This is a summary review of The Seat of the Soul containing key details about the book.

What is The Seat of the Soul About?

The Seat of the Soul explores the nature of the soul and its role in creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. (Full Summary…)

The Seat of the Soul Summary Review

“The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav presents itself as a landmark in spiritual literature, marking its 25 years of influence with new insights and reflections. This edition is enhanced by the addition of Prefaces from influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, lending an additional layer of gravitas to an already substantial work.

Zukav embarks on an introspective journey through the pages of this book, inviting the reader to rethink the core values and principles guiding their life. He challenges the traditional notions of power, advocating for a shift from the pursuit of external power – characterized by dominance and control – to a quest for authentic power. This form of power, as Zukav describes, aligns the personality with the soul, fostering a life led by spiritual values.

The crux of Zukav’s thesis rests on the evolution of humanity, urging a collective shift towards values like harmony, cooperation, and reverence for life. These principles, according to Zukav, are not just lofty ideals but essential for the progress of the human spirit.

The 25th-anniversary edition distinguishes itself with additional features that enrich the reader’s experience. A new Foreword by Zukav himself, integrated website links, and a Study Guide are instrumental in offering a deeper, more interactive engagement with the book’s teachings. These tools not only facilitate a better understanding but also encourage practical application of the concepts discussed.

Zukav delves into a range of intriguing topics, from the idea of a shared group soul among animals to the Law of Attraction. His skillful interweaving of spiritual insights with practical examples and relatable anecdotes makes the book not only an enlightening read but also an accessible one. He strikes a balance between offering profound spiritual wisdom and relating it to everyday experiences, making the teachings both profound and applicable.

A notable aspect of Zukav’s writing is his acknowledgment of the speculative nature of his subject. While exploring concepts like the soul and spirituality – realms beyond empirical evidence – he maintains a tone of humility. This approach underscores the importance of faith in understanding such intangible subjects, allowing the reader to embark on a journey of personal belief and interpretation.

“The Seat of the Soul” is more than just a book; it’s a catalyst for introspection and transformation. It prompts readers to look inward and align their actions with their deeper values, a challenge that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, often superficial world. As a reviewer, it is evident that this book does not merely provide answers but encourages questions, fostering a personal journey for each reader. The 25th-anniversary edition, with its added features, enhances this journey, making “The Seat of the Soul” a perennial guide in the exploration of spirituality and personal growth.

Who is the Author of The Seat of the Soul?

Gary Zukav is a bestselling author. He is a graduate of Harvard University and a former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) officer with Vietnam service. His books have sold millions of copies and are published in twenty-four languages.

How long is The Seat of the Soul?

• Print length: 256 pages
• Audiobook: 10 hrs and 12 mins

What genre is The Seat of the Soul?

Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help

What are good quotes from The Seat of the Soul?

“He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of negotiation.”

“Conflict brings out truth, creativity, and resolution.”

“If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That’s not empathy, that’s a projection.”

“Negotiate in their world. Persuasion is not about how bright or smooth or forceful you are. It’s about the other party convincing themselves that the solution you want is their own idea. So don’t beat them with logic or brute force. Ask them questions that open paths to your goals. It’s not about you.”

“The beauty of empathy is that it doesn’t demand that you agree with the other person’s ideas”

“Hope is not a strategy”

“Negotiation is not an act of battle; it’s a process of discovery. The goal is to uncover as much information as possible.

“Mirrors work magic. Repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said. We fear what’s different and are drawn to what’s similar. Mirroring is the art of insinuating similarity, which facilitates bonding. Use mirrors to encourage the other side to empathize and bond with you, keep people talking, buy your side time to regroup, and encourage your counterparts to reveal their strategy.”

“Another simple rule is, when you are verbally assaulted, do not counterattack. Instead, disarm your counterpart by asking a calibrated question.”

“This is listening as a martial art, balancing the subtle behaviors of emotional intelligence and the assertive skills of influence, to gain access to the mind of another person. Contrary to popular opinion, listening is not a passive activity. It is the most active thing you can do. ”

“Research shows that the best way to deal with negativity is to observe it, without reaction and without judgment. Then consciously label each negative feeling and replace it with positive, compassionate, and solution-based thoughts. ”

“The positive/playful voice: Should be your default voice. It’s the voice of an easygoing, good-natured person. Your attitude is light and encouraging. The key here is to relax and smile while you’re talking.”

― Gary Zukav – The Seat of the Soul: 25th Anniversary Edition

What are key takeaways from The Seat of the Soul?

Takeaway #1 Two Types of Power and Two Types of Human

External power is a false power, it’s manipulative and controlling, powered by our senses to make us vulnerable. Anything we fear losing whether that be a person, a job, a house, even a deep belief is an external power.

Internal power is our authentic soul power, that place we come from when we act with kindness, love, forgiveness, and clarity, it gives us a zest for life and cannot be taken away.

Five sensory humans are those who let external power control them whilst multisensory humans are those who have come of age spiritually speaking and harness their internal power.

Takeaway #2 Leaving External Power Behind

When operating from a place where external power controls us, we often believe we are powerless. The more we think we are powerless, the more powerless we become sinking into a negative spiral that is difficult to break free from as feelings of resentment, jealousy, and anger become our norm.

But it is possible to switch from a place of external power to operating from soul power, you just have to take back control by practicing the art of non-attachment and by paying careful attention to your intentions.

Explore your innermost thoughts and your most recent actions, do they come from your soul or from a place of external power? Do you operate from love or hate? From anger or understanding? Greed or kindness? Have the courage to explore your thoughts and feelings and recognize where your intentions have not been made consciously. Recognize when you made a choice that was driven by fear, doubt, and insecurity, then recognize when you made a choice that was driven by love and trust – Notice the difference.

Your choices from now on should create authentic power within you so that you don’t need to look to or rely upon other people or external factors.

Takeaway #3 Giving Life Meaning & Purpose

Zukav believes everyone was put on this earth to heal their soul no matter their religious beliefs, thoughts, or feelings.

The answer to healing the soul and answering the ‘meaning of life’ question according to Zukay is to infuse all of our activities with reverence, compassion, and trust so that our lives become joyful and fulfilled and have purpose and meaning. There are no endings, only new beginnings.

* Key sources: Amazon, Wikipedia