Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
What is Spiritual Intelligence?
Spiritual intelligence can be defined as the ability to access higher meanings, values, and purposes in life. It goes beyond any religion. It encompasses a broader understanding of spirituality as a way of connecting with something greater than oneself.
Unlike IQ (intellectual quotient) or EQ (emotional quotient), Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is not commonly measured or discussed in mainstream society. It cannot be evaluated by standardized tests or academic achievements. SI is a subtle energy that cannot be seen or touched, but it is the Force that is at the foundation of our lives. It is the practicum or practical application of the Highest Road.
“When emotional intelligence merges with spiritual intelligence, human nature is transformed.” Deepak Chopra
In today’s world, where our faces rarely look up from our phones, there is an increasing need for individuals to tap into their spiritual intelligence. Spiritual Intelligence offers a more profound understanding, peace, contentment, and fulfilment felt at the soul level.
That Still-Small Voice
Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is equally innate in each of us. The only individual difference is the level of our conscious awareness of it and our choice to follow its guidance. No one has more than another. It is the voice of Source and our Higher Self.
Everyone has this connection. But unlike that endless chatter in our conscious minds, SI is deep within and quiet. It can be described as that still-small voice that whispers rather than shouts. Because it whispers and our minds are too busy to hear it, we often miss its wisdom and guidance.
There are many tools we can use to develop our SI listening skills, which we will explore in the Highest Road’s blogs and podcasts.
How do we recognize it when it Speaks?
Most of us do not have the benefit of a direct physical encounter of our SI. We don’t see burning bushes in our living rooms that tell us our next move. Just a very few experience mystical visions. For most of us, SI is a Force beneath our conscious awareness. It steers us in the direction of growth and healing. However, its guidance isn’t always apparent.
SI makes itself known in many ways. One of these is synchronicity. While some may dismiss synchronicities as mere chance, others see them as a powerful force guiding our spiritual journey. These meaningful coincidences are not just random occurrences but rather messages from our Higher Selves.
Signs and symbols we notice repeated in our conscious awareness are often signs of communication from our Higher Self. SI awareness can also bubble to the surface in the form of dreams.
According to Dr. Danah Zohar, a pioneer of spiritual intelligence theory, there are 12 components that makeup SQ. These include self-awareness, spontaneity, vision and values, compassion, humility, integrity, transcendence, inner peace, faith, courage, purposefulness and the ability to reflect.
Each component is vital in shaping our spiritual intelligence and overall growth. Many of these will be more fully explored in subsequent posts.
Spiritual Intelligence offers a more profound understanding, peace, contentment, and fulfilment felt at the soul level.
Components of SI
Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation of spiritual intelligence. It involves being in tune with oneself and having a deep understanding of our thoughts, emotions, values, and beliefs. It requires us to take a deep and honest look at ourselves. Acknowledging not only the bright spots in our lives but also the shadows. It is in the shadows where our fears lie.
To quote Marianne Williamson- “Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth.”
Through self-awareness, we identify those fears and bring them into the light. There, they can be examined and seen for what they are. It is at that point they can be transformed.
Self-awareness and reflection allow us to examine our core beliefs. Our beliefs play a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. They guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions on a daily basis. Whether it is our religious, political, or moral beliefs, they have a profound impact on how we view ourselves and the world around us.
Our upbringing, culture, and experiences shape our beliefs. They can also be influenced by external factors such as media and societal norms. It is essential to recognize and acknowledge these influences in order to understand the origins of our beliefs.
When we pause on the Highest Road for self-reflection, we can see if our beliefs truly reflect our authentic self.
Transcendence
Transcendence refers to the ability to go beyond oneself and connect with something greater. This could be a higher power, nature, or the universe. It involves letting go of our ego and connecting with a larger purpose or meaning in life.
It involves recognizing that there is a greater purpose and meaning to life beyond material possessions or achievements.
Meaningful Existence
Meaningful existence is about finding purpose and fulfilment in life. It involves living according to our values, making a positive impact on others, and finding a sense of purpose in what we do. meaningful existence allows us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves and gives our lives a more profound sense of meaning.
Spontaneity
How does spontaneity relate to Spiritual Intelligence? According to Zohar, it is the ability to respond in the moment without preconceived notions or expectations. It is about being fully present and open to new experiences and opportunities. Spontaneity is synonymous with mindfulness.
Vision and Values
Spiritual intelligence involves having a clear vision and understanding of our core values. This means knowing what truly matters to us and aligning our actions with those values. Having a strong vision and values helps guide us toward personal growth, goal achievements, and fulfilments in life.
Compassion
Compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with the suffering and concerns of others. It involves seeing beyond our own bubble and extending kindness, love, and understanding towards others. Practicing compassion helps improve our relationships and brings a sense of connectedness and purpose to our lives.
The importance of compassion cannot be ignored. The Dalai Lama has said, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Inner Peace
Inner peace is a state of calmness and contentment that comes from within. Moreover, it is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather it stems from having a strong and peaceful mind and a personal connection with Source.
Purposefulness
Living life with purpose involves clearly understanding our unique talents, strengths, and passions and using them to make a positive impact in the world. Consequently, when we live with purpose, we feel a sense of fulfillment and direction in our lives. Purposefulness doesn’t necessarily mean doing some grand mission for the planet. We can make an impact in the world by the simplest action done with love and joy.
Integrity
Integrity is about living in alignment with our values and principles. It means being honest, ethical, and true to ourselves, even when faced with difficult choices or situations. Living with integrity builds trust, respect, and authenticity in our lives.
Courage
Courage is the ability to take action despite fear or uncertainty. In terms of spiritual intelligence, it involves having the courage to question our beliefs and values and stepping out of our comfort zone in search of personal growth. It takes courage to challenge societal norms and expectations and to embrace our own unique spiritual journey.
Reflection
The ability to reflect is a crucial component of spiritual intelligence. It involves taking the time to pause, quiet our minds, and connect with our inner selves. Through reflection, we can gain insight into our thoughts, emotions, and actions, allowing us to make conscious choices that align with our values and beliefs.
How to Develop Spiritual Intelligence
Developing spiritual intelligence can be a lifelong process, but there are steps we can take to cultivate it in our daily lives. Here are some practices that can help:
- Meditation and mindfulness: These practices allow us to quiet our minds and connect with our inner wisdom and intuition.
- Reflection and self-awareness: Taking time to reflect on our thoughts, emotions, values, and beliefs can help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
- Connecting with nature: Spending time in nature and appreciating its beauty can help us connect with something larger than ourselves.
- Gratitude: Practicing gratitude for what we have and the people in our lives can help us cultivate a more positive and fulfilling outlook.
- Service to others: Acts of service and kindness towards others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
What the World Needs Now….
The out-picturing of our collective consciousness today is one of war, strife and divisiveness. How would that change if a large number of people embodied their spiritual intelligence in their lives? How would the world look if Spiritual Intelligence was taught in every school worldwide?
If a critical mass of people were to cultivate spiritual intelligence, it would likely result in a significant global shift. Each of us has a part to play in bringing this shift about, by focusing on our own inner voice as we walk the Highest Road.
Categories List
Click on a link to find posts on specific topics
Barbara Oehmke
Finally, something tangible I can grasp and hold onto. These rules are the ones I have attempted to live my life by. As much as I love the complicated Science of Life, it is comforting to have some guidance that I can truly live with and apply to my everyday living.As long as I incorporate these guidelines into my life, I can feel good about myself at all times.