Welcome. We are kin, you and I, on this marvelous never-ending and forever-expanding adventure, so join in!
Scroll down and you will find the SQ21 Skills, numbered 1 through 21. As time moves along, I'll add those TOOLS that I have found helpful both personally, and in my work with fellow travelers. It will take time just to log in all the material I have tucked into the corners of my life.
I'd like to add a list here of some of the foundational principles upon which the SQ21 is built. All of these quotes can be found in Cindy Wigglesworth's book SQ21: The Twenty-One Skills of Spiritual Intelligence.
1. Cindy's research began with two questions: Whom do you admire as a spiritual leader? Why do you admire these people as spiritual leaders?
2. Spirituality, as I define it, is the innate human need to be connected to something larger than ourselves, something we consider to be divine or of exceptional nobility.
3. Religion, as I define it, is a specific set of beliefs and practices, usually based on a sacred text, and represented by a community of people.
4. Spiritual Intelligence, as distinct from both spirituality and religion, is a set of skills we develop over time, with practice.
5. SQ is: The ability to behave with wisdom and compassion, while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the situation.
6. Embracing the process means being calm and feeling urgent at the same time.
7. SQ comes down to this essential question: Who is driving your life? Is the calmer, wiser "Higher Self" in charge, or are you driven by an immature, short-sighted ego and/or beliefs and ideals of others?
8. Yes, there are more than one type of intelligence.
9. Cindy's elevator speech: If you'd like less drama at home and at work, cultivate your Spiritual Intelligence.
10. The 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence are "faith neutral."
I'd like to add a list here of some of the foundational principles upon which the SQ21 is built. All of these quotes can be found in Cindy Wigglesworth's book SQ21: The Twenty-One Skills of Spiritual Intelligence.
1. Cindy's research began with two questions: Whom do you admire as a spiritual leader? Why do you admire these people as spiritual leaders?
2. Spirituality, as I define it, is the innate human need to be connected to something larger than ourselves, something we consider to be divine or of exceptional nobility.
3. Religion, as I define it, is a specific set of beliefs and practices, usually based on a sacred text, and represented by a community of people.
4. Spiritual Intelligence, as distinct from both spirituality and religion, is a set of skills we develop over time, with practice.
5. SQ is: The ability to behave with wisdom and compassion, while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the situation.
6. Embracing the process means being calm and feeling urgent at the same time.
7. SQ comes down to this essential question: Who is driving your life? Is the calmer, wiser "Higher Self" in charge, or are you driven by an immature, short-sighted ego and/or beliefs and ideals of others?
8. Yes, there are more than one type of intelligence.
9. Cindy's elevator speech: If you'd like less drama at home and at work, cultivate your Spiritual Intelligence.
10. The 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence are "faith neutral."
Some introductory documents and audios on SQ - Spiritual Intelligence, can be found at the very bottom of this page.
The File directly below is a MSWord doc that you can download and then use to write your own "Learnings and Resolutions."
| sq_21__learnings_and_resolutions_template.doc |
A 12:13 long TED talk featuring Cindy Wigglesworth. A terrific short summary of her work on Spiritual Intelligence.
Conscious Capitalism Integrates Four Intelligences
and that is how I engage spirituality into the workplace.
Below is a picture taken by Derek Coppess of 616Development. He and Mike Skukalek attended the 2016 Conscious Capitalism Summit in Chicago and this slide was used by John Mackey of Whole Foods as he talked about The Ideal Leader.
Quadrant 1 - Skill 1 - Awareness of my own worldview - or, my view of the world
Do you feel that you can explain to others the impacts of your culture, your upbringing, and your mental assumptions on how you interpret the world around you?
Spiral Dynamics: mastering values, leadership and change.
The book has been enormously important.
Spiral Dynamics, first developed by Clare Graves and then by Don Beck, is the single most popular framework for understanding the evolution of values over the last 100,000 years. This model, which I've taught to my children, helps me to understand TV News, and so very much more. Read this paper, The Never Ending Upward Quest, and you will take a huge step toward understanding your own world view. This model will also help with Skills 3 and 7.
