This book demonstrates an impressive personal improvement tool. It is not a substitute for training in psychology or psychotherapy. Nothing contained herein is meant to replace qualified medical advice. The author urges the reader to use these techniques under the supervision of a qualified therapist or physician. The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for how the reader chooses to apply the techniques herein.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from Energy Psychology Press, with the exception of short excerpts used with acknowledgement of publisher and author.
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The Single Most Crucial Aspect of Your Whole Existence
There is one crucial thing in life.
Getting this one thing right transforms everything else. If you miss it, no matter how perfectly you handle other aspects of life, there will always be a void at your core.
This vital thing is this: living as a spiritual being on a human path. That spiritual being is your true self. Recognizing this and living accordingly alters your entire experience of life.
When you mistakenly identify with your human activities alone, you suffer. Recognizing your true nature as a spiritual being infuses all your human activities with joy.
Here’s a simple test. If you live with a consistent sense of joy, you are living as a spiritual being on a human path. If you are frequently suffering, you are not.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with suffering. It serves as a reminder to find your joy. Suffering is useful because it points to a state beyond itself. It’s a nudge to return to the path. But there’s no reason to stay in suffering longer than necessary. Joy beckons you every moment.
Once you get this one thing right, all other aspects of life fall into place—your health, finances, relationships, career, family, exercise, and life purpose are all framed within your identity as a spiritual being. Your spiritual nature provides context for everything.
Each area of life has the potential for pleasure or pain. If your health is poor, it’s tough to stay positive. If financial survival is a struggle, it’s hard to focus on anything else. If you feel lonely and disconnected, life can seem bleak. So getting these life areas right is important.
Yet many of us focus solely on these areas. We chase love, money, health, or fame with relentless determination. We believe that success in these areas will bring happiness.
However, the lives of famous individuals throughout history show that these pursuits alone do not guarantee happiness. True happiness comes from living as a spiritual being on a human path (Martin, 2019).
Get this one thing right and you’ve solved the core problem of human existence. Focusing on this is the single most important thing you can do.
If you had to figure this out on your own, it would be challenging. Few people know how to live as a spiritual being on a human path. But some do, and those who have walked this path or are walking it still have left us their writings and teachings.
While there are thousands of books and scriptures, they all share common principles. Following these principles provides a clear, step-bystep blueprint for living as a spiritual being on a human path.
These teachings not only clarify the process but also show that it is simple. Just follow the wisdom of the great traditions, and within minutes, you can start living as a spiritual being on a human path. You become an embodiment of Spiritual Intelligence.
Spiritual Intelligence is the ability of human consciousness to interact with universal consciousness. We all have this ability. It’s actually hardwired into our brains (Goleman & Davidson, 2018). But not all of us use it. This report is intended to give you a summary of the basic practices that those ancient teachings recommend we use to turn on those parts of our brains, experience that sacred ecstasy, and live a life of Spiritual Intelligence.
The Partnership of Spirituality and Science
Science is another great resource guiding us to this one crucial aspect, supporting our development of Spiritual Intelligence. Advanced tools like MRIs and EEGs show what happens in our brains when we change our behavior. Studying people who practice the ancient principles of the spiritual path reveals that some practices cause rapid and profound changes in our bodies.
For example, studies show that regular meditation increases gray matter density in brain areas related to attention, compassion, and emotional regulation (Vieten al., 2018). These changes not only validate meditation’s power but also demonstrate how achieving a calm and peaceful mind reshapes our brain anatomy.
Another fascinating intersection of neuroscience and ancient wisdom is found in mindfulness. Rooted in Eastern spiritual traditions, mindfulness is now recognized in the West for its therapeutic benefits. Research shows that mindfulness promotes a more balanced and integrated brain, enhancing resilience against adversity. Training our minds to be present rewires our brains to be more adaptive, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent.
Research on the ancient Chinese practice of qigong is another example of neuroscience validating age-old spiritual wisdom. Qigong focuses on cultivating energy, or “qi,” through breathwork, movement, and meditation. Practitioners have reported enhanced wellbeing and vitality for millennia. Modern neuroscience supports these claims, showing that qigong can reduce stress hormone levels, boost immune function, and improve neural plasticity (Solloway et al., 2016).
Scientific validation of techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and qigong highlights our ancestors’ remarkable insight. Long before we had MRIs and EEGs, they discovered practices that enable us to live as spiritual beings on a human path. Now, advanced neuroscience confirms that these ancient techniques can transform our lives.
I’ve been teaching a yearlong course called The Short Path to Oneness that combines the best of this science with the most effective of those ancient techniques. It gives you one-on-one mentoring that cultivates your Spiritual Intelligence and prepares you for an ecstatic life. You can find out more at TheShortPath.com.
Isn’t the combination of ancient wisdom and modern science exciting? Are you ready to explore these practices? Here are the ones that scientific studies show can make a dramatic difference in your health, longevity, and wellbeing. With these ten practices, Spiritual Intelligence becomes a way of life.
1. Breathing Mindfully
Breathing is the foundational practice of Spiritual Intelligence. It’s easy to ignore because it’s something we do automatically every day without thinking about it. Our bodies handle the process of breathing naturally, without our conscious effort. But from novice to experienced meditators, it’s the foundation of a solid practice.
