There is currently an unparalleled interest and move towards spirituality and our understanding of our connection to the world around us. We are facing a shift in human awareness and are being encouraged to change how we interact with our spiritual selves, the rest of humanity and the planet.
Millions if not billions of people have been captivated by the extraordinary advancements in technology that have come with the 21st century and with that we seem to now have technologically dependent lifestyles. And at what cost?
The questions are being asked towards looking for a deeper meaning to the nature of our existence, our place in the cosmos, true purpose in life and what happens when we die?
These are questions of a spiritual nature and Spiritual Intelligence may hold the key to some answers.
What is Spiritual Intelligence (SQ)?
Spiritual Intelligence provides us with a context for our actions, the way that we tackle and solve problems of greater meaning and value and a way for us to determine a life path that is meaningful and “right.”
Spiritual intelligence gives us a unique lens through which to view the mysteries and challenges of life and death and empowers us to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. With SQ, you may be more able to face some of life’s adversities, pain and suffering and also be able to help others to overcome their challenges.
Spiritual intelligene enhances our awareness that we are a part of a greater whole and that through our interconnectedness with all beings and the planet our words, deeds and actions have an impact.
What does spiritual really mean?
Spiritual is derived from the Latin Spiritus that means breathing. It is the nature of relating to the spirit, the mind (enter mindfulness) and higher faculties i.e. highly refined in thought and feelings.
Spiritual is pertaining to the incorporeal or immaterial, non-physical nature of human beings and not specifically aligned with religion or anything religious.
Being attracted to values such as love, compassion, integrity, beauty and creativity that transcend the physical world give rise to a desire for a more spiritual way of being.
Technically and historically, the words “religious” and “spiritual” are synonymous. In today’s world an increasing number of people have either divorced themselves from a specific religion, are unchurched or consider that spirituality is more a way of being rather than devoting themselves to a specific brand of religion or god.
What is spirituality?
Spirituality is a value and exists both as a belief and as a way of life with practical implications.
Spirituality goes beyond the societal labels of race, gender, or profession and asks of you to no longer think of yourself only as a mother, Christian, Jew, Buddhist, accountant, yoga teacher, musician etc. Spirituality compels you to go within to look deeper inside to your essence or core of your being.
What are the characteristics or qualities that embody spiritual intelligence?
- The qualities and values of; compassion, kindness, love, patience, forgiveness, generosity and tolerance
- A concern for humanity and other sentient beings without a primary focus on the materialistic world
- A tendency to ask questions of a higher order and seek fundamental answers
- Individuals with SQ are acutely aware of themselves: they see the connection between themselves and the rest of the world, and they understand that they are just one piece of the working universe and the significance of the interconnectedness of all sentient beings
- An ability to face and transform suffering into something of benefit for themselves or others
- Having the quality of being inspired by vision and values
- A desire to alleviate suffering
Can you measure spiritual intelligence?
You have most likely previously heard about IQ, intelligence quotient, the development level of your mathematic and linguistic cognitive thought processes. It is typically measured through a variety of well-known standardized tests, such as the Wechsler tests for adults or children.
Your physical intelligence (PQ) focuses on your body strength, control, and skills, usually measured through physical tasks and exercises.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) mostly involves your level of interaction with others, based on controlling your own emotions and reading the emotions of others. Years of research by psychologists and emotional intelligence pioneers Dr Daniel Goleman and Dr. Richard Boyatzis have led to the creation of an intelligence measure outlined in their book Emotional Intelligence. In the book Goleman explains why SQ can matter more than IQ; “we have two brains, two minds – and two different kinds of intelligence: rational and emotional.”
Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) can be measured in a similar set of ranking criteria to IQ, EQ and PQ.
Spiritual intelligence helps you to behave with wisdom and compassion for others and gives you the ability to make meaningful and valuable life decisions based on your inner spirituality and the values you uphold in life.
Cultivating thoughts, words, emotions and actions that embody the sentiment that all sentient beings are interconnected helps you to experience a deeper, richer life by choosing more meaningful actions and life paths over others. Following on this path can potentially bring you both inner peace and outer peace, regardless of your life circumstances.
How can I develop and enhance spiritual intelligence in everyday life?
- Establish and live by values that match SQ, and reflect on your deepest motivations
- Consider others before self and look at how you can help or serve others in ways that are in accordance with the values of compassion, kindness, love, patience, forgiveness, generosity and tolerance
- Recognize the interconnected nature of all beings and nature
- Practice mindfulness
- Choose someone that represents spiritual intelligence for you, keep a photo of them nearby and model their behavior.
- Look for the good and the best in everyone and experience
- Read inspiring books on spiritual intelligence
- Be grateful
- Practice frequent acts of kindness and compassion
- Express yourself through creativity; music, dance, art, or write and reflect in a journal
- Create regular rituals such as daily meditation and walking in nature, by the beach or near water.
- Connect with other human beings in real time rather than mostly on social media
- Take time to be quiet and still throughout the day
- Go on a retreat
Whilst I would certainly agree that spiritual can have a unique meaning for an individual, the values of love, compassion, kindness, integrity, beauty and creativity and the implementation of these values in everyday life could well be the most important remedy for an ever increasing fast paced and somewhat troubled world.
I’d love to know your thoughts on the subject.
Edet says
This is certainly one of the subject that justice has been tempered with. Am really grateful for the insight.
Louise Crosby says
Thanks for the feedback Edet and happy to share the insights. There is certainly more of a spotlight on the subject now…
Spiritual Quotient says
Great Post and Nice Article.I like it.Thanks for Sharing.
Louise Crosby says
Most welcome and thanks for taking the time to give feedback – always appreciated.