How To Develop Spiritual Intelligence

Your Spirit resides in a more subtle plane of existence. To connect with your Spirit, you must allow yourself room to quiet your mind, away from all the commotion and movement of the outside world.

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What is meant by spiritual intelligence?

Existential intelligence is based on the concept of spirituality as distinguished from religiosity in spiritual intelligence definitions.

  • Self-awareness: Understanding what I believe in and value, as well as what drives me.
  • Being vision- and value-driven means acting on principles and deep convictions and living in accordance with them.
  • Holism is defined as the ability to recognize larger patterns, relationships, and connections, as well as a sense of belonging.
  • Diversity is celebrated when people are valued for their differences rather than for their similarities.
  • Field independence entails going against the grain and holding one's own beliefs.
  • Humility is the awareness of one's genuine place in the world as a participant in a bigger drama.
  • A proclivity to ponder fundamental “Why?” questions: I'm trying to figure out what's going on and get to the bottom of it.
  • Standing back from a situation or crisis and seeing the greater picture or wider context is referred to as the ability to reframe.
  • Learning and developing from mistakes, disappointments, and suffering is a good way to deal with adversity.

Ken O'Donnell believes that spiritual intelligence (SQ) should be integrated with both intellectual and emotional intelligence (IQ) (EQ). IQ aids our interaction with numbers, formulae, and objects, EQ aids our interaction with others, and SQ aids our inner equilibrium. He recommends the following criteria for determining one's level of SQ:

  • How much time, money, energy, and thinking are required to get the desired outcome?

Spiritual intelligence, according to Robert Emmons, is “the adaptive application of spiritual information to enhance everyday problem solving and goal achievement.” He proposed five components of spiritual intelligence at first:

Due to its focus on human conduct rather than ability, the fifth capacity was later abolished because it did not fit previously established scientific standards for intelligence.

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“Spiritual intelligence is concerned with the inner life of mind and spirit and its link to being in the world,” according to Frances Vaughan.

Spiritual intelligence, according to Cindy Wigglesworth, is “the ability to act wisely and compassionately while retaining inner and exterior serenity, regardless of the circumstances.” She divides the SQ abilities into 21 talents, which she organizes into a four-quadrant model comparable to Daniel Goleman's widely used emotional intelligence (EQ) paradigm. Spiritual intelligence is divided into four quadrants:

At Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, David B. King has been studying spiritual intelligence. Spiritual intelligence, according to King, is a set of adaptable mental capacities based on non-material and transcendent aspects of reality, particularly those that:

“…contribute to the awareness, integration, and adaptive application of nonmaterial and transcendent components of one's life, leading to such consequences as deep existential reflection, meaning enhancement, acknowledgment of a transcendent self, and mastery of spiritual states.”

King also proposes four fundamental spiritual intelligence abilities or capacities:

  • Critical Existential Thinking: The ability to think critically about the nature of existence, reality, the universe, space, time, and other existential/metaphysical concerns; likewise, the ability to think critically about non-existential matters in connection to one's own existence (i.e., from an existential perspective).
  • Personal Meaning Production entails the ability to derive personal meaning and purpose from all physical and mental events, as well as the ability to establish and master a life purpose.
  • Transcendental Awareness: The ability to recognize transcendent dimensions/patterns of one's self (i.e., a transpersonal or transcendent self), others, and the physical universe (e.g., nonmaterialism) during normal levels of consciousness, as well as their relationship to one's self and the physical.
  • Expansion of Consciousness: The ability to freely enter and exit higher states of consciousness (such as pure consciousness, cosmic consciousness, unity, and oneness) and other states of trance (as in deep contemplation, meditation, prayer, etc.).

Vineeth V. Kumar and Manju Mehta have also done extensive research on the concept. They operationalized spiritual intelligence as “an individual's capacity to have a socially important purpose in life by understanding'self' and having a high degree of conscience, compassion, and dedication to human ideals.”

How do you develop spiritual development?

Religion brings spirituality to some people, but it does not bring spirituality to others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spiritual well-being. Here are a few ideas to get you started if you're not sure where to start.

According to a Gallup poll, 43% of Americans claim to be members of a church or other religious organization. These places of worship provide a variety of opportunities for people living with mental illnesses to connect with others in their communities.

Reconnect with someone or an organization that shares your beliefs and thoughts, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Find ways to connect with like-minded people in your faith community who can support and encourage you by reaching out to a pastor or spiritual leader.

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“Many people's support systems were taken away from them during the pandemic—church, volunteering, support groups,” Wester said. “It was especially difficult for individuals who were already dealing with mental health concerns.” I advise people to reconnect with their religion group as soon as they are physically secure to do so.”

