The three types of Intelligence we all need: IQ, EQ and CQ

The Three Pillars of Personality: IQ, EQ, and CQ

In today’s complex and interconnected world, traditional measures of intelligence like IQ (Intelligence Quotient) are no longer sufficient for achieving true success. While cognitive abilities are undoubtedly still important, emotional intelligence (EQ) and contemplative intelligence (CQ) have emerged as the three types of intelligence we all need, which are equally crucial factors in the whole and complete picture of personal and professional development.

This blog post will explore these three key types of intelligence and delve into their significance in navigating the challenges of the 21st century. You see, the world is evolving, and it has changed rapidly. The consequences of this are too numerous to mention here but include a mental health crisis, global confusion, the disintegration of schools, political parties, some churches, and many other societal structures. The consequences mean we need to evolve.

So how do we navigate the new world in the 21st century and beyond? With IQ and more EQ, yes, but most importantly, CQ. History will teach you that you learn nothing from history. The world has not learned the first thing about teaching our children not to hate the other or the enemy they perceive to be over the fence or in another country, or in another suburb, for that matter. Our children are shown violent TV programs depicting heroes that shoot and bash their enemies in the name of God. They portray these acts of violence as being successful and heroic outcomes that save the world. Of course, the opposite is true.

This is where our intelligence is generally left in the dirt, and the wisest minds that have come before us have embarrassed us with shocking, evil decisions that have done nothing but add to the suffering of the world and lead us nowhere. A new world and the new earth will require a new intelligence. In the Bible, we were told something that we overlooked in our haste to make decisions that we thought were intelligent. It says, “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This was not just a suggestion but a necessary stipulation that we had to live by in order to succeed in our quest to become fully human and fully divine at the same time.

In real life, nothing good comes from war, and everyone who participates in war is an absolute mess rather than a hero, suffering from PTSD and a lack of emotional intelligence and contemplative intelligence. From Thor, to G.I. Joe to all of Dwayne Johnson characters; they all would be mass murderers with severe PTSD, destroying the world rather than ‘saving’ it. If the very best minds and political parties in America, Russia, and China think that they can drop massive bombs on human beings and children and get a good result from it, we need to do what Renée said: sell our cleverness and buy bewilderment! The lack of intelligence is so great, so plain to see, and so rampant that many of us are gobsmacked and, in turn, become good people who “do nothing,” allowing insanity to prevail.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary “Intelligence is the capacity to learn from experience and apply knowledge to new situations.” But we don’t learn from either, we keep repeating the same mistakes because we use the same mind, the same intelligence that created those experiences and situations. The world will stay stuck, addicted and insane until it de-conforms and unlearns then transforms by the renewing of what you call your mind – Mark L Lockwood

What is Contemplative Intelligence (CQ)

Well, you probably know enough about IQ and EQ to wonder now what CQ is really all about. It is your Contemplative intelligence which includes all things body-heart-mind and then it includes your soul, your divine self and all the spiritual aspects of who you really as a human being in the world and how you connect to that complex world. The seen and the unseen parts of it. Albert Einstein was a true contemplative in my opinion and he said that “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

IQ for me is much like atheism, and just as unconscious. You, as a speck of sand at the bottom of the ocean think with IQ that you understand the ocean and you know all the oceans secrets. ?There is more to the self, others, God and the Universe than you will ever be able to fathom, compute or put together. However, when you transcend matter, you can miraculously be still and know the secrets of the eternal, the magnificent and the mysterious. The mind and the universe are not only stranger than you think, they are stranger than you can think!

Contemplative Intelligence transcends mere intellectual prowess. It’s the art of orchestrating our entire being – physiology, psychology, emotions, and spirit – into a harmonious symphony of awareness. This orchestrated movement cultivates a profound understanding of our inner landscape, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with grace and insight.

Unlike intellect which often leads us astray and is a terrible success indicator, Contemplative Intelligence guides us towards authentic living. It fosters a deep, unfiltered perceptions of reality, stripping away the distortions of ego and subjective biases. Through practices like meditation and mindful awareness, we cultivate an inner vision that transcends the limitations of thought. This inner seeing allows us to embrace life’s truths with courage and compassion, reducing stress and cultivating a profound sense of peace. The three types of Intelligence we all need get us to the point of being able to do this inner seeing. Before that we only see with the physical eye and in this boundless universe that leaves us quite blind.

Contemplative Intelligence is not merely an intellectual pursuit; it’s a journey of the heart. It’s about ending our own suffering and cultivating a life of purpose and meaning. This path of self-discovery yields a profound transformation, impacting every aspect of our being – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It ignites a love that surpasses fear, anxiety, and even death, illuminating the mind with the radiance of self-actualization.

Here is the interesting bit. Without emotional intelligence and without opening our minds and hearts we will never get to experience the meta-cognition and creative, contemplative capabilities that this cortex plays in creating what I would call our highest or sacred self. This is the self beyond the selfish, arrogant, full of false pride, dichotomous minded, animalistic individual that is our lower nature. A nature designed to protect us from harm, specifically harm from others and from tigers and snakes in the grass. But these enemies are no longer there, and the mind still obsessively looks for them.

1. IQ: The Cognitive Cornerstone

IQ, often measured through standardized tests, assesses an individual’s cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills. A high IQ can be advantageous in academic settings and professions that demand strong analytical and logical thinking. However, relying solely on IQ can be limiting, as it often fails to account for other crucial aspects of human intelligence.