For centuries, various cultures have recognized the power of breath as a tool for healing and longevity. The ancient Chinese Tao, around 400 BC, dedicated seven books to the art of breathing, examining how it could either harm or heal depending on its use. Similarly, the Hindus,
even earlier, believed that breath and spirit were intertwined, developing sophisticated practices to maintain breath balance for physical and mental wellbeing. Buddhists, on the other hand, used breath not only to lengthen their lives but also to reach higher states of consciousness. Across many traditions, breathwork has been seen as potent medicine.
Breathing is one of the most essential and fundamental functions of the human body. On average, we take over 22,000 breaths each day. While most of these breaths are unconscious, scientific research shows that conscious breathwork and techniques from ancient traditions can significantly benefit our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Breathwork encompasses various techniques that involve the conscious control of breathing. Examples include Holotropic Breathwork, pranayama, and diaphragmatic breathing. Research indicates that these techniques can reduce stress, enhance focus and concentration, boost energy levels, and improve athletic performance.
One major advantage of conscious breathwork is its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS manages the body’s “rest and digest” functions, such as slowing the heart rate, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress. Engaging in conscious breathing stimulates the PNS, creating a sense of calm and relaxation.
Studies have shown that conscious breathing can also positively impact the immune system. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine (Sharma et al., 2008) found that participants who practiced deep breathing techniques had genes activated that enhanced their immune function.
Conscious breathing benefits mental health as well. A study in the Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (Jerath et al., 2015) revealed that participants who practiced deep breathing exercises experienced significant improvements in mood and anxiety levels. Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (Wahbeh et al., 2016), suggested that conscious breathing techniques could be an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research on coherent breathing, which involves breathing at a rate of five breaths per minute as part of a yoga routine, showed that it could reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (Ma et al., 2017). Pranayama, the ancient yogic science of breath, involves techniques designed to increase vitality, longevity, and life force by observing, controlling, expanding, retaining, and manipulating breath. Pranayama can enhance circulation, oxygenate the blood, and improve memory (Brown et al., 2013).
Recent studies (Pramanik et al., 2009; Tripathy & Sahu, 2019) link the physical and cognitive benefits of yoga and mindfulness to pranayama and the activation of the PNS. This activation induces a state of rest, rejuvenation, and efficient regeneration, helping the body detoxify and regain balance.
The benefits of conscious breathwork extend beyond physical and mental health. It can also enrich spiritual experiences and personal growth. Many spiritual traditions, such as yoga and meditation, incorporate breathing techniques to help individuals connect with their inner selves and achieve clarity and inner peace. These states help us move past mental chatter, projections, judgments, and resistance, enabling our body’s innate wisdom to guide us.
In altered states of consciousness, we process information through symbols, metaphors, and sensations that transcend language and rational thought. This allows us to access our subconscious and experience authentic emotions without analysis or intellectualization. By engaging with our experiences in this way, we can achieve deeper release and integration.
The science behind the benefits of conscious breathwork is compelling. Conscious breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, boost immune function, improve mental health, and enhance spiritual experiences. Breathing is the simplest path to Spiritual Intelligence, reminding us with each breath that we are spiritual beings on a human journey.
Breathing Techniques to Tap into Your Body’s Wisdom
Even though writer, yogi, and photographer Blake had experience with pranayama through yoga as both a practitioner and teacher, he didn’t realize the full transformational power of breathing until he discovered a method called Breathwork.
Blake explains the difference between Breathwork and other breathing techniques, “Most other practices use deep belly breaths, also called slow abdominal breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, which stimulates the vagus nerve and lowers our stress response and inflammation in our bodies” (Biesalski, 2020).
The practice of Breathwork, however, involves taking deep circular breaths continuously to produce a trance state, which facilitates the processing of memories, emotions, and body sensations.
Blake has experienced numerous benefits since embracing the practice of Breathwork, including helping him get over a painful breakup. “Overall,” he says, “Breathwork helps me release unprocessed emotions, access the wisdom in my body, and open my heart.”
Specifically, he cites 12 ways in which Breathwork has changed his life:
• Reconnection to his body
• Clarity of mind
• Overcoming heartbreak
• Compassionate perspective
• Self-healing powers
• Greater insight, creativity, and guidance
• Healing of past trauma
• Ability to handle big emotions
• Connection with special people
• Learning more about psychology, neuroscience, and somatic healing
• A new calling in life—empowering others in healing
• Co-creation of a conscious relationship
“Today, my breath is my compass and Breathwork a way of living,” notes Blake.
2. Seven Forms of Meditation
Another foundation of Spiritual Intelligence is meditation. Throughout history, meditation has been revered as a gateway to elevated consciousness and holistic wellbeing, merging the spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions of our existence.
At its core, meditation entails directing attention toward a specific object, thought, or action to induce a state of calm and relaxation. This practice not only harmonizes the mind but also nurtures profound insights into our spiritual essence.
In my book Bliss Brain, I delineate seven diverse forms of meditation. These are:
1. Observing Thoughts: Practitioners observe their thoughts with detachment, allowing them simply to flow through the mind like a leaf floating down a river.
