“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
While working on my latest book, I had more than a few people ask me about spirituality.
They wanted a succinct explanation or a simple model for Spiritual Intelligence.
A Simple Model for Spiritual Intelligence
I started going through various definitions, models, and testing what I could find.
Here’s what I arrived at:
- Making meaning
- Living your values
- Finding your purpose
- Making impact
To summarize, the most useful patterns and practices I found are living your values, finding your unique contribution, and shaping a better version of yourself.
This happens to be the foundation that underscores my You 2.0 guide (which might explain why it hit a sweet spot with so many people.)
Stephen Covey on Spiritual Intelligence
I wanted to find a model that’s simple, practical, and proven. I turned to Stephen Covey.
Here’s how Covey distills Spiritual Intelligence:
- Integrity – Being true to one’s highest values and conscience)
- Meaning – A sense of contribution to people and causes.
- Voice – Aligning work with one’s unique calling and gifts.
In yet another way, he spins it as –
Meaning, integrity and contribution – “serving and lifting all stakeholders: customers, suppliers, employees and their families, communities, society — making a difference in the world (SPIRIT) “
3 Ways to Develop Your Spiritual Intelligence
Covey also provides common ways to develop it:
- Read and meditate (Stephen Covey’s personal approach)
- Immersion in great literature or great music
- Find it in the way you communicate with nature
I was actually surprised by how simply and elegantly Covey addresses spirituality.
I like the fact that he provides a simple lens and frames it as spiritual intelligence.
It was also refreshing to see a pragmatic and non-dogmatic approach to looking beyond mind, body, and heart, into the spiritual side of things.
You Might Also Like
Top 10 Lessons Learned in Spirituality
How To Define Intelligence in a Better Way
My Story of Personal Transformation
The Age of Wisdom
The Career Growth Framework: Realize Your Career, Personal, and Professional Potential