Ego and Soul

Twin Poles of Attention

Human Operating System

Human Operating System

Just as a computer and a phone have an operating system, so does our own awareness. The twin poles of attention represent the basic operating system of human awareness [1].

Twin Poles of Attention

The twin poles of attention are the subject-pole and the object-pole [2]. At the object-pole is everything we are aware of, including thoughts, emotions, beliefs, perceptions, memories, hopes, ideas, self-image, etc. At the subject-pole of attention is consciousness itself.

Opposite Polarity

The ego and the soul are located at opposite poles of attention. The ego is identified with the object-pole of attention (states of body and mind), and the soul is identified with the subject-pole of attention (consciousness itself).

The ego and the soul are located at opposite poles of attention.

Ego

The ego is your body-mind self, or your false self. The ego is founded on identification with your body and mind at the object-pole of attention. The ego exercises IQ and EQ but has no access to SQ.

Soul

The soul is your existential self, or your true self. The soul is founded on identification with consciousness itself at the subject-pole of attention. The soul exercises IQ and EQ with SQ.

Three Dimensions of Intelligence

Three Dimensions of Intelligence

Qualities of the Ego

Being the ego means experiencing yourself as being your body and mind. The ego feels dissatisfied and insufficient, and constantly seeks satisfaction elsewhere, in the next experience, using this moment as a means to the next, and reacting to each moment from a state of lack.

Qualities of the Soul

Being the soul means experiencing yourself as being consciousness itself [3]. The native qualities of consciousness itself are experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence [4], in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace. Consequently, the soul does not seek satisfaction elsewhere, in the next experience, because the soul is already happy, and therefore does not use this moment as a means to the next. Instead of reacting from a state of lack, the soul therefore responds in each moment from a state of prior fulfilment.

Different Purposes

The ego and the soul use IQ and EQ for different purposes. The ego uses IQ and EQ for personal gain, in the constant search for compensation for the inevitable dissatisfaction of being the ego. But the intelligence of the soul has a different purpose. SQ uses IQ and EQ for the benefit of all, to express the native qualities of consciousness itself, which are experienced at the subject-pole of attention in moments of presence, in the form of wisdom, compassion, integrity, joy, love, creativity, and peace.

Spiritual intelligence shifts from ego to soul at the opposite pole of attention.

From Ego to Soul

The essence of spiritual intelligence is the shift from false self to true self, from ego to soul, at the opposite pole of attention. The SQ portal is a simple three-step process that rapidly shifts from ego to soul, and thus activates spiritual intelligence [5]. Watch this short video for an explanation of how to use the SQ portal to experience your spiritual intelligence.

Spiritual Intelligence

Spiritual intelligence replaces the ego with the soul as the seat of personal identity and as the governor of IQ and EQ. Thus spiritual intelligence uses IQ and EQ, not from the ego, but from your true self as the soul. Consequently, SQ lives with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, which is the ultimate form of fulfilment.

3Q Training

As a powerful combination of three principal dimensions of intelligence, 3Q represents IQ and EQ in association with SQ. Studies in neuroscience reveal that the experience of spiritual intelligence is correlated with hemispheric synchronisation and whole brain activation [6]. The resulting whole-brain coherence optimises brain function and replaces the ego (the false self) with the soul (consciousness itself, the true self) by shifting from the object-pole of attention to the subject-pole of attention [7], which results in greater fulfilment, increased creativity, sharpened intuition, more empathy and compassion, and improved performance on a wide range of work skills and life skills. If you want to learn more, there is a Course on 3Q Training here.

Sources

The SQ paradigm is based on a synthesis combining the wisdom of ancient spiritual traditions with the findings of modern science, as summarised in this article here.

How to Experience Spiritual Intelligence [Video]

Spiritual intelligence is easy to experience. We all experience SQ spontaneously at times. But spontaneous moments of SQ are rare and unpredictable. Therefore it’s important to know how to experience SQ intentionally. When you can engage your spiritual intelligence voluntarily, at any time of your own choosing, SQ becomes your most powerful personal resource. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to activate SQ intentionally. Watch the video here.

References

3Q Practitioner Training Course

Do you want to accelerate your own personal and spiritual growth, and teach others to do the same? The 3Q Practitioner Training Course trains and certifies Spiritual Intelligence Practitioners.