Spiral Dynamics, first developed by Clare Graves and then by Don Beck, is the single most popular framework for understanding the evolution of values over the last 100,000 years. This model, which I've taught to my children, helps me to understand TV News, and so very much more. Read this paper, The Never Ending Upward Quest, and you will take a huge step toward understanding your own world view. This model will also help with Skills 3 and 7.
| never_end_upward_quest_spiral_dynamics.pdf |
The first video below is Part 1, while the second video is both Part I and Part 2.
Change Your Story - by Seth Godin
This short article appeared in the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Are you just living along, following the script that marketing gurus like Godin have created for you? Or, are you writing your own story? The article can be found below.
| change_your_story._seth_godin.pdf |
Sam Keen - The Passionate Life
I've been to three workshops with Sam Keen, and each was critically important. One in Ann Arbor was really special and shall not be forgotten.
But, it was at the first workshop at Fountain Street Church that I picked up a copy of The Passionate Life: Stages of Loving. If you have worked with me, you might well have been introduced to Keen's model - Child, Rebel, Adult, Outlaw, and Lover.
Keen comes from my Reformed tradition. He has been a bold philosopher, a provocative and insightful writer, and a helpful workshop facilitator. I have shared precious moments with Sam Keen.
The intuitive thinker within me resonates deeply with this book, and the journey described. It is my story. I am grateful to Sam Keen for giving me the language to describe the inexplicable. Below you will find a pdf taken from Keen's book that summarizes his stages of loving.
But, it was at the first workshop at Fountain Street Church that I picked up a copy of The Passionate Life: Stages of Loving. If you have worked with me, you might well have been introduced to Keen's model - Child, Rebel, Adult, Outlaw, and Lover.
Keen comes from my Reformed tradition. He has been a bold philosopher, a provocative and insightful writer, and a helpful workshop facilitator. I have shared precious moments with Sam Keen.
The intuitive thinker within me resonates deeply with this book, and the journey described. It is my story. I am grateful to Sam Keen for giving me the language to describe the inexplicable. Below you will find a pdf taken from Keen's book that summarizes his stages of loving.
| keen_passionate_life_summary.pdf |
Quadrant 1 - Skill 2 - Awareness of Life Purpose (or Mission, Calling, Vocation)
Do you feel that you can explain your life purpose to others? Do you stay focused on it consistently?
The book that helped me back in 1991. Habit number two: Begin with Last Things First. Identify your personal mission statement, your principles, and organize your life around them. I took Covey's book and recommendations and worked it hard for six months. As a result, I penned these words which came to me in an instant of time (after 6 months of deliberative prayer). "My mission is to explore, map and guide people to the Kin-dom of God." What a relief to know.
If you want to dig deep into Your Unique Self, then Marc Gafni's book is for you.
YOUR UNIQUE SELF: The Radical Path to Personal Enlightenment by Marc Gafni. I read this book twice in 2013 and found it to be very stimulating. Gafni, who is not without controversy, suggests that we move from our false self, to our real self, to our true self, and then even deeper to our Unique Self which is the awareness of the divine's unique way of being "me". Go to www.marcgafni.com to learn more.
IT'S YOUR CALL: What Are Your Doing Here?
I confess that I haven't read this book, but I've some clients who have and I respect the appreciation they have shown for it.
I confess that I haven't read this book, but I've some clients who have and I respect the appreciation they have shown for it.
CALLINGS: Finding and Following Your Authentic Life.
Gregg Levoy wrote this wonderful book. Frankly, it is worth reading for its literary value alone. Lavoy is a remarkable writer. My dear friend, Rev. Larry Terlouw recommended this book to me some years ago. It is one of those books that I recommend to "thinking people" who appreciate the opportunity to dig in cognitively. Again, the writing is poetic and delightful and if finding and following your authentic life is where you are in life, this could be a book for you.
Quadrant 1 - Skill 3 - Awareness of Values Hierarchy
Can you name and rank your top 5 personal values? Do you keep them in mind when making important choices?
Spiral Dynamics
Go back up to Skill 1 and click on the link, and/or download the pdf on Spiral Dynamics.
