided into three centers of intelligence: body, heart, and mind, highlighting predominant emotional challenges like anger, shame, or fear. With historical roots in early Christian thought, Sufism, and Greek philosophy, the Enneagram’s contemporary application often focuses on personality identification for self-awareness and personal development.

Howell’s Unique Approach

Unlike conventional Enneagram literature, which often centers on enhancing personality attributes, “Know Your Soul” shifts focus to what Howell calls “soulality.” He posits that the ego is merely an obstacle in the journey of transformation, whereas the soul represents a deeper, purer self that individuals often become disconnected from during childhood. By consciously utilizing the Enneagram, Howell believes that individuals can embark on a rediscovery of their authentic selves.

Reconnecting with the Soul Child

A key concept in Howell’s framework is the “soul child,” embodying a vulnerable and sacred part of oneself that exists prior to the formation of the ego. This reconnection process is not only emotionally enriching but also spiritually awakening. Howell emphasizes that while the ego is consumed with control and validation driven by fear, the soul child emanates love, peace, and presence. The journey described in the book involves shifting focus from survival strategies to living authentically from one’s soul.

An Accessible and Engaging Resource

Howell takes special care to present his concepts in a manner that is approachable for readers new to the Enneagram. His writing balances emotional depth with spiritual insight, creating a narrative that invites readers on a journey of self-discovery. Howell’s candid discussions about his experiences with loss bring a relatable and compassionate perspective, making the text not just informative but also deeply engaging.

Conclusion: A Valuable Addition to the Enneagram Discourse

“Know Your Soul” serves as both a practical guide for personal growth and a milestone in the Enneagram study. It invites readers to slow down, reflect, and engage with their inner selves, and continues to be an essential resource for anyone pursuing deeper meaning in their lives.

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