2. Loving Kindness: Rooted in Buddhist teachings, this practice cultivates empathy and love toward all beings and the natural world.
3. Mindful Breathing: Techniques like slow breathing and alternate nostril breathing enhance awareness of breath patterns, fostering tranquility.
4. Movement: Modalities such as Sufi dancing, yoga, and qigong induce altered states by focusing on bodily sensations. Practices
like Yoga Nidra and body scans also employ movement to deepen awareness.
5. Auditory Cues: Utilizing vocalization, sacred chants, or the resonance of singing bowls attunes the mind to spiritual frequencies.
6. Visual Cues: Engaging with sacred texts, visual symbols such as Tibetan yantras, or journeying through the body’s energy centers cultivates spiritual connection.
7. Imitation: Emulating the posture, mindset, or techniques of a Master evokes similar spiritual states.
These diverse meditation methods yield numerous benefits, including stress reduction, enhanced focus, heightened concentration, and an overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. Scientific research underscores meditation’s capacity to improve memory, attention, emotional regulation, compassion, and executive function, while mitigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Goyal et al., 2014).
In recent years, meditation research has burgeoned, with over 5,000 studies published since 2012 (US National Library of Medicine, pubmed.com). This expanding body of literature illuminates the cognitive, psychological, neurological, and physiological transformations associated with meditation practices.
Physical Wellbeing: Studies, such as those published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Larson et al., 2013), affirm meditation’s role in improving heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additional research underscores its impact on immune function, augmenting the activity of white blood cells that combat infections and cancer (Robinson et al., 2003; Zeidan et al., 2011) while also alleviating pain.
Mental Health: Meditation’s efficacy in alleviating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress is well-documented (Black et al., 2018; Hofmann et al., 2010). By modulating cortisol levels and fostering a sense of calm, meditation promotes mental resilience and emotional equilibrium.
Spiritual Fulfillment: Meditation amplifies spiritual experiences and personal growth, resonating deeply with many spiritual traditions. Research highlights its role in enhancing positive emotions, social connectivity, and cognitive functions associated with attention and selfregulation (Hutcherson et al., 2008; Tang et al., 2007).
Social Impact: Collective meditation practices have demonstrated potential in reducing societal violence (Orme-Johnson et al., 1988) and enhancing workplace wellbeing and productivity (Trent et al., 2019).
The scientific validation of meditation’s benefits is compelling. As research advances, the potential benefits of meditation are expected to expand further. Integrating meditation into daily life offers a straightforward yet potent approach to enhancing overall health and wellbeing.
Meditation as a Vibrational Ladder
I’ve known Andrew Vidich, PhD, for about 40 years now. He’s been practicing meditation since he was 17 and remains one of the most inspiring teachers I’ve encountered. Andrew has authored two books: Love Is a Secret, which delves into the psychological journey seekers undertake toward ecstatic unity with the divine, and Light upon Light, which illuminates the wisdom of spiritual masters from Rumi to 20th-century mystic Sant Kirpal Singh.
Whenever I’m in New York, Andrew and I meet up to discuss our spiritual insights at length. During a recent gathering at Blank Slate coffee house over a delightful cup of drip coffee, I posed a question to Andrew, “How can one achieve deep meditative states quickly?”
His response caught me off guard. “It’s not just about what you do during your meditation hour that matters; it’s how you spend the remaining 23 hours,” Andrew replied.
“In what way?” I inquired.
“When you’re meditating, you’re operating at a heightened vibrational frequency. If you can maintain that frequency or something close to it throughout your day, then when you begin your next meditation session, you’re starting from a place close to that initial state. However, if you allow yourself to drop to lower vibrational levels throughout the day, then you’ll have a longer climb back up to reach that peak state again.
“It’s akin to a ladder. The lower you descend on the ladder throughout the day, the further you have to ascend when you close
your eyes to meditate the next day. Consistently staying higher on that vibrational ‘ladder’ all day is crucial for swiftly entering that peak meditative state when you begin your practice again.”
The depth to which we fall on the ladder after meditation determines the starting point for our next session.
Streamlining Meditation: Despite its manifold benefits, meditation can be challenging for many. Research indicates that only a fraction of beginners persist with the practice, and merely 35% establish a consistent routine (Lam et al., 2023).
To address this, in 2009 I introduced EcoMeditation—a user-friendly method grounded in simple physiological techniques. EcoMeditation bypasses spiritual doctrines and employs neutral language with a scientific underpinning. Participants follow straightforward instructions that induce deep relaxation without mental engagement.
EcoMeditation distinguishes itself from traditional approaches like Vipassana or Zen, which demand prolonged training. Studies highlight the ability of EcoMeditation to induce elevated brain states and alpha waves associated with emotional, mental, and spiritual integration after
just one session (Pennington et al., 2019). Research further demonstrates its efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and pain, while enhancing happiness, flow states, and transcendental experiences in a significant majority of participants (Church et al., 2020; Groesbeck et al., 2018).
EcoMeditation is freely accessible online at EcoMeditation.com. If you’ve struggled with regular meditation practice, EcoMeditation offers a promising gateway to Spiritual Intelligence. A single session may leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired to incorporate meditation into your daily routine, reaffirming your spiritual journey each morning.