Or try this challenging task!
Cindy recommends taking a stack of 3x5 cards and writing down the values that are nearest and dearest to you, one per card. Then, keep shuffling them until you have them in order - most important to least important. This can easily be an ongoing project as your values change based on time (grace and circumstances acting upon your will).
Cindy recommends taking a stack of 3x5 cards and writing down the values that are nearest and dearest to you, one per card. Then, keep shuffling them until you have them in order - most important to least important. This can easily be an ongoing project as your values change based on time (grace and circumstances acting upon your will).
Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux
This important book uses the memetic structure introduced in Spiral Dynamics to explore how organizations evolve. A frequent exercise recommended to the business and church leaders with whom I work is to go to Laloux's Wiki and to read the descriptions of the RED, AMBER/BLUE, ORANGE, GREEN... and then second tier YELLOW/TIEL organizations. We tend to be centered somewhere on the spectrum of consciousness moving up and down according to the changing circumstances in our life, and yet there is a "never ending upward quest" that is built into our evolutionary journey. Go to the Wiki and follow the links, wondering along the way. Remember, just studying development and the shifting of world views that takes place is itself "psychoactive." That is, it will evoke greater consciousness in the process of studying. Try going to Laloux's Wiki by clicking here.
This important book uses the memetic structure introduced in Spiral Dynamics to explore how organizations evolve. A frequent exercise recommended to the business and church leaders with whom I work is to go to Laloux's Wiki and to read the descriptions of the RED, AMBER/BLUE, ORANGE, GREEN... and then second tier YELLOW/TIEL organizations. We tend to be centered somewhere on the spectrum of consciousness moving up and down according to the changing circumstances in our life, and yet there is a "never ending upward quest" that is built into our evolutionary journey. Go to the Wiki and follow the links, wondering along the way. Remember, just studying development and the shifting of world views that takes place is itself "psychoactive." That is, it will evoke greater consciousness in the process of studying. Try going to Laloux's Wiki by clicking here.
You can also go to Rev. Paul Smith's work on Integral Christianity on my website and wondering about what sort of church you belong to - thus clarifying your value system some more.
Quadrant 1 - Skill 4 - Complexity of Inner Thought (not the same as IQ)
Can you hold conflicting perspectives on the “right thing to do” simultaneously? Can you make decisions in the face of uncertainty?
Polarity Management.
Here is a link to a long paper that will introduce you to this brilliant model, developed by Barry Johnson of Grand Rapids. I learned about Polarity Management back in the early 1990's. It is a model that works with unsolvable problems and just in learning the model, and working with it, one cultivates the ability to handle conflicting perspectives and uncertainty. It is "psychoactive" in that it creates the ability to think beyond black and white. I can't recommend Barry's book to you with enough urgency. It is just such an incredibly useful tool. I've taught Polarity Management to many, many clients in my office, and in the board room. Below you will find a link to a substantial paper I've created on Polarity Management.
Here is a link to a long paper that will introduce you to this brilliant model, developed by Barry Johnson of Grand Rapids. I learned about Polarity Management back in the early 1990's. It is a model that works with unsolvable problems and just in learning the model, and working with it, one cultivates the ability to handle conflicting perspectives and uncertainty. It is "psychoactive" in that it creates the ability to think beyond black and white. I can't recommend Barry's book to you with enough urgency. It is just such an incredibly useful tool. I've taught Polarity Management to many, many clients in my office, and in the board room. Below you will find a link to a substantial paper I've created on Polarity Management.
| polarity-management_by_andy_atwood_10.12.14.pdf |
Quadrant 1 - Skill 5 - Awareness of ego self / Higher Self
Can you consistently hear the voice of your Higher Self?
You're a Saint or delusional if you answer "Yes" to this question.
Most of us have had an experience of the presence of the divine "speaking" to us. I've had many more than one such moment in my never ending upward quest for the face of God. "The goal of SQ development can be summed up as that point at which our Higher Self is driving the car and ego is simply the navigator." The ego isn't gone, but it is no longer "I who live, but Christ who lives within me" that is in control of my life. There is a partnership here between the ego and the Higher Self. To live in this deep state of consciousness for more than a moment takes a big gift of grace... and much practice to be in the Presence.