Spiritual Intelligence is a higher dimension of intelligence beyond the ego that has access to the advanced capabilities of the true self. This Course is based on secular spirituality not on religious beliefs. Consequently, the methodology used to activate spiritual intelligence is not founded on articles of faith but on experience and knowledge, backed by evidence from related fields of scientific research. Certified Practitioners are provided with the training materials to coach their clients in spiritual intelligence, and conduct workshops in spiritual intelligence for leaders and organisations, and for the general public.

As the intelligence of the true self beyond the ego, spiritual intelligence (SQ) has many benefits that exceed the scope of intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ). Spiritual intelligence relieves anxiety and depression and the extreme pain of meaninglessness and despair that is often associated with ego states of awareness. Freedom from ego, as experienced with SQ, grants wisdom and clarity of vision, combined with more empathy and compassion, which increases creativity and intuition, and results in greater personal fulfilment and better performance on important life skills and work skills. Spiritual intelligence therefore represents the most powerful resource for personal and professional growth and fulfilment.

Widespread adoption of spiritual intelligence as a personal code of conduct raises the standard of accountability in collective governance, in response to public demand. When standards in governments and corporations are based on spiritual intelligence, the energy of love will turn into a social and political force, as never before in history. Public training in spiritual intelligence therefore heralds a new era of human rights and social justice, which form the foundation for global cooperative community, shared prosperity, and world peace.

As a 3Q Practitioner you will be equipped to introduce spiritual intelligence in the context of contemporary secular culture, and contribute to the next stage in the evolution of collective consciousness. When a tipping point is reached, the emerging next stage of collective consciousness will result in global transformation, founded not on beliefs of any sort, or on government control, or on mass media narratives enforced by censorship of contrary views, but founded instead on the inherent qualities of consciousness itself, such as love, wisdom, and peace, which everyone can experience by activating their spiritual intelligence.

For more information about the 3Q Practitioner Training Course, click here.

© 2011 – 2024, Richard Griffiths.

Meet the Author

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths is a psychologist, researcher, author, and trainer, whose mission is to provide education and training in secular spirituality, for the benefit of individuals, organisations and the community, and in preparation and support for the emerging next stage of collective consciousness. He is the founder of the 3Q Institute for Education and Training in Secular Spiritual Intelligence, and former National Chairman of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the Australian Psychological Society. Drawing on his decades of research, he created a new framework that unites ancient wisdom with modern knowledge about psychology and spirituality. His work offers a new understanding of the human operating system, and a new method of experiencing spiritual intelligence that works instantly, among other significant innovations. His groundbreaking research on secular spiritual intelligence passed academic peer review, and helped to establish secular spirituality as a legitimate field of scientific investigation. He received a global Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education, and has given presentations on secular spiritual intelligence at international conferences, like the Conference on Advanced Research in Education and the Global Conference on Education and Teaching.

Comments on this entry are closed.

Gaylene Aarant •

Just wanna comment on a couple of general things: the website style is perfect and the content is really wonderful 😀

Kiana Delaney

That’s quite a unique explanation of spirituality, never really thought of that. Splendid article.

Dunmead

I already bookmarked your website and will revisit your site again, please keep up your good job. Thanks!

Cathey Billups

Real clear explanation, appreciate it for this post.

Minix

You have produced some truly fascinating points. Not many people would think about this topic in the way you just did. I am truly impressed that there is so much about this subject that has been uncovered and you expressed it so well, with such considerably class. Tiptop one, man! Genuinely fantastic things right here!

Kosinski

I’ve recently arrived at your website after it was referred to me by a friend. I can see now why my friend referred me to your blog, and I’m looking forward to reading all your posts.

Huyler

I have found the knowledge on your web-site really fascinating and now that I’ve found it I’ll be adding it to my bookmarks for long term reference.

Sebourn

This is a great article. It is particularly informative. I look forward to reading more. I made sure to bookmark your website so I can come back later 🙂

Astol

I have read some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I impressed with how much effort you must have put in to make such a fantastic informative web site.

Shutter

I really enjoy your blog! Incredibly important information that is tremendously helpful. Thank you!

Parker Kokaly

I really like and appreciate your article. Really thank you! Awesome.

Walley

You’re not the common blog writer, man. You definitely have something powerful to contribute to the web. Such a great blog. I’ll revisit again for more.

Biuro Matry

I actually didn’t think about this issue that way. Delighted to be in a position to play a part. Wish you good luck.

Macri

Thank you so much for this! I have not been this moved by a blog for quite some time! You have something to say that people need to hear. Keep up the great work. Keep on inspiring the people!

