Despite the fact that they may be spiritual seekers, Nines often attempt to get the emotional and psychological benefits of inner work by doing the opposite of being present. They go to sleep, numbing themselves to what they really feel and tuning out reality while still expecting to function effortlessly in it. Ironically, Nines want unity between themselves and the world but end up achieving only an ersatz peacefulness, the false peace of numbness and dissociation—such a tenuous “peacefulness” that it is disturbed by everything. Like all ego projects, it is doomed to failure.