Most of us have had an experience of the presence of the divine "speaking" to us. I've had many more than one such moment in my never ending upward quest for the face of God. "The goal of SQ development can be summed up as that point at which our Higher Self is driving the car and ego is simply the navigator." The ego isn't gone, but it is no longer "I who live, but Christ who lives within me" that is in control of my life. There is a partnership here between the ego and the Higher Self. To live in this deep state of consciousness for more than a moment takes a big gift of grace... and much practice to be in the Presence.
My Take: If you hear God speak audibly, you (usually) aren’t crazy.
An interesting article. When people say, "I heard God tell me" it is very common to wonder if he or she is nuts. In fact, we might even wonder ourselves if we are a little crazy. Which voice are you hearing? This title above is a link, and a pdf can be found below.
| if_you_hear_god_speak_audibly.pdf |
The Center for Action and Contemplation is Richard Rohr's home base. The practice of contemplation, of meditation, has become rather hip in corporate america and in the basements of many a church... and certainly throughout the marketplace. I once read a quote from Martin Luther that went something like this - "I've got so many sermons to prepare, so many letters to write, a growing family and friends visiting all the time... so if I don't spend at least three hours a day in prayer I can't get it all done." He is talking about contemplative prayer.
Contemplation and meditation are known to cultivate the conscious capacity to spend more time with one's Higher Self. No other practice is recommended more consistently by all the world's religion than contemplation and meditation. Rohr's Center will provide you with helpful resources.
Contemplation and meditation are known to cultivate the conscious capacity to spend more time with one's Higher Self. No other practice is recommended more consistently by all the world's religion than contemplation and meditation. Rohr's Center will provide you with helpful resources.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 6 - Awareness of Interconnectedness of All of Life
Do you feel the pain of (do you deeply empathize with) other humans and animals who are suffering? Do you consider the consequences of your choices on ecosystems and future generations?
The Web of Life: A new scientific understanding of modern physics - by Fritjof Capra
I read this book a long time ago. It was published in 1997 and that is likely when I read it. It was among a dozen books on the integration of physics and spirituality that rocked my world.
A Brief History of Everything
In the summer of 1995 I was introduced to Ken Wilber's "Big Book" - Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution. It has 250 pages of footnotes! A popularized version came out within a year titled A Brief History of Everything. My wife and I read it, friends were reading it. Wilber, it seemed, has created something like a Dewey Decimal System for organizing everything in the universe. Everything physical and metaphysical. Over the years I've read all of Wilber's books, some of which you can see above. There are almost 30 now. He is the founding father of Integral Theory and the basic portal for all things Integral is www.integrallife.com. Nothing, and I mean nothing in my adult life has informed and transformed my life more than Integral Theory. I cannot recommend it enough. I do acknowledge, however, that Wilber can be dense and many find it challenging to work through his writings and models. The blue book up there on the lower right, Integral Vision, is a summary pulled together in a rather artsy way... but it is still dense stuff. Bottom line: everything is integrated with everything else in this One Taste universe.
In the summer of 1995 I was introduced to Ken Wilber's "Big Book" - Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution. It has 250 pages of footnotes! A popularized version came out within a year titled A Brief History of Everything. My wife and I read it, friends were reading it. Wilber, it seemed, has created something like a Dewey Decimal System for organizing everything in the universe. Everything physical and metaphysical. Over the years I've read all of Wilber's books, some of which you can see above. There are almost 30 now. He is the founding father of Integral Theory and the basic portal for all things Integral is www.integrallife.com. Nothing, and I mean nothing in my adult life has informed and transformed my life more than Integral Theory. I cannot recommend it enough. I do acknowledge, however, that Wilber can be dense and many find it challenging to work through his writings and models. The blue book up there on the lower right, Integral Vision, is a summary pulled together in a rather artsy way... but it is still dense stuff. Bottom line: everything is integrated with everything else in this One Taste universe.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 7 - Awareness of Worldview of Others
Do you seek to understand the emotions and perspectives of others even if you disagree with them? Do others feel understood by you?