Bringham

An astonishing post. I feel strongly about it and enjoy reading more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Big thumb up for this post!

Ratelle

I’m glad to read your article. I think this post is one of the most important pieces of information for me. And in general, the style of the site is perfect, and the articles are really great 😀 Good job, cheers

Labenjam

It’s actually a great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful knowledge with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

Detodo Aqui

whoah this blog is fantastic. I love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, many people are looking around for this information, you could help them greatly.

Cavanaugh

Wow! This is one of the most beneficial blogs I’ve ever come across on this subject. Basically Excellent. I am also a specialist on this topic, so I can understand your hard work.

Metzga

You can definitely see your expertise in your work. The world needs more passionate writers like you who explain things clearly for all to understand.

Darrel Mitchell

Spot on with this write-up. I think this website needs more consideration. I’ll be back again to read more, thanks for the info.

Renato Green

In a contest for top-of-the-line blogs on the web, I will vote for this site!

Politologia

Wow! what an idea! What a concept! Beautiful .. Amazing

Baldacci

Great post, thank you so much for sharing. Gonna tweet and bookmark it. Hope it gets you some more exposure. Thanks.

Fred Laks

First of all, please accept my appreciation for your command of this matter. Even though this is certainly brand new, nevertheless soon after finding your site, my intellect has exploded extensively. I’m going to get your rss to keep in touch with future posts. Sincere thanks. Will pass it on to help others.

Caxzla

This post shows real creativity. What really did it for me was all the comments from readers about such good info… had to say thanks again!

Kriz

I just came across this fantastic web site and wish to express how grateful I am to you for sharing this wonderful understanding.

Houston Rochenstire

One of the extra spectacular blogs Ive seen. Thanks so much for keeping the web stylish for a change. You’ve bought style, class, bravado. I mean it. Please keep it up because without this site the web is certainly lacking.

Poisy

Thanks for an incredible weblog! In my language there are no good sources like this.

Latiker

I actually find this very interesting. Ive been browsing your blog for a couple days now and I truly enjoy what I’m reading here. Keep up the good work!

Shelby Yarberry

Thanks for this great article! It has been extremely insightful. I hope that you’ll continue posting your work.

Roxann Escobio

I’ve found out lots reading this article. Actually very good information here. Posts like this make this website valuable. Coming back for more.

Dostal

Wow, it’s so inspiring. Everyone seeks to better themselves. This site surely helps.

Kristin

Found this information about 2 days ago now. Was just longing for more understanding about this subject, then this site supplied it.

Edmons

Awfully excellent article! You absolutely did a great deal of exploration on this, so great job. I am going to make sure to bookmark your web site as well!

Herman Friede

Thank you, this article ended up being very worthwhile to read. I look forward to reading much more of your website.

Calameo

Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us. You actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked.

Susan Largent

Just a quick note to thank you for sharing your information on this page.

Sindorf

Very effectively written information. It will likely be useful to anyone who reads this, myself included. Keep up the great work – for sure i will read more posts.

Dorothy Myers

The particular clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i must assume you are a professional on this subject.

dr house

Nice, love this blog. I’m gonna share it on my twitter.

Ziliboba

I have been checking out your posts for the last couple of hours, and they are all extraordinarily enlightening and well written. i have your page bookmarked on my fav list.

Licon

Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article. Really thank you! Really Cool.

Corado

I have been looking for high quality articles in this sort of area. After much exploring I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this information I’m happy to say that I have an incredibly good feeling that I have discovered exactly what I need. I most certainly will remember this site and visit it regularly.

Weldon Dresner

It had been some time since I visited a web site with such quality information. Thanks lots for the useful information.

Griem

Whatever you state in your articles seems astonishingly accurate and it makes me wonder why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. This piece really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this particular topic goes.

Finkelman

Wow! This is the single most beneficial blog I’ve come across on this whole subject. Basically Amazing

Limbert

Wow I have read your article and I think after I read this post on you website I have my own opinion about what I should comment on during the next hang out with my family, maybe tomorrow I will tell my family about this one and start a debate.

Logitech

I’m truly enjoying the content as well as the design of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit often. Superb work!

Shelley Potma

Simply wish to say that your website is astonishing. The clearness in your posts is simply remarkable. I assume you’re an expert on this subject. I will grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with the latest post. Thanks a million, and please keep up the excellent work.