Returning from a Vast Distance
At an EcoMeditation workshop, participants were connected to EEG machines to monitor their brain activity. Following the meditation session, we documented their subjective experiences. Maria, who had been struggling with depression, recounted her transformative journey:
“At first, having my eyes closed was annoying. I could feel every little scratchy itchy feeling in my skin. My throat tickled, and I wanted to cough. I could hear the guy next to me breathing, and that was annoying too. But then I began to forget about all that stuff, and a feeling of peace came over me.
“I could feel the breath going inside my body. And going out again. It felt like a river flowing. I started to float, like I was a helium balloon or something.
“I seemed to go to another place, and it was beautiful. I could feel the rocks and trees and ocean, and I seemed to be part of it all, like I was absorbed into this perfection of everything there is in the cosmos.
“These four huge blue beings drifted near me, and I felt incredible love and connection flowing out of them. They were
like outlines of people but transparent and about 15 feet high. Made out of a beautiful royal blue mist.
“I’ve been so worried about all the stuff going on in my life lately, but one of the beings drifted close to me and I felt reassured. Like she was telling me everything is going to be okay. My heart filled up with love, and I realized that love is everything.
“She gave me a shiny diamond crystal to remind me that she’s always there for me. I put it in my heart. It melted all the miserable, depressed pain that’s been living there for too long, and the pain became drops of water that fell into the ground.
“When you told us to come back into the room, I felt like I was a million miles away. I brought that feeling of peace back into my body. It was hard to come back, and I realize part of me is there all the time.”
In this profound shift in consciousness, Maria often ascends to a serene realm, enveloped in deep tranquility. In this elevated state, she encounters remarkable allies, like the ethereal blue beings, who bestow gifts symbolic of profound personal growth, such as the gleaming crystal of transformation. When you return from “a million miles away,” you have a new perspective on your life.
3. The Practice of Health
Healthful life practices are integral to sustaining both physical vitality and mental clarity, the building blocks that support Spiritual Intelligence. Scientific research underscores the transformative impact of healthy habits on overall wellbeing. Living harmoniously as a spiritual being in a human existence is significantly enhanced when body and mind are vibrant and balanced.
You’ve probably taken a Hatha Yoga class or two during your life, and you might even have a regular yoga practice. The reason Hatha Yoga was developed in India thousands of years ago was to give people a structure for creating a strong and flexible body. In fact, in certain ancient texts, spiritual seekers were advised to master Hatha Yoga before even starting a meditation practice! That’s how important the ancient teachers regarded physical health.
Let’s delve into the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of cultivating healthy practices, along with effective strategies for integrating them into daily life.
First and foremost, maintaining a nutritious diet plays a pivotal role in supporting optimal health. Research shows that poor dietary choices contribute significantly to mortality rates worldwide, surpassing even smoking and hypertension as risk factors (Afshin et al., 2019). Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins reduces the incidence of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Another critical practice is regular physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to a staggering number of global deaths annually (Sallis et al., 2020). Engaging in moderate physical activities, such as brisk walking for a few hours each week, not only mitigates the risk of chronic diseases but also improves cardiovascular health and weight management (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018).
Quality sleep is equally essential for overall wellbeing. Inadequate sleep is linked to various chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders (Cappuccio et al., 2011). While individual sleep needs vary, aiming for an average of seven hours per night enhances cognitive function, immune response, and overall health.
Limiting screen time is another pivotal aspect of healthy living. Excessive screen exposure during work hours and leisure time can disrupt sleep patterns and overall wellbeing. Using tools like Apple’s Screen Time app can help monitor and manage screen use effectively.
Turning off alerts and batching electronic communications can also significantly reduce stress and improve productivity. By prioritizing tasks and managing notifications, you can focus on meaningful activities and reduce the overwhelming demands of constant connectivity.
Additionally, stress management plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Chronic stress is associated with severe health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, depression, and anxiety (Epel et al., 2018). Incorporating stress-reducing practices, as detailed in this report, effectively manages stress levels and promotes overall wellbeing.
Adopting healthy practices such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, screen time management, and stress reduction practices is essential for optimal physical and mental health. Integrating these practices into daily routines can yield numerous benefits and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases. Affording priority to these practices fosters a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Identifying Habits That Hinder Your Wellbeing
Take a moment to assess your current habits. Which physical behaviors are hindering your wellbeing? Consider the following common pitfalls:
Are you spending excessive time being sedentary, staring at one screen or another?
• Are you consuming harmful substances like sugar and starch?
• Are you getting sufficient high-quality sleep?
• Is your diet nourishing your body adequately?
• Are you excessively engaged with your phone?
• Are you staying hydrated?
• Is lack of exercise weakening your muscles?
• Are you using drugs or alcohol to numb yourself?
• Are you struggling with overeating or undereating?
• Are you neglecting essential nutritional supplements?
• Are there other physical habits draining your energy and wellbeing?
Document these unhealthy behaviors in your personal journal honestly but without judgment. Recognize that acknowledging these chal-
lenges is a natural part of the human experience. There is no shame in confronting these issues.
To embody a spiritual existence, it is crucial to evaluate how your behavior aligns with your aspirations. By recording them, you bring these behaviors into conscious awareness. They transform from unconscious routines to deliberate choices scrutinized with clarity and honesty.
