Bridging Divides: A Reflection on Israel and Palestine Through Spiritual Intelligence.

Consider the image above.

I prompted AI to create a symbolic representation of what a possible future of reconciliation could look like, a photograph of an Israeli and a Palestinian hugging with tears of relief.

If machines can come up with this image, why can’t we? Do we not hold ourselves as better than machines?

Einstein once famously said: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Nelson Mandela knew this. Mahatma Gandhi knew this. Martin L. King knew this.

So: what is the thinking that causes us to keep inflicting untold suffering on one another?

From my perspective, in a nutshell, it’s this: the illusion that we are separate.

Consider the word individual. We generally use it -as defined by the Oxford dictionary- to mean "a person considered separately rather than as part of a group". But originally individual meant the opposite. In Latin, ‘in-dividuus’, meant “not divisible”. In an attempt to reconcile this cognitive paradox, I found the analogy of a Wave in the Ocean to be the most helpful.

As we expand the definition to include its original meaning, the word individual unequivocally shows us that individual suffering never was exclusive. And never will be. The very nature of our individual status, makes it inclusive. All life is interconnected. Pull one part of the net, and the whole net moves. If nothing else, COVID made us painfully aware of this truth.

I hesitated for a long time to write this post. There has been suffering on all sides and there are real challenges to peace. I was concerned this might come across as an unsavoury attempt at using the conflict in Gaza to advance my own agenda as a coach. But eventually, I had to accept that this is humanity's agenda - if humanity is to accept the call to evolve that Israel and Palestine, to name but one conflict, have been requesting for almost 70 years.

We need a new set of skills. We need a new kind of Intelligence. Spiritual Intelligence (SQ), now recognized as the cutting edge of Multiple Intelligences, is the next evolution beyond Emotional Intelligence (EQ). If you're not familiar with SQ, it was defined by Cindy Wigglesworth as "the ability to behave with wisdom and compassion whilst maintaining inner and outer peace regardless of the circumstances”.

And to clarify in no uncertain terms: SQ is not about religion or beliefs. Your beliefs are your beliefs. SQ is about behaviours that can be measured and intentionally developed. If it doesn’t show in your behaviour, you are not there yet.

Now, invoking Spiritual Intelligence in conflict resolution means looking beyond the immediate situation and seeing the potential for unity, growth, and healing. The steps towards this goal are both deeply personal and collective.

As Gandhi once said: “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it”. I asked myself what insignificant important thing is mine to do here? The answer was to talk about the 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence as I look towards Gaza. I hope that seeing the skills in context will confirm our need for them in your consciousness as it does in mine.

I also sincerely hope that you won’t believe anything I say, but that you will be the testing ground of truth.

So here is my reflection on Israel and Palestine through the 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence.

Each of us, whether we recognize it or not, operates from our unique worldview (Skill 1). Our actions, beliefs, and hopes are deeply rooted in our understanding of our life purpose (Skill 2) and the values hierarchy (Skill 3) we hold dear. However, these unprecedented times beckon us to engage our complexity of thought (Skill 4), transcending beyond our individual experiences to witness the collective.

We must tap into our awareness of the ego self and our Higher Self (Skill 5) and remember that each life, no matter where or under which circumstances it unfolds, is a testament to the interconnectedness of all life (Skill 6). This acknowledgment requires the sometimes heroic effort to understand other worldviews (Skill 7). What if being a hero at this time was not about courage on the battlefield? What if being a hero at this time was about the courage to see and feel the world through someone else’s eyes? Broadening our time perception (Skill 8) to see beyond the immediate moment and understand the epochs of pain and joy that have led us here, will also be key to this purpose.

Acknowledging the limits of human perception (Skill 9) enables humility and the recognition that there are spiritual laws or universal principles (Skill 10) that govern our existence. I believe that beneath the physical and emotional pain, there lies a deep-seated experience of transcendent oneness (Skill 11) that binds us. How open or closed are we to experience it? For without it there can be no peace. Only tolerance of each other until the next conflict erupts.

Through our commitment to personal spiritual growth (Skill 12) -whatever that means for you- we will activate our ability to keep our collective Higher Self in charge (Skill 13). And as we live aligned with our purpose and values (Skill 14), and deepen our ability to hold faith during challenging times (Skill 15), we will begin to see a difference in the world. The difference will be dramatic.

We all have the ability to seek guidance from a Higher Power (Skill 16), however you define it, and to become the teachers of universal principles (Skill 17) that the world needs right now. If you really love a challenge, teach everyone you meet about these principles. If necessary use words.

By standing up and weaving change with sensitivity and respect, we can become effective change agents (Skill 18).

In the face of adversity, decisions rooted in compassion and wisdom (Skill 19), have the power to transform our story. By being a calming and healing presence (Skill 20) and aligning ourselves with the ebb and flow of life (Skill 21), whatever life brings in this present moment, we can create a better world.

Every loss on any side is a loss for the whole human family. This is not about taking sides. Quite the opposite. The children of Gaza and those of Israel equally represent our future, our hope. You will be old and vulnerable like a child one day. What world do you hope to inherit when that time comes?

Addressing and resolving deeply rooted conflicts necessitates more than just frameworks and statements. Real, on-the-ground efforts, mutual respect, and compromise from all parties involved are essential. Building trust takes time, but with collective effort, peace is achievable.

Let's not just react, but respond. Let’s not just witness, but participate.

If you have been wondering “what can I do?” here are some steps towards healing and resolution:

1. Humanitarian Aid: Advocate for immediate humanitarian relief for affected regions and ensure it reaches those in dire need. (Skill 19 – Making Compassionate and Wise Decisions)
2. Education: Foster programs that educate people on the shared history and culture of the region, highlighting our interconnectedness (Skill 1 – Awareness of Own Worldview; Skill 7 – Awareness of Other World Views; Skill 6 – Awareness of the Interconnectedness of All Life)
3. Dialogue: Encourage community dialogues, both online and offline, where stories from both sides are heard and validated. (Skill 7 – Awareness of Other Worldviews)
4. Support Peace Initiatives: Back diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives that seek a sustainable solution to the conflict, understanding that true peace is rooted in mutual respect and coexistence. (Skill 18 – Being a Wise and Effective Change Agent)
5. Economic Collaborations: Encourage projects that necessitate collaboration between both communities, building interdependence and mutual growth. (Skill 6 – Awareness of the Interconnectedness of All Life)
6. Cultural Exchanges: Invest in programs that allow youth from both sides to spend time in each other's communities, understanding and absorbing our shared humanity. (Skill 4 – Complexity of Thought & Perspective Taking)

In the face of adversity, let's remember our shared lineage, our collective dreams, and the idea that every life is a universe unto itself. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to sow seeds of understanding and cultivate a garden of peace.

My daughter’s name is Eden. I wish for her to experience that garden alongside her generation. I consider my vision for her future a microcosm of the larger hope.

As we look towards a future of peace, it is within our individual power to transform conflict into understanding—one act of Spiritual Intelligence at a time.

What does the AI-generated image evoke in you?

What skill resonates most with you or are you most in need of right now?

And how do you envision contributing to a peaceful future for all our children?

In unity and hope for a better tomorrow,

Simon Blackhall

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