GOD IS NOT ONE: The eight rival religions that rule the world - by Stephen Prothero
Prothero takes each of the major world religions and presents the problem they are trying to solve, and the solution that they offer. This simple approach makes a ton of sense.
If you want to gain a grater perspective on the world's religions, including atheism, this is a great book.
If you want to gain a grater perspective on the world's religions, including atheism, this is a great book.
You can only be effective at Skill 7 to the extent that you are a well-differentiated person. Every Marriage and Family Therapist knows the works of Dr. David Schnarch, who has evolved the concept of self-differentiation into the office of all who counsel couples. Passionate Marriage is his book and interestingly, he devotes part of his final chapter to Wilber's work on Integral Theory. If you want to understand the concept of self-differentiation try this link, which is an excerpt from the book.
Spiral Dynamics
Go back up to Skill 1 and click on the link, and/or download the pdf on Spiral Dynamics.
The Leadership Circle Profile is a 360 degree assessment tool for leaders that will help them to evolve up from being a reactive leader, to a creative leader. I'm certified to administer the LCP and have found it to be an enormously helpful tool to both gain insight into myself, and into the worldviews of others. You can click this link to learn more.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 8 - Breadth of Time / Space Perception
Do you consider the history that brought you to the worldview you have today? Can you hold a billion years of history in your mind and perceive an evolutionary trajectory in the universe?
Evolutionaries - by Carter Phipps
My brother put me on to this book. He and I fit the definition; we are "Evolutionaries." To believe in evolution was to be a contrarian when my brother and I were growing up. It was anti-Christian. Today, we are part of a growing group of people (scientists, philosophers, theologians, and so many others) who believe that the evolutionary process is God becoming. Evolution is not a theory; it is a fact. You are evolving, I am evolving, and all of God's creation is evolving - which, I believe, is God evolving. All of creation has become my sanctuary. Obviously, I recommend the book. "Unlocking the Spiritual and Cultural Potential of Science's Greatest Idea." That's the subtitle, and that is what Phipps does.
Carl Sagan's Cosmic Calendar
Carl Sagan's comments on our Pale Blue Dot - 4 Minute Video.
Evolutionary Enlightenment - by Andrew Cohen
Andrew Cohen has been writing and teaching for some years now. He first published his magazine in a simple format, and I had all copies from day one, but alas, they were lost when our home flooded in 2004. The magazine is no longer published, but Cohen does have a vital online presence. Jan and I went to Chicago in 2012 to spend an afternoon at an Andrew Cohen workshop. Good stuff, but his ego got in the way for us.
Nonetheless, Cohen has helped me to appreciate my place in the evolutionary process, and that has been wonderfully comforting, and challenging.
His website is full of provocative food for the mind and soul. The title of the YouTube video is "What is the Purpose of Life? Andrew Cohen." If you get lost in other YouTube videos, you will have to find your way back.
Nonetheless, Cohen has helped me to appreciate my place in the evolutionary process, and that has been wonderfully comforting, and challenging.
His website is full of provocative food for the mind and soul. The title of the YouTube video is "What is the Purpose of Life? Andrew Cohen." If you get lost in other YouTube videos, you will have to find your way back.
Thank God for Evolution
Michael Dowd and his wife Connie are traveling the country speaking to anyone who will listen to their wonderful message on the marriage of science and religion and how it will transform your life and our world. No kidding - this book has been endorsed by 6 Nobel Laureates. If you would like a free chapter CLICK HERE. I was so inspired by this book and the wonderful theological work that Michael and Connie offer that I wanted to create a blog with my thoughts and reflections on this book alone - but alas, I ran out of time as I moved on to the next thing. A great book.
Michael Dowd and his wife Connie are traveling the country speaking to anyone who will listen to their wonderful message on the marriage of science and religion and how it will transform your life and our world. No kidding - this book has been endorsed by 6 Nobel Laureates. If you would like a free chapter CLICK HERE. I was so inspired by this book and the wonderful theological work that Michael and Connie offer that I wanted to create a blog with my thoughts and reflections on this book alone - but alas, I ran out of time as I moved on to the next thing. A great book.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 9 - Powers and Limitations of Human Perception
Are you aware of how your senses give you incomplete and sometimes inaccurate information? Do you supplement your five senses with intuition or spiritual insight?