Transforming all your habits overnight is unrealistic. However, mindfulness fosters a habit of questioning throughout the day: “Does this behavior align with my spiritual path?” Viewing activities through this lens often guides healthier choices.
Over the next few days, continually ask yourself this question regarding each activity or inactivity, whether it’s indulging in a treat or lounging on the couch. The goal is not to fixate on these habits or self-criticize for perceived failures. The act of journaling simply heightens awareness. As you progress on your journey of Spiritual Intelligence, many unhealthy practices will naturally dissipate.
Here’s the story of someone who changed his ways, beginning by addressing a self-defeating habit.
A Procrastinator in Recovery
Research indicates that procrastinators experience higher stress levels and lower overall wellbeing (Jaffe, 2013). One of the most notable self-admitted procrastinators is Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates.
During his undergraduate years at Harvard, Gates referred to this “very bad habit” as his modus operandi. Notably, he dropped out of Harvard after just two years. Reflecting on his habits, Gates said, “I liked to show people that I didn’t do any work, and that I didn’t go to classes and I didn’t care” (Umoh, 2018).
Gates would often cram for exams at the last minute, yet he still managed to achieve mostly A grades, except for a C+ in organic chemistry. His philosophy was, “I decided that I would be different and never attend any class I was signed up for but always attend a class I wasn’t signed up for.”
Entering the business world forced Gates to confront his procrastination. He recalls, “When I went into business, that was a really bad habit. Nobody praised me because I would do things at the last minute.” It was then that he began to strive for a more organized approach, akin to the diligent students at Harvard who always completed tasks on time.
While last-minute work is no longer Gates’ standard practice, he admits he has not fully overcome procrastination. “I’m still working on it,” he says, “but procrastination is not a good habit” (Umoh, 2018).
4. Entering the Mind of the Adept
We aren’t the first to aspire to live spiritually while walking a human path. Many have come before us and their writings offer valuable inspiration for cultivating Spiritual Intelligence.
The words of saints or spiritual teachers can elevate us to a higher state of consciousness. Huston Smith, a renowned theologian and author of The World’s Religions, began each day’s meditation by reading from one of his cherished teachers. Mirroring a Master’s mindset provides a blueprint for achieving enlightenment.
Paul Brunton, a significant spiritual teacher from the early 20th century, suggested selecting a book that consistently elevates your spirit and dwelling mentally on a paragraph or passage. This practice helps you attune to the spiritual rhythm or mental wavelength of the author. Brunton even advised imagining yourself as the author (Brunton, 1969, p. 107).
Medieval mystics named this practice lectio divina (“divine reading”). It involves slow, mindful, and active engagement with the deeper meaning of the text, far beyond mere reading.
Explore the spiritual and inspirational texts on your bookshelf. Select one and open it to a random page. According to Paul Brunton, your Higher Self often guides you in this manner. Examine the words for a message pertinent to your day.
Brunton was a disciple of the great Indian master Ramana Maharshi. In 1896, at the age of 16, Ramana Maharshi experienced an awakening and never returned to ordinary consciousness. Through Brunton’s writings, he inspired millions globally to embrace their spiritual nature. Ramana Maharshi’s booklet Who Am I?, consisting of just 20 paragraphs, has awakened many to their true spiritual essence.
Before starting your meditation, read sacred literature slowly and thoughtfully. Let the author’s perspective become your own. Paul Brunton quotes Muhammad, saying, “Contemplation for an hour is better than formal worship for 60 years.” Fully immersing yourself in the consciousness of the words you read aligns your awareness with that of the author and with the path of Spiritual Intelligence.
Danielle, a young single mother and professional computer coder, shares a story about her transformative experience reading an inspirational text written two thousand years ago by a Roman emperor.
The Words Led Me Back Home
I was experiencing one of the lowest points in my life. Balancing the responsibilities of raising my son, managing bills, maintaining the house, and dealing with life’s myriad problems felt overwhelmingly burdensome. Stress tightened my every muscle, and anxiety roiled my stomach as I confronted countless challenges. My mind was a storm of worries and doubts.
One day, the weight of it all became unbearable. I sat with my head in my hands, feeling utterly defeated.
As my gaze wandered, it landed on my bookshelf, where a slim volume, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, seemed to call out to me. I picked it up, opened it randomly, and my eyes fell on a passage. It read:
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them. When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.... If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment. You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
These words resonated deeply within me, as if speaking directly to my soul. A profound sense of peace and comfort enveloped me. As I read on, the beauty and wisdom in Marcus’s teachings deeply moved me. I began to feel a profound connection with the universe.
Waves of energy coursed through my body, uniting me with everything around me. It felt as if the words were a divine message meant just for me.
My worries, doubts, stress, and anxiety started to dissipate. The knot in my stomach gave way to complete relaxation and a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. This feeling of oneness stayed with me, a source of guidance and comfort that I knew I could always return to.
Closing the book, I was filled with gratitude and joy. I felt an eternal connection to a higher spiritual force. I gave thanks for being led back to my true self, to the divine within.
