What is Spiritual Intelligence?
Over the years Eddie and I have encountered many projects, illnesses, challenges and disharmony, the most moment-defining in the healing process has been the understanding that arises when the correlation between their project (disharmony) and spiritual learning is acknowledged. Spiritual Intelligence is vital in healing, so why not in business, in education, in relationships? Cultivating (more accurately remembering) one’s Spiritual Intelligence is having the understanding that each one of us is not confined to space and time, we are fragments of infinite Love capable of great acts of inspiration and courage.
Danah Zohar coined the term “spiritual intelligence” and introduced the idea in 1997 in her book, “ReWiring the Corporate Brain.”
Danah Zohar defined 12 principles underlying spiritual intelligence:
- Self-awareness: Knowing what I believe in and value, and what deeply motivates me.
- Spontaneity: Living in and being responsive to the moment.
- Being vision and value led: Acting from principles and deep beliefs, and living accordingly.
- Holism: Seeing larger patterns, relationships, and connections; having a sense of belonging.
- Compassion: Having the quality of “feeling-with” and deep empathy.
- Celebration of diversity: Valuing other people for their differences, not despite them.
- Field independence: Standing against the crowd and having one’s own convictions.
- Humility: Having the sense of being a player in a larger drama, of one’s true place in the world.
- Tendency to ask fundamental “Why?” questions: Needing to understand things and get to the bottom of them.
- Ability to reframe: Standing back from a situation or problem and seeing the bigger picture or wider context.
- Positive use of adversity: Learning and growing from mistakes, setbacks, and suffering.
- Sense of vocation: Feeling called upon to serve, to give something back.
Robert Emmons defines spiritual intelligence as “the adaptive use of spiritual information to facilitate everyday problem solving and goal attainment.” He originally proposed 5 components of spiritual intelligence:
- The capacity to transcend the physical and material.
- The ability to experience heightened states of consciousness.
- The ability to sanctify everyday experience.
- The ability to utilize spiritual resources to solve problems.
- The capacity to be virtuous.
Cindy Wigglesworth defines spiritual intelligence as “the ability to act with wisdom and compassion, while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the circumstances.”
There is an insightful article by Cindy Wigglesworth, “Spiritual Intelligence: Living as Your Higher Self” at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-wigglesworth/spiritual-intelligence_b_1752145.html?comm_ref=false&src=sp&utm_hp_ref=fb
This knowledge is not new, but it has been ignored. When we disregard this spiritual (divine) intelligence we lose sight of what we are truly capable of. We believe that lasting healing solutions arise from drawing sustenance from this deep well of Infinite Compassionate Spiritual Intelligence.
Over the next few months we hope to share a few more insights on Spiritual Intelligence.
Lovingly, Ranjana
Ranjana Appoo is a dynamic author and co-creator of LiberatingTouch, known for her joyful approach to life and passion for truth. Alongside her partner, Eddie Appoo, she has co-authored the book “Detachment – The Secret to Infinite Peace”. With a vibrant spirit and a commitment to Love, Ranjana continues to inspire others to embark on the paths of Self-Realisation through her writings, teachings, and compassionate presence.