No one could see the color blue until modern times.
I've had this little theory for years. It's about dogs. Contrary to common thought, dogs do see in color. I found this quote: "For dogs, their color vision is most similar to a human with red-green color blindness, although there are other differences. Dogs are less sensitive to variations in gray shades than humans are, as well as only about half as sensitive to changes in brightness." Now suppose dogs have not evolved as far as humans have, and suppose that we haven't evolved as far as we will. Once upon a time we didn't see the color blue, now we do. Someday we all might see auras of energy around all material things. Suppose.
The Map is Not the Territory
We know that we deal in representations of reality, not in reality itself. Our Maps of reality are just that, maps. They are full of generalizations, distortions and deletions.
I learned this truth when studying NLP, Neuro-Linguistic Programing from Grinder and Bandler in the late 1970's. Here is something on the therapeutic value of map making, and map re-making.
"The Map is Not The Territory, has tremendous therapeutic value. It allows us to accept our thoughts and feelings for what they are -- just thoughts, just feelings. It encourages us to take our thoughts with a grain of salt. We can become curious about them, we can evaluate them, and we can change them if other thoughts or feelings would be more useful, healthy and life affirming. We can improve our maps. And by doing so, we can improve the quality of our lives, our experiences, our relationships, our health and our success."
We know that we deal in representations of reality, not in reality itself. Our Maps of reality are just that, maps. They are full of generalizations, distortions and deletions.
I learned this truth when studying NLP, Neuro-Linguistic Programing from Grinder and Bandler in the late 1970's. Here is something on the therapeutic value of map making, and map re-making.
"The Map is Not The Territory, has tremendous therapeutic value. It allows us to accept our thoughts and feelings for what they are -- just thoughts, just feelings. It encourages us to take our thoughts with a grain of salt. We can become curious about them, we can evaluate them, and we can change them if other thoughts or feelings would be more useful, healthy and life affirming. We can improve our maps. And by doing so, we can improve the quality of our lives, our experiences, our relationships, our health and our success."
Consider this familiar map of Michigan. Is it the actual real territory? Nope. Generalizations, distortions and deletions abound. In fact, the whole territory is unknowable because it is so huge and ever changing.
Now, consider this map: G O D.
Now, consider this map: G O D.
States of Consciousness change our perceptions. Ken Wilber talked about Waking, Dreaming, Deep Sleep, and then Unitive Consciousness. Each has its corresponding energy field, which is the area where my wife works as she does Reiki, CranioSacral Therapy, and works with essential oils. Contemplative meditation also shifts perspectives.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 10 - Awareness of Spiritual Laws
Do you think about and experiment with spiritual laws/principles? Do you try to live by your understanding of spiritual laws?
The Sermon on the Mount
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Bill and Nancy Martin - Beloved friends for decades, Taoist Scholars and Teachers, Compassionate Caregivers, Authors, Retreat Directors, and our dear companions for Life.
Among all the people in our lives, Jan and I count Bill and Nancy among the most precious. We met decades ago, have spent our lives living away from each other, but in so many ways, we have been so close. We have been apart, and a part, at the same time. Every few years, we spend time together, and it is joyous.
Bill has written five or more wonderful books; each is a translation of the Tao Te Ching for a specific audience. Bill and Nancy have written The Caregivers Tao Te Ching together, which especially reflects Nancy's work with Compassionate Care. Bill and Nancy live in Mount Shasta, CA.
I have copies of each book in my office if you are interested, or you can go to your favorite bookstore, or visit Amazon.com. You can find Bill at www.taoiststudies.com. I add Bill's books on Taoism here, under Skill 10. Taoism is a philosophy that goes back to 400 BCE. Taoism is "Spiritual Principles" through and through.