5. Opting to Vibrate at a Higher Level
The concept of vibrational level is key to Spiritual Intelligence. Ever notice how some people are a joy to be around while others seem to drain your energy? This is the impact of vibration. Some individuals radiate happiness and optimism, lifting those around them. Conversely, others seem to bring a negative energy.
The same principle applies to literature, music, movies, places, and even mental states. High-vibration choices can elevate your own energy, while low-vibration choices can pull you down.
Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor, famously said, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”
Enlightened Masters operate at the highest vibrational frequencies. In contrast, those living in anger, guilt, and shame exist at the lowest vibrational levels. At any moment, you can check in with yourself to assess your current vibrational state and choose to elevate it.
You can also apply this awareness to your words and actions. Before speaking or acting, ask yourself, “What is the vibrational quality of what I’m about to say or do?” If it doesn’t align with the high vibration of a spiritual being on a human journey, you have the power to make a different choice. Your choices determine your Spiritual Intelligence.
New Vibration: New Friends and a New Body
As you start to elevate your vibrational level, you’ll likely notice changes within yourself and your life. Here are some common shifts that occur during this process (Fosu, 2021):
Changing Preferences: Activities, people, and places you once enjoyed may no longer resonate with you. Your energy has shifted and there’s no longer a match. It might even feel uncomfortable to engage in those activities or be around those people. You may lose relationships and change jobs or professions as a result. You focus on what enhances your energy and avoid what depletes it.
Facing Your Shadow: You may encounter inner turmoil as you confront parts of your unconscious mind you’ve previously avoided.
New Body Awareness: Operating at a higher vibrational level also means being grounded and present in your body. This is the integration of body, mind, and spirit in action.
Balancing Energies: You honor both the masculine and feminine aspects within yourself, recognizing that what appear to be opposites are actually two sides of the same coin.
Journey over Destination: Raising your vibration is a continuous journey, not a final destination.
The signals from your heightened vibration can guide you. Paying attention to your emotions and physical sensations will help you stay aligned with high-vibration choices. Your body will alert you when you are engaging in something or with someone that is detrimental to your energy. Choose the highest possible vibration!
6. Moments Spent in the Natural World
The sixth essential transformational practice on the path of Spiritual Intelligence is spending time in nature.
Nature has always been seen as a source of relaxation and renewal. Recent studies support this intuitive knowledge: Spending time in nature has significant physical and mental health benefits.
One key benefit of spending time in nature is reduced stress. Being in natural environments has been proven to lower cortisol levels, a major stress hormone (Tsunetsugu et al., 2007). This decrease in cortisol leads to better immune function and cardiovascular health (Li et al., 2017).
Besides reducing stress, being in nature also improves mood and brain function. One study discovered that people who took a 50-minute walk in a natural setting experienced significant improvements in mood and cognitive function compared to those who walked in an urban environment (Bratman et al., 2015).
Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity and social interaction. Activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking provide exercise and opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests (Pretty et al., 2007).
You can integrate nature into your daily routine by walking in green spaces, treating each step as a mindful meditation, and paying attention
to flowers, trees, animals, insects, clouds, stars, and everything else you see outdoors.
I’ve enjoyed inviting friends for walks instead of meeting at restaurants or bars. Walks elevate your energy and vibration in a way indoor activities do not.
Spending time in nature offers profound benefits for physical and mental health, including stress reduction, mood and cognitive enhancement, increased physical activity, and better social connections. By incorporating nature into our daily lives through simple practices like walking in green spaces, engaging in outdoor activities, and mindful walking, we remind ourselves that we are spiritual beings on a human journey, embodying Spiritual Intelligence.
Experiment: Nature for an Hour Every Day
Novelist Michael Grothaus, author of Beautiful Shining People (Grothaus, 2023), decided to spend at least an hour in nature every day. Living in London, he utilized large parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, which can make you feel as though you’re alone in a wilderness.
Here’s what he said about his experience (Grothaus, 2016):
• My stress melted away almost immediately.
• My mood improved.
• I felt more creative.
• My memory improved.
Before his experiment, Michael spent most of his time indoors, either at work or working from home. His walks were typically on city streets. Inspired by research on nature’s effects on humans, he decided to conduct his own experiment.
Studies have shown four areas of positive effects from spending time in nature: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits (Bratman et al., 2015; Irvine et al., 2013; Marselle et al., 2014).
Sara L. Warber, MD, a professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan, states, “Nature can be like an instant path to relaxation, similar to meditation” (Grothaus, 2016). Warber and others suggest that time in nature, like meditation, triggers the relaxation response, the opposite of the fight-or-flight stress reaction. “The relaxation response has been investigated in relationship to meditation, mindfulness, and other stress reduction techniques being embraced in health care today,” she notes (Grothaus, 2016).
During Michael’s experiment, he spent at least an hour in nature on weekdays and visited the countryside or ocean on weekends. Despite knowing about nature’s effects, he was surprised by how quickly they appeared.
“On just my first few walks through London’s Regent’s and Hyde parks, I immediately felt less stressed and less rushed,” he reported. “It’s as if the parks acted like a cocoon, not only sheltering me from city noises but my busy thoughts as well.”
