AS WE HAVE STATED in previous articles in this series, Spiritual Intelligence is the ability to choose between the Higher Self and the ego in our thinking. In Part 1, The Ripple Effect, we focused on the power for change we all have when we become a center of influence. In Part 2, we discussed identification with Spirit rather than the ego. In Part 3, we discussed 100% responsibility and universal law. In Part 4 we discussed process - understanding that each person and each group has its own process. In Part 5, we discussed the importance of responsiveness to others. In Part 6 we discussed how organizations work, that structure is created by choices made over time.

In Part 7, the intent is to provide practical information on how to do it. How do we shift from the ego self to the Higher Self, especially when the situation is difficult?

The ego is not an enemy. It is more like a child who thinks he is grown up, who thinks he can make the best decisions. We live in a world run by egos where there is plenty of food, but people don't have enough to eat. We live in a world where people long for peace, yet hate and fight the other side. We tell ourselves that we want to resolve issues with those we love, yet we focus on being right. This is insanity and we call it normal. Our organizations are mostly filled with conflict, yet we are supposedly working toward the same goals. All of these problems are created by ego thinking, but they cannot be solved by ego thinking. That is why we need to develop our spiritual intelligence - our ability to choose between spirit and ego.

Dr. Viktor Frankl had it right when he wrote: "Abnormal behavior in an abnormal situation, is normal." Our tendency is to react to insanity with more insanity. We see people doing insane things and we declare war on them. We judge, criticize and attack. Our goal is to change others, prove our rightness, or eliminate the opposition. It doesn't work. The war on terror has created more terrorism. The war on drugs has created more drug use. Force always creates counter force.

Does this mean that we turn our heads and let people hurt each other? Absolutely not! It means that we forgive our own tendencies to judge and condemn, and go within for guidance. We ask the Higher Self: "Help me to see this situation or these people through your eyes. Teach me to see this truly." Then we listen for guidance, for the Inner Voice to lead us. Through alignment with the Higher Self we can construct a vision for peace, wholeness, and well-being. If you can be this, you will take the right actions. Doing flows from being.

It sounds so simple. It is simple yet not easy. If it were easy we would all be doing it consistently. We forget. Situations arise and our memories get hooked. We seldom see a situation for what it really is. Something happens and it becomes a stimulus for memories. We think we are seeing objective reality. Yet, it is just memories replaying. The events that happen around us are the effects of our memories replaying.

From the ego's viewpoint we see threat, or attack. Immediately fight or flight kicks in. We defend or attack, or we hide or freeze. If we are sophisticated we hide our real feelings and act professional, all the while seething or hurting beneath the surface. These moments, when we feel attacked, are opportunities to practice spiritual intelligence.

In any situation these are truths:

• I am not my behavior.
• The other person(s) is not their behavior.
• I am not what others judge me to be.
• Others are not what I judge them to be.
• We are spiritual beings who have temporarily forgotten who we are.

Whoever is most sane, most spiritually intelligent, is responsible for bringing peace to the situation.

Keeping in mind these truths, bring your thoughts into the present moment. What is actually happening? How are you feeling? How is the other person feeling? What effect is your behavior having on others? What needs to happen right now?

These questions bring you out of your memories and into the moment.

Practicing spiritual intelligence has us becoming aware of our thoughts and emotions. If fear is driving me, I have the option to make the shift to my Higher Self. It begins with my intent. I simply need to give the situation to my Higher Self. Often we seem not able to make anger and fear go away immediately. That's okay. Just accept that you have those thoughts and be with them. You need not allow your ego thoughts to drive your behavior. Set the intention to shift to a Higher Self perspective and give your fearful thoughts and emotions to the Higher Self. Allow your mind time and space to catch up with your intention. Observe your victim thinking without judgment and hold to your intention.

As your mind begins to let go of negative thoughts your body may disagree. That is, the emotions may feel overwhelming and you may feel you are unable to let them go. Allow your body time and space to catch up with your intention. Observe your physiology without judgment. It may take two minutes, or two hours, yet the emotions will dissolve. How well you do at this depends on how important it is to you. Conflicting intentions create conflicting results. When you want the peace, the joy, the love, and the power of the Presence more than you want your ego desires - being right, being guilty, being a victim, controlling others, being less than others, being better than others, revenge, pain and suffering, guilt, physical gratification, approval, to name a few, you will succeed. If you find yourself wanting any of these, accept your wanting. Offer your wanting to your Higher Self.

We all have contradictions. As long as we are in the body we will be faced with conflicting desires. Spiritual intelligence is not about being perfect. It is about being aware. It is about choice. Awareness of ego tendencies and the choice to identify with the Higher Self are possible in every moment. Each moment we intend to shift from self to Self is a moment filled with possibilities. It is a timeless moment.

In his book, The Eye of The I, David Hawkins writes: "One does not even have to destroy the ego or even work on it. The only simple task to be accomplished is to let go of the identification with the ego as one's real self! With this relinquishment it actually goes right on walking and talking, eating, and laughing, and the only difference is that, like the body, it becomes 'that' instead of 'me' or 'this.'" You are not declaring war on your ego and then fighting every day to overcome it. The idea is to give it less attention and place your attention on your Source, your Higher Self. You are not moving away from your ego. You are moving toward your Higher Self. When you see your ego as something to move away from or something to conquer, it becomes more real.

Spiritual intelligence is not about forever and ever letting go of all earthly attachment and becoming the enlightened sage. It is about shifting from identification with the small self to identification with the Self in this moment - right now. Don't worry about the next moment or the rest of your life. Be aware and choose in this moment. Enjoy the accomplishments and the benefits of this moment. A Course in Miracles teaches that one benefit of creating a moment where we make this choice is healing:

The only thing that is required for a healing is a lack of fear. The fearful are not healed, and cannot heal. This does not mean that the conflict must be gone forever from your mind to heal. For if it were, there were no need for healing then. But it does mean, if only for an instant, you love without attack. An instant is sufficient. Miracles wait not on time. (Text, 27:V)

This instant, called a holy instant, is a moment when you have successfully chosen spirit over ego and love over fear.

The practice of spiritual intelligence has a ripple effect. Your ability to choose between spirit and ego has an effect on the people around you and beyond. This is leadership. Leadership is creating an environment where others can succeed and experience well-being. As a spiritually intelligent leader, your very presence creates healing, inspires others to grow, and brings sanity to any situation. It's not about working on yourself. It's not about self-improvement. Spiritual intelligence is about awareness and choice. It's about the intention to shift from your small self identification to your Higher Self in this moment.

You are the Light that you seek.

© William Frank Diedrich, 2008

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Frank Diedrich is a speaker, executive coach, and the author of three books. Recently he has created The Leader's Edge: Three Keys to Exceptional Leadership, a CD and Mp3. This work focuses on 100% Responsibility, Responsiveness to Others, and Clarity. Bill sees these three keys as the essential components of great leadership. We are all leaders whether it be at home, in the workplace, or in our communities.

To order the CD or Mp3 or to learn about Bill's books, go to intelligentspirit.com.