Bill has written five or more wonderful books; each is a translation of the Tao Te Ching for a specific audience. Bill and Nancy have written The Caregivers Tao Te Ching together, which especially reflects Nancy's work with Compassionate Care. Bill and Nancy live in Mount Shasta, CA.
I have copies of each book in my office if you are interested, or you can go to your favorite bookstore, or visit Amazon.com. You can find Bill at www.taoiststudies.com. I add Bill's books on Taoism here, under Skill 10. Taoism is a philosophy that goes back to 400 BCE. Taoism is "Spiritual Principles" through and through.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - by Deepak Chopra
I have an autographed copy of this book, which I received from Deepak when he spoke at Aquinas College many years ago. It was an important moment for me. I have great respect for Deepak and all the work that he has done to integrate left-hand and right-hand.
That is, Deepak has contributed significantly to bringing the inside and the outside together, to bring the inner world and the body together.
These Seven Spiritual Laws would be endorsed by Jesus, my exemplar. Here is a great example among so many others. Many have written their version of "spiritual laws" and you are encouraged to do the same. Write your own!
That is, Deepak has contributed significantly to bringing the inside and the outside together, to bring the inner world and the body together.
These Seven Spiritual Laws would be endorsed by Jesus, my exemplar. Here is a great example among so many others. Many have written their version of "spiritual laws" and you are encouraged to do the same. Write your own!
The Rule of St. Benedict
Originally written in the 6th Century by a monk who became something of a reluctant leader, the Rule has been giving guidance to people ever since. This little book, like so many others that focus on the Rule, is full of common sense wisdom about life.
It offers thoughts, meditations, and guidance on how to structure one's day into seven chunks.
Wonderfully basic structure for life - a Rule for Living.
Originally written in the 6th Century by a monk who became something of a reluctant leader, the Rule has been giving guidance to people ever since. This little book, like so many others that focus on the Rule, is full of common sense wisdom about life.
It offers thoughts, meditations, and guidance on how to structure one's day into seven chunks.
Wonderfully basic structure for life - a Rule for Living.
Quadrant 2 - Skill 11 - Experience of Transcendent Oneness
Have you ever experienced a moment of awe, wonder, or non-ordinary consciousness? Has this experience of something transcendent helped you to focus on living from your Higher Self?
You are invited to explore this one on your own. These intensely intimate experiences are life-changing by design, and a challenge to share. Often they seem odd. Burning bushes? Angels? A man standing before you with wounded hands, feet and a cash in his side? Or the wonder of a starry night, the vastness of the sea, the Grand Canyon, the newborn child, the joy of wildly passionate love making. Whatever it is, there are these moments of wonder. Poets speak of these moment best.
Earthrise - December 24, 1968, taken by Astronaut William Anders
Astronaut Edgar Mitchell was aboard Apollo 14 when he saw the Earth Rise and it was one of those transformative moments that characterize Skill 11. You can read about Mitchell's transformation and how he eventually founded The Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Quadrant 3 - Skill 12 - Commitment to Spiritual Growth
I am willing to learn about spiritual topics from many sources. I commit time and energy to my own spiritual growth.
Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation
Here is the link to CAC. I read Rohr's daily email... well, daily. He is a Franciscan and since Pope Francis has taken his seat at the head of the table while serving everyone there, Rohr has been liberated. I love his Christian theology, his way with the Scriptures, both Hebrew and Christian. Just wonderful stuff that will liberate those of us who grew up in a traditional Christian homes. Subscribe with me and be one of the many friends I have who all know that every morning we are worshiping together, tho distant, while reading Rohr.
Quadrant 3 - Skill 13 - Keeping Higher Self in Charge
I am able to shift intentionally from listening to the voice of my ego to listening to my Higher Self. My Higher Self voice is clear and is the primary voice I hear.
Rob McNamara's book and audios are absolutely fantastic. This is material you are challenged to work with. You don't just listen or read and memorize. You do a deep dive into your socialized mind and move up to your elegant self-authored mind. I've worked and re-worked this program. Listened, and re-listened. Read and re-read. Really excellent growth. Rob is a Harvard PhD that studied with Bob Keegan, the godfather of research into adult development. Here is his website.