Other positive effects soon emerged: “...by my second week I started to notice my overall everyday mood had improved—even at
times I wasn’t in nature. It was as if the accumulation of my time spent outdoors led to benefits that stuck with me, even when I returned to my city life.”
Being a writer, changes in his creativity were noticeable. “By my third weekend trip to the English coast, I felt more creative,” he said. “This might sound strange, but it was easier for me to generate story ideas and I felt more creative overall.”
An unexpected benefit was improved memory. “I’m a guy who writes to-do lists on sticky notes to remember everything I need to accomplish for the day,” he explained. “But by my fourth week, I no longer needed to write out these notes.”
Michael’s experiment has ended, but he continues his daily practice of walking in the park. Of these walks, he says, “To me, they now seem as necessary as eating right, and I expect them to remain a part of my routine for the indefinite future.”
While Michael dedicated an hour a day to time in nature, research shows that even just looking at nature through a window or viewing pictures of nature yields positive results (Ulrich, 1981, 1984). So if you can’t go outdoors, spend some time each day gazing at beautiful nature pictures!
7. Making Time for Retreats
Finding deep spiritual connection amidst daily distractions can be challenging. To enhance your communion with spirit and further develop your Spiritual Intelligence, it’s essential to retreat periodically from the world. This doesn’t mean entering a convent or taking vows. Instead, it involves giving yourself time and space to fully immerse in spiritual awareness for a while.
A weekend camping in the forest can suffice. A week of silence at a spiritual retreat center can be even more effective. Even a solitary day at the beach can serve as a retreat (Ellwood, 2020).
Personal retreats have gained popularity as people seek to escape daily stress and find inner peace and clarity. Research shows that personal retreats offer numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced creativity.
One of the primary benefits of personal retreats is stress reduction. Chronic stress is linked to various negative health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety (Epel et al., 2018). Taking time away from daily demands to relax and recharge reduces stress levels and promotes wellbeing.
Personal retreats also improve mental health. One study found that participants who attended a mindfulness meditation retreat experienced significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. These
benefits were maintained during follow-up assessments, indicating the lasting impact of a retreat (Jain et al., 2015).
Retreats can also boost creativity and productivity. Research suggests that taking breaks from work and engaging in leisure activities can increase long-term productivity (Toker et al., 2015). Allowing yourself time for relaxation and rejuvenation helps you return to daily life feeling refreshed and focused.
To create a transformative personal retreat, set clear intentions, create a structured schedule, and engage in activities that promote selfreflection and growth. By setting specific goals for the retreat, you can focus your time and energy on achieving them. A structured schedule that includes rest, reflection, and leisure maximizes the retreat’s benefits.
Even a few hours of retreat can provide the solitude needed to remember you are a spiritual being on a physical journey with the innate potential for Spiritual Intelligence.
Tips for an Excellent Retreat
Here are some tips to enhance your retreat experience:
• Set Intentions: Record your intentions for the retreat in advance in your journal. After meditating, ask your Higher Self for its intention for this special time.
• Prepare Materially: Ensure all preparations are complete before the retreat. Make a checklist of everything you’ll need, from clothing to food to medicine, and handle these in advance. Avoid leaving the retreat center to shop or do laundry, as this disrupts the sacred atmosphere.
• Include Ceremonial Objects: Bring items for an altar or ceremonies you find meaningful, such as a candle, drum, prayer shawl, yoga mat, smudge stick, or crystal.
• Build an Altar: At the start of your retreat, create an altar using found objects like seeds, shells, and stones, or ceremonial items you brought. Adjust your altar as guided throughout the retreat.
• Go Alone: Minimize human contact to connect your spiritual and human self. This might be challenging with young children, but consider finding a friend to help or a retreat center offering childcare. Stepping back from relationships temporarily can renew appreciation for your partner.
• Avoid Electronics: Minimize screen time and take books and inspirational media instead.
• Invoke Your Spiritual Self: Start the retreat by inviting your Spiritual Self to be present and guide the retreat. Repeat this process daily.
• Simple Diet: Avoid intoxicants and complex foods. Keep meals simple and digestible.
• Spend Time in Nature: Explore the retreat center grounds or other natural location. Find and spend time in spots with powerful energy. Walk barefoot, pray, or meditate in these places.
• Journal: Journaling clears mental space for your inner voice. Document your inner journey daily.
• Flexible Structure: Participate in retreat center activities, but keep your day flexible to follow your inner guidance.
• Move Your Body: Exercise regularly with gentle activities like yoga or qigong. Break up contemplation with physical movement to integrate insights into your body.
• Break Up Your Days: Divide your time between meditation, reading, and exercise. Avoid routine and stay present.
• Physical Task: Bring a creative task like watercolors, carving, knitting, or papier mache.
• Include the Elements: Integrate earth, air, wind, and fire into your retreat with simple acts like lighting a candle, blessing water, walking in the rain, or making an altar from found objects.
Bringing Peace to Everyday Life
Tara had been working nonstop for years and finally reached the point of utter burnout. Both at work and in her personal life, she pushed herself to be the best she could be. But no matter how hard she tried, she always felt she was falling short.
Realizing she couldn’t continue at the relentless pace she had set, Tara decided to step away from it all, at least for a week. This was a radical move for her, but a friend had attended a retreat center and returned thoroughly rejuvenated, so she thought it was worth a try.
