When you think of spirituality, do you think of intelligence? Read and discover the secrets to spiritual intelligence and how to live your best life.
Intelligence and our understanding of it have been evolving over time. Sometimes simply referred to as smarts, intelligence isn’t a one-trick pony. And, just like there’s a difference between book smart and street smart, there’s also a wide range of intelligences that each of us has to varying degrees.
Nearly everyone is familiar with the standard intelligence quotient (IQ). IQ is typically measured and scored, with most people falling in the "normal" range between 85 and 115. But, in recent years, we see intelligence as having many unique abilities. You don’t have to have a standard high IQ to be intelligent!
A new intelligence on the proverbial block, spiritual intelligence, is somewhat newly discovered. Humans have always had spiritual intelligence and many other assorted intelligences. However, understanding how we learn and apply knowledge is an ongoing journey.
Scientists disagree on whether we can increase our intelligence. However, many believe that brain training can improve our intelligence. Brain training can also benefit spiritual intelligence. Read on to learn more.
Types of intelligence
Emotional intelligence
EI, or emotional intelligence, is the ability to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions. It's also the ability to handle relationships carefully and empathetically.
Visual-spatial intelligence
Often considered a critical intelligence, visual-spatial intelligence isn’t cultivated enough thanks to our cell phones and other modern-day conveniences. It includes awareness of surroundings and a good sense of direction. It also includes easy recognition of patterns and recall of visual information. These are just a few signs of visual-spatial intelligence.
Verbal-linguistic intelligence
Professional speakers and professors with verbal-linguistic intelligence are word-smart and have great communication skills.
Musical-rhythmic intelligence
Anyone with strong musical-rhythmic intelligence comprehends music’s nuances. These people are often composers.
Interpersonal intelligence
If you have high interpersonal intelligence, you relate well with others. You manage relationships more easily than most.
Intrapersonal intelligence
Understanding your thoughts and feelings is using your intrapersonal intelligence. These insights can guide your life and improve your choices.
Naturalistic intelligence
People with high naturalistic intelligence are interested in exploring and learning about the environment. They also care about the species that live there.
Body-kinesthetic intelligence
Dancers, athletes, and surgeons are among those with body-kinesthetic intelligence. The good news is that anyone can develop it by playing sports and taking dance classes.
Creative intelligence
Inventors and artists use their creative intelligence. They use it to solve problems and make art. These unique thinkers include Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, and Einstein. To varying degrees, everyone else is one too!
What is spiritual intelligence?
Of all the intelligences, spiritual intelligence is unique. This is because of its intangible and unquantifiable aspects. Yet, it is also undeniably valuable. So, what is spiritual intelligence?
Spiritual intelligence is the spiritual capacity to live in the present moment with self-awareness, equanimity, a sense of belongingness, humility, and compassion. Spiritual intelligence is evident when there is a natural feeling of celebration of diversity and inclusion, a sense of servitude, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Spiritual intelligence also comes with increased faculty to experience expanded states of consciousness.
One human being who embodies all of these qualities is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living. His programs have led people everywhere to grow their spiritual intelligence.
Expressions of spiritual intelligence
What does spiritual intelligence look like in daily life?
- Challenges are easily overcome, and resilience increases
- Interpersonal relationships improve
- Happiness, contentment, and optimism increase
- Celebration and joy spontaneously arise
- Human values naturally blossom
How to cultivate spiritual intelligence
We all need many intelligences to be happy and successful humans. But spiritual intelligence may be the glue for a well-rounded, smart person. So, how do we cultivate spiritual intelligence, and what kind of brain training increases it?
Here are some of the ways we recommend for cultivating spiritual intelligence:
Practice self-love. World-renowned spiritual leader Gurudev says, “Love is not an emotion; it is your very existence.” He teaches that if you cannot love yourself, you cannot go towards the Self. Self-love is a brain training tool essential for cultivating spiritual intelligence.
Gratitude journaling. Any time spent in gratitude will help to grow spiritual intelligence. Journaling daily or weekly is an easy way to see all the things in your life that deserve gratitude.
Be of service. When you give your time and energy without expecting anything in return, your spirit grows. A feeling of expansion feeds your spiritual intelligence. This is also true when practicing random acts of kindness.
Practice stillness. When you are still, what happens? Your awareness increases. Practicing stillness is easy to do just about anywhere. Spend time in stillness in nature, and you will find an even deeper experience. Spend time in stillness on a Silent Retreat, and your spiritual intelligence will grow exponentially. Stillness is a brain training tool with many benefits.
Be open-minded. Consciously being more receptive to people and situations allows spiritual energy to flow. Without open-mindedness, spiritual intelligence can become stagnant.
Practice mindfulness. Increasing your awareness can be a practice as well as a benefit from meditating regularly.
Read spiritual texts. Some spiritual texts expand the mind and are experiential. Here are three spiritual texts worth reading or viewing on videos:
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (available to watch on the Journey app)
Ashtavakra Gita (available to watch on the Journey app)
Practice yoga. Spiritual intelligence isn’t something hiding in a small corner of your mind. Yoga activates a body-mind-spirit connection and boosts spiritual intelligence. Yoga is also a brain training tool.
Practice breathwork and meditation. Breathwork, also called pranayama, is part of yoga and is an excellent tool for increasing spiritual energy and intelligence. Meditation, especially mantra meditation, is great for brain training. Techniques like transcendental meditation and Sahaj Samadhi use mantras as vehicles for deep meditation. Mantra meditation is one of the best tools for spiritual intelligence.
Increase your spiritual intelligence with The Art of Living
For a deeper dimension, spiritual intelligence can be increased with SKY Breath Meditation. SKY is science-backed and will enhance your spiritual life just by breathing. Not just any breathing, SKY is based on ancient wisdom that harmonizes all the layers of your being. Spirituality has never been easier! Start your journey today and register for the Art of Living Part 1 course featuring SKY Breath Meditation.