Quadrant 3 - Skill 14 - Living Your Purpose and Values
My purpose and values are aligned with my Higher Self. My actions, decisions, and goals are aligned with my higher purpose and values.
What a challenge is found here, in Skill 14. Personally, I believe a 360 degree evaluation from those who know me best can give me necessary feedback that then encourages me to live the congruent life this Skill calls forth. I've taken the SQ21 self assessment and shared it with friends and family, and I've taken the Leadership Circle Profile 360 and shared that with others in an active way.
Quadrant 3 - Skill 15 - Sustaining Faith Even During Tough Times
I trust that there is a wise and loving nature to Life/the universe/all that is. I maintain an attitude of gratitude even when faced with difficulties.
On a good day, this is pretty easy. I have to consciously put my heart and mind in a position of gratitude when the going gets tough. Skill 15 is really rather aspirational for me.
Quadrant 3 - Skill 16 - Seeking Guidance from Higher Self
I actively seek guidance from sources beyond my own logic or ego. This includes seeking the wisdom of people I respect, of great teachers/writings, and from my Higher Self or Higher Power.
There are sources outside of my own self from which I seek guidance.
For years I sought guidance from within my Reformed tradition, and then in 1980, once I had completed my Doctor of Ministry degree, I began to search far and wide through many religious and spiritual traditions. I read. I listened. I engaged in dialogue. I wondered and wondered more. I meditated. I intentionally entered into solitude.
All in service of the evolution of my own soul.
All in service of the evolution of my own soul.
The first 16 skills of Spiritual Intelligence
all feed into the final 5 skills in the Fourth Quadrant.
There is a very significant shift when it comes to this final group of skills. Each represents a real-world application of Spiritual Intelligence.
Rather than giving personal examples of my own experiences in each of these 5 skills, I want to invite you to imagine the contributions you have made, are making, or feel called to make. Or, imagine others in your life who manifest each of these 5 skills in their own personal and professional lives. Each of these 5 skills can be seen. You can make a movie of someone acting out each skill. This is the observable exterior of the individual. It is about how you and I behave in the world.
Rather than giving personal examples of my own experiences in each of these 5 skills, I want to invite you to imagine the contributions you have made, are making, or feel called to make. Or, imagine others in your life who manifest each of these 5 skills in their own personal and professional lives. Each of these 5 skills can be seen. You can make a movie of someone acting out each skill. This is the observable exterior of the individual. It is about how you and I behave in the world.
Quadrant 4 - Skill 17 - Wise and Effective Teacher of Spiritual Principles
I enjoy teaching about spiritual principles. I do that through walking my talk and awakening the learner in other people.
Quadrant 4 - Skill 18 - Being a Wise and Effective Leader / Change Agent
I can see and feel the perspectives of all the parties involved in a change. I am able to release my need to control or have things my way.
Quadrant 4 - Skill 19 - Making Compassionate & Wise Decisions
I am compassionate toward my own mistakes as well as those made by others. I know how to set boundaries when I need to do so.
Quadrant 4 - Skill 20 - Becoming a Calming and Healing Presence
Other people feel calmer in my presence.
Quadrant 4 - Skill 21 - Being Aligned with the Ebb and Flow of Life
I instinctively know what is trying to come into form and I can apply the right amount of action when needed to assist the process.
Some basic documents and introductory audios on Spiritual Intelligence.
| integral_spiritual_intelligence_2011.pdf |
| spiritual-intelligence-n-mature-leadership.pdf |
| spiritual_intelligence_and_why_it_matters.pdf |
Below, I have posted two audios that are between Jeff Salzman of the Integral Institute and Cindy Wigglesworth. Jeff and Cindy have become friends, as you can tell. This is a great introduction to SQ21-Integral thinking.
Below is an audio that was made for the Integral Leadership Collaborative and it is a good overall summary of the role SQ plays in the whole field of leadership. 1 hour 29 minutes long.
Below are two audios between Cindy Wigglesworth and Ken Wilber. Part 1 is 1 hour and 7 minutes long, and Part 2 is 55 minutes long.