The Soul in Daily Life — Spiritual Intelligence and its Application to Lead a Better Life
“The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the power of all true art and science.” — Albert Einstein
Introduction
In this article, we review and summarise the concept of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ), and what this might mean for the average individual in their daily life and how they might seek to become more spiritually aware.
The term “Spiritual Intelligence” is perhaps less widely known compared to other psychological models of intelligence, which are broad, and include concepts such as:
- Intelligence Quotient (IQ) — a total score derived from a set of standardised tests or subtests designed to assess human intelligence, a term originally coined by German psychologist William Stern in 1912
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) — the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions, a term first appearing in psychological literature in the 1960s but popularised by science journalist Daniel Goleman in his 1995 best-selling book of the same title
- Social Intelligence — an ability to understand one’s own and others actions, originally defined by American psychologist Edward Thorndike in 1920 as, “the ability to understand and manage men and women and boys and girls, to act wisely in human relations”
- Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) is a concept that has been explored by various authors and researchers, each providing unique perspectives and models. These models often integrate elements of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. Perhaps the most prominent and current of these is Danah Zohar, however, there are others and we summarise them here.
Danah Zohar
Danah Zohar (1944 — ), an American physicist and philosopher, introduced the concept of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) in her book “SQ: Spiritual Intelligence, the Ultimate Intelligence,” co-written with Dr. Ian Marshall.
Zohar’s proposition of spiritual intelligence suggests a third ‘Q’, alongside the traditional IQ (Intellectual Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient), that forms a complete picture of human capabilities.
Spiritual intelligence is defined by her as “the intelligence with which we address and solve problems of meaning and value, the intelligence with which we can place our actions and our lives in a wider, richer, meaning-giving context.”
Zohar has delineated 12 principles that underpin spiritual intelligence:
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s own worldview, motives, and self-awareness in relation to the larger context of life.
- 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; seeing problems in a 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.
Zohar’s concept of spiritual intelligence does not necessarily align with traditional religious views but instead focuses on the deeper, more abstract aspects of human existence and consciousness. It’s about how individuals align their lives with their values and make decisions that are congruent with their beliefs and ethics. According to Zohar, a high SQ is crucial for effective leadership in the modern world, as it provides a foundation for resilience, motivation, and meaning.
Besides Danah Zohar’s model, here are some notable others:
Robert A. Emmons
Emmons (1958 — ) a professor of psychology, is one of the pioneers in the study of spirituality and psychology. His model of spiritual intelligence includes five key dimensions:
- The capacity for transcendence.
- The ability to enter into heightened spiritual states of consciousness.
- The ability to invest everyday activities, events, and relationships with a sense of the sacred.
- The ability to utilize spiritual resources to solve problems.
- The capacity to engage in virtuous behaviour (like forgiveness, gratitude, humility, and compassion).
Frances Vaughan
Vaughan (1935–2017) an American psychologist, considered a leader in the field of transpersonal psychology defines spiritual intelligence as “the ability to behave with wisdom and compassion while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the situation.”
Her model emphasizes the importance of awareness, inner peace, and compassion as key components of spiritual intelligence.
Cindy Wigglesworth
Wigglesworth’s approach is more pragmatic and defines spiritual intelligence as “the ability to act with wisdom and compassion while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the situation.”
Her model includes 21 skills that contribute to this ability, which are organized into four quadrants: Higher Self/Ego Self Awareness, Universal Awareness, Higher Self/Ego Self Mastery, and Social Mastery/Spiritual Presence.
Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Although Gardner did not explicitly define ‘spiritual intelligence’, but his theory of multiple intelligences has influenced the discussion.
He proposed that interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences are facets of a broader category that could be considered ‘spiritual’, encompassing an understanding of oneself and others in a broader existential context.
Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory
Wilber, a philosopher and writer, also doesn’t explicitly use the term ‘spiritual intelligence’, but his integral theory can be seen as a framework for understanding spiritual development.
He proposes multiple lines of development or intelligences, including cognitive, moral, and spiritual lines. In this context, spiritual intelligence involves the development of spiritual awareness and understanding.
Application in Daily Life
Each of these models contributes to a broader understanding of spiritual intelligence as a concept that encompasses various dimensions of human experience, including awareness, wisdom, compassion, inner peace, and an understanding of the sacred or transcendent.
These models often intersect with themes of personal growth, ethical behaviour, and a deepened understanding of the self and others.
The various theories of spiritual intelligence (SQ), despite their differences, share several core similarities that can be practically applied to the psychology of an individual’s everyday life:
Enhanced Self-Awareness
Across these models, a common thread is the emphasis on self-awareness. This involves understanding one’s own beliefs, values, and emotions, and recognizing how these internal states influence behavior and interactions with others. Practically, this means being more reflective and conscious of one’s motivations and actions.
Capacity for Transcendence
Many models highlight the ability to transcend beyond immediate personal concerns and connect with something larger than oneself. This could manifest in everyday life as a sense of purpose, a connection to nature or the universe, or a commitment to a cause.
Development of Inner Peace
The cultivation of inner peace, equanimity, and balance is central to most models of SQ. This involves managing one’s inner life to maintain calm and composure in various life situations, which can enhance resilience and overall well-being.
Cultivation of Virtues
Virtues such as compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and humility are often emphasized. In daily life, this means practising kindness, understanding, and patience with oneself and others, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to a harmonious community.
Wisdom in Decision Making
A practical aspect of SQ is the ability to make wise and ethical decisions. This involves considering the wider implications of one’s actions, aligning decisions with one’s values, and considering the well-being of others.
Deeper Meaning and Purpose
SQ theories often suggest that individuals seek deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. This can guide one’s choices and provide a sense of direction and fulfilment.
Ability to Face and Use Adversity
The ability to learn from and constructively use adversity is a common theme. This implies resilience, the capacity to grow from challenges, and the use of difficult experiences as opportunities for personal development.
Connectedness and Compassion
A sense of interconnectedness with others and the world, leading to compassionate action, is a key component. This translates to an understanding and appreciation of diversity, empathy, and active engagement in helping others.
In practical terms, integrating these aspects of SQ into daily life can lead to a more fulfilling, balanced, and meaningful existence, enhancing both personal well-being and positive interactions with others.