2. EQ: The Emotional Compass

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, refers to the ability to understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively. Individuals with high EQ are adept at self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. They can navigate complex social situations, build strong relationships, and effectively manage conflicts. EQ has been shown to be a significant predictor of success in various domains, including leadership, teamwork, and personal well-being.

3. CQ: The Contemplative Catalyst

A significant portion of the Western world grapples with mental health challenges, often exacerbated by a pervasive culture of busyness. Individuals engage in a relentless pursuit of achievement, frequently without considering the long-term consequences. This “race,” as Mark L. Lockwood observes, often culminates in burnout and a sense of emptiness despite achieving initial goals.

True intelligence, Lockwood argues, lies in contemplation. It involves pausing to reflect on one’s thoughts and feelings, a skill that has largely been lost in our fast-paced world. Impulsive actions, driven by immediate reactions, often hinder optimal outcomes.

Contemplative Intelligence (CQ) is the capacity for thoughtful and insightful action. It integrates emotional, rational, and wise meta-thinking, requiring both action and deliberate reflection as well as deep connection.

Daniel Goleman’s emphasis on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) highlighted its crucial role in personal and professional success. Empathy, a cornerstone of EQ, facilitates neural pathways to the prefrontal cortex, enabling deeper emotional and cognitive processing. EQ is the bridge, the opening of the heard heart so to speak that allows us to get into the creative, unlimited areas of who we are becoming.

In turn, by cultivating CQ, individuals can unlock deeper levels of emotional intelligence, leading to more fulfilling and sustainable outcomes, everywhere and all the time. In other words they transcend the time, space, body continuum’s that we have believed were limitations.

Contemplative Intelligence: A Lifelong Journey

Developing and enhancing IQ, EQ, and CQ is an ongoing process. As you grow up, you grow consciously. The container you created in the first half of your life can pretty much be summed up as the person or personality you arrive at at maturity. However Anything built on lies will eventually crumble and fall. Real, reality or the truth lasts forever and to get there requires self-awareness, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new experiences and perspectives, while letting go of the habitual and the outdated. This is why Buddha suggested we don’t cling and rather embrace this journey of ever expanding awareness. Here are some strategies for cultivating each type of intelligence:

• IQ: Engage in intellectually stimulating activities, such as reading, problem-solving puzzles, and learning new skills. Contracted awareness. Analytical. Rational.
• EQ: Practice mindfulness and self-reflection, develop empathy, and actively listen to others. Expanded awareness. the doorway to the subconscious beyond the analytical mind. Rational becoming emotional.
• CQ: Contemplative intelligence (CQ) is?a practice that involves being mindful and reflective to improve thinking, boundless creativity, and empathy beyond the dualistic mind.?Expanded awareness. Transcends subconscious and ceaseless thoughts as a witness. Emotional becoming universal, one and without the need for separation to understand things.
• Contemplative practices, such as MindYoga techniques, have been demonstrated to significantly enhance outcomes by activating the cerebral cortex and prefrontal lobes prior to action. While Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Intellectual Quotient (IQ) are crucial foundations, Contemplative Quotient (CQ) – the capacity for meta-cognitive mindful thought – is paramount. These three facets must ultimately converge for optimal human functioning.

Human life can be likened to a complex puzzle with missing pieces, a state of incompleteness that many individuals currently experience.

Life operates on a dynamic interplay between two primary brainwave states: Alpha and Beta. Synergistic activation of these states within a relatively short timeframe facilitates profound personal transformation. The active and receptive aspects of our neurochemistry must harmonize to unlock the transformative potential of contemplative practices for most individuals. Exclusive reliance on a single aspect of neurological chemistry can predispose individuals to stress responses, such as fight, flight, or freeze, hindering problem-solving and creative abilities.

“The supreme art is to discern what is essential and to neglect the non-essential.” – Goethe

By reactivating the cerebral cortex and cultivating prefrontal creativity through our self-regulatory techniques, individuals can elevate their decision-making to the level of history’s most esteemed leaders. Notably, the principles underlying CQ – the integration of EQ, IQ, and mindful cognition – have been employed throughout history by diverse figures, from Roman Emperors to Mystics, Monks, and Yogis, and are now being rediscovered by contemporary educators.

In conclusion as as far as The three types of Intelligence we all need go. IQ, EQ, and CQ are essential components of holistic intelligence. By cultivating all three, individuals can unlock their full potential, navigate the complexities of the modern world, and achieve true success in their personal and professional lives.

Our reliance on intellectual quotient (IQ) can be a subtle form of unconsciousness, much like atheism. Just as atheism often fails to acknowledge the profound mysteries of existence, excessive focus on IQ can limit our understanding of the self, others, and the universe. Like a grain of sand attempting to comprehend the vast ocean, we may mistakenly believe that our intellect alone can grasp the full depth and complexity of reality.

Yet, the truth lies beyond the confines of reason and calculation. There is an immeasurable dimension to our being, to the world around us, and to the very fabric of existence that transcends our cognitive abilities. This deeper understanding emerges not from intellectual striving, but from a state of stillness and contemplation.

The three types of Intelligence we all need are a ladder upwards. By transcending the limitations of the material world, we can begin to access the profound truths that lie beyond our current comprehension. The mind and the universe are not merely unfamiliar, but exist on a plane that surpasses our capacity to fully grasp them through intellectual means alone. Namaste and may God bless you abundantly.