It's fine if you don't have a faith community. Finding a cause that resonates to you and giving back is another way to feel connected to your spirituality and faith. Working in a food pantry, becoming a mentor or tutor, or fostering an animal are all options. As a result, your community will develop and you will be able to meet individuals who share your interests. It will give you a sense of purpose and gratitude to help others.

You don't have to be a yogi to benefit from the practice's spiritual benefits. Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It can improve your mind and spirit, as well as strengthen and stretch your body, by lowering stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

You don't have to be an expert meditator like you don't have to be an experienced yoga practitioner. Because it takes so little time, meditation is one of the easiest disciplines to keep. “Some people believe you must sit and be silent, but this is not the case,” Wester explained. “You can walk while meditating, paying attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground and the details of your surroundings. Simply slowing down your body can help you calm down your mind.”

Even five minutes of meditation can help you reduce stress, despair, and worry while also increasing your mindfulness. There are numerous fantastic guided meditation applications, such as Calm or Balance, if you need help.

Writing can help you process your emotions, raise your awareness, and provide a nonjudgmental space for you to express your feelings in the present. Start a daily gratitude journal with prompts or write down your worries and fears.

Spending time in nature, whether you live in the mountains, the desert, or near the beach, can improve your spiritual health. You can't seem to get away from your phone, your day, and your problems. Even a few minutes spent watching the birds, trees swaying in the breeze, or crashing waves on the shoreline can be relaxing.

Find activities that you enjoy, such as knitting, coloring, cooking, sports, or working out. Focusing on things you enjoy might help you regain a feeling of purpose and stay present in the moment, even if only for a short time.

If you're having trouble connecting with your spiritual side or your mental health, seek help from someone who is specially trained or someone you trust.

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“Chaplains are specifically trained to deal with faith struggles in a clinical setting,” Wester said. They can assist validate your feelings without sweeping them under the rug. They can help you get back on track spiritually.”

What is spiritual intelligence examples?

Brahmakumari Shivani defines spiritual intelligence as “the expression of innate spiritual qualities through your ideas, actions, and attitude.” If you ‘know' yourself as a spiritual entity, for example, you'll also ‘know' that you don't own or possess anything.

How can I learn spiritual knowledge?

The only way to gain spiritual understanding is to study under a guru. It is not sufficient to have only scholastic knowledge. It will not assist us in comprehending the essence of the atma or pave the route to ultimate release. The importance of studying under a guru has been demonstrated by saints and jnanis.

In his Deivamani Malai, Saint Vallalar claims that he has avoided the company of scholars. He hasn't considered how to learn whatever is required for philosophical growth. Vallalar's phrases remind one of Thirukkural poetry, according to M.A. Manickavelu in a lecture. Thiruvalluvar illustrates how learned men are. He claims that a poet acts in such a way that when he leaves, everyone he meets misses him. True learned men have a pleasant demeanor and are pleasant to converse with. They impart knowledge that will help us get through life's challenges. Vallalar laments that he hasn't been in the company of such folks. According to Gnansambandar, individuals who are well-read, have had the opportunity to listen to important things, and are service-minded all revere Lord Siva.

Lord Siva, as Dakshinamurthy, educated the Sanakadi rishis while sitting under a banyan tree. But it was through His quiet that He taught. Thirunavukkarasar claims he has not studied the Sastras and is hence in the dark. Thirunavukkarasar wonders why he took this birth and prays for Lord Siva's blessing. “You have not realized God's nature,” Manickavachagar reminds himself. According to Thirunavukkarasar, jnanis enjoy only one fruit, which is God Himself. Sundarar claims that he learned many things that are useless in the pursuit of liberty, but that he did not learn about God. The value of jnana is thus demonstrated by the Nayanmars in their various verses.

How do I feed my spirit?

6 Things You Should Do to Keep Your Soul Satisfied

  • It's time to talk about it. You may have been taught to say a prayer before eating, sleeping, fighting, or anything else.

How do you recognize a spiritual person?

The first evidence of a spiritual person is their lack of fear. When you have a fear or a chronic worry, that fear takes over your life and you are unable to be in the present moment. Fear of public speaking, fear of heights, and fear of bugs are the three most common fears among Americans. Many people, however, are terrified of death, rejection, loneliness, failure, illness, or making poor judgments. Spiritual people understand how to yield to forces beyond their control. In this way, they are similar to children in that they know how to ignore their minds and live fearlessly.

How do you strengthen your soul?

Finally, let's have a look at some ways to strengthen your soul.

  • Gratitude should be practiced. Gratitude teaches your brain to let go of negative ideas and instead focus on finding things to be thankful for.

What are the 7 spiritual dimensions?

The SEVEN program encourages individuals to engage in the seven pillars of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. It is a free program for all Illinois State students, professors, and staff.

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