Emotional Intelligence

Our ability to view situations objectively and therefore to understand ourselves and other people depends on balancing and integrating the head and heart. Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power of emotions, appropriately channelled as a source of energy, creativity and influence.

Emotions serve as the source of human energy, authenticity and drive, and can offer us a wellspring of intuitive wisdom. Each feeling provides us with valuable feedback throughout the day. This feedback, if from the heart centre, is what ignites creativity, keeps us honest with ourselves, guides trusting relationships, and provides the compass for our life and career.

Emotional intelligence requires that we learn to acknowledge and understand feelings - in ourselves and others - and that we appropriately respond to them, creatively applying the energy of the emotions to our daily life, work and relationships.

Emotional intelligence is demonstrated by tolerance, empathy and compassion for others; the ability to verbalize feelings accurately and with integrity; and the resilience to bounce back from emotional upsets. It is the ability to be a deeply feeling, authentic human being, no matter what life brings, no matter what challenges and opportunities we face.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) may be even more important than IQ in one's ability to achieve success and happiness. I may score well on tests and excel academically, but how well do I handle disappointment, anger, jealousy and fear, the problems of communication, and all the ups and downs of relationships?

Persons with high EQ - who have developed emotional literacy - will have more confidence and trust in themselves, and more understanding of others and therefore empathy with them. So they will make better relationships and experience more achievement, love and joy in their life.

They will be emotionally mature, a state that many adults do not achieve. If these skills were taught widely, in the home as well as at school, and amongst adults, it would provide the basis of a much saner and happier world to live in.

Emotional Intelligence is one of the imperatives for Metaphysical and Psychological healers and teachers. If we do not know how to apply it, we will lack empathy and understanding, creating distrust in the relationship between teacher/healer and client. We are after all the way-showers, and thus must display these qualities as we negotiate between the sub-conscious Self, ego-Self, and Higher Selves of others.

As facilitators, ordained and entrusted with the gift of surrogate-ship, we must be prepared to suffer the discovery of Self first, before we can facilitate discovery in others. If we do not do this, we dis-enfranchise others.

Freedom is wisdom. Wisdom can only be acquired through knowledge. Knowledge can only be acquired through conscious effort.

Dream it, live it, and apply it. It is our sacred duty.