I just came across a piece about “spiritual intelligence” and was reminded how essential it is NOT to relegate an awareness of the spiritual dimension into a separate box and put it on the shelf.
Thich Nhat Hanh has pointed out that reality consists of two dimensions, which he calls the ultimate and the historical. These are very different, requiring different languaging, even. But they are, nevertheless, the same reality!
We approach them differently. We open our minds to the awe of unanswerable questions. We apply our skill and intelligence to worldly problem that must be solved. But in truth, the transcendent mystery of life, itself, and the mundane task of changing a baby’s diaper both deal with the same reality.
These very different approaches with their different skills may develop at different rates. There can be a high-tech wizard who never questions the meaning or value of what he or she is doing. Or, for that matter, a highly developed spiritual seeker who is not too good at getting along in the world. (I once saw a therapist who told me my spiritual and mental abilities were very high, I just needed work on the emotional piece. Sigh. Fortunately, I’ve been doing that and strengthening those muscles too!)
Living an integrated life means bringing these various parts of consciousness into sync as much as possible. What aspect of your reality calls to you? Would you benefit from taking some time to sit with questions of ultimate meaning? Maybe go to a retreat? Or is it time to look at your own emotional reactions, exploring the assumptions and beliefs that trigger them? What about stretching your mind around some new and difficult concepts?
I find these areas, while different, can support one another. Experiencing an expanded awareness helps loosen my tendency to judge so I can better explore the thoughts behind my emotions. Learning new concepts and ideas both supports my spiritual practice and the process of self-understanding. (It is all one, after all!)
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