Tara booked a personal retreat at the same peaceful center her friend had visited. She was nervous about slowing down but knew it was necessary.
As soon as she stepped onto the retreat center grounds, she felt a hint of calm. It was so quiet and beautiful, with birds softly singing in the large shade trees.
Her days were spent meditating, practicing yoga, and connecting with nature. Gradually, the hint of calm became a steady flow as she allowed herself to slow down and soak in the peace.
Throughout the week, Tara experienced a transformation she had not anticipated. Limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns
that had been holding her back began to surface. In her relaxed state, they started to drift away, but she knew she would need to revisit and work on fully releasing them. She saw her life in a new light, recognized the changes she needed to make, and felt a renewed sense of purpose.
When Tara left the retreat center, it was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt happier than she had in years.
Back home, she prioritized self-care and scheduled regular metime to disconnect from everything. She resolved not to let herself reach the point of burnout again. The personal retreat had indeed changed her. Tara now knew what she needed to focus on to balance her energy, stay truly connected with herself and others, and find fulfillment.
8. Mirroring a Spiritual Mentor
Do you remember the WWJD movement of the 1990s? Christians started wearing wristbands with those letters, reminding them to ask, “What would Jesus do?” in their current situation. The trend spread, and Buddhists created their own wristbands with WWBD, asking, “What would Buddha do?”
This approach is an excellent test for every decision you face: What would the spiritual leader you most admire do in that situation? What action exemplifies Spiritual Intelligence?
When asking what Jesus would do about a challenge, the answer might be to approach the situation with compassion and love. Compassion and kindness toward others, even enemies or social outcasts, were defining traits of Jesus. In any circumstance, he serves as a model for recognizing the humanity in others and responding with empathy. When dealing with difficulty or conflict, Jesus models peace, striving to understand others’ perspectives and finding common ground.
When considering how Buddha might act in a tough situation, the message might be to cultivate mindfulness and detachment. Buddha’s teachings emphasize that human suffering stems from attachment to desires and expectations. The path to peace and freedom from suffering lies in mindfulness and nonattachment.
In challenging moments, Buddha would advise observing our thoughts and emotions with detachment and recognizing their impermanence. He would remind us that our thoughts and emotions are not our true selves. Understanding “what to do” comes from practicing mindfulness and detachment.
In asking any spiritual leader we admire what to do in a given situation, the guidance might be to connect with our inner wisdom, intuition, or higher knowing. Spiritual traditions around the world teach that we can access wisdom within ourselves. By quieting our minds and listening to our inner voice, we find the direction we need. This helps us determine the best course of action and act with the highest purpose.
When you find yourself in difficult circumstances, emulating a teacher you admire and asking what they would do often provides perfect guidance. By asking “What would Jesus do?” or “What would Buddha do?” or “What would my spiritual leader do?” you draw on the wisdom of spiritual traditions. You don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
By meeting life’s obstacles with compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom, you nurture these qualities within yourself. In this way, you become a source of healing and transformation for others and inspire Spiritual Intelligence.
This story by Amy Price, a Boston college student, explores asking WWJD when confronted with the most desperate suffering.
WWJD in a Troubled World?
Feeling disillusioned with the privileged and predictable path my life was taking, I decided to take a break from university and travel to Cambodia. Leaving behind the affluent, predominantly white Boston suburb where I grew up, I booked a ticket to a country about which I knew nothing of the people or their way of life.
Upon my arrival in Cambodia, I visited the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide in Phnom Penh. As I approached the entrance, I noticed
a beggar outside the gate. He had a bandaged stump for a leg and leaned heavily on a rickety wooden crutch. Despite his missing teeth, he greeted me with a lopsided grin and a friendly demeanor. His worn-out T-shirt bore the letters WWJD in large, peeling block letters.
Growing up in church, I was familiar with those letters, often seen on fluorescent-green rubber wristbands or on the covers of teen Bibles. But I had never before seen them on the shirt of a beggar.
I dropped a few bills into his upturned baseball cap, but the letters continued to haunt me as I walked through the museum. Each room revealed the horrific violence that had torn Cambodia apart. The Khmer Rouge regime had documented and photographed each victim before their death, turning every wall into a graphic gallery of grief.
As I stared into the eyes of men and women murdered by their own neighbors and loved ones, I couldn’t help but wonder: What would Jesus do in a world ravaged by poverty, war, and suffering?
That question lingered in my mind as I returned to my hotel room that night and continued to trouble me for months after I went back home. I knew I had to return to Cambodia to seek out Jesus’ love for the least fortunate and to live among the poor.
I was determined to make the poor my neighbors and friends, not just an abstract concept.
But I had no idea that in trying to change the world, I would end up changing myself. Since my first encounter with the poor in Cambodia, I’ve realized that if I pray for God to move a mountain, I must be willing to pick up a shovel and start digging.
9. The Strength of Unity
Community is an important aspect of Spiritual Intelligence. Spend time with the most conscious individuals you know. Seek out others who are living a spiritual path as human beings. Draw on their companionship for inspiration.
Carl McColman, author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, notes that “spiritual friendship, regardless of how casual and informal it may be, can be just as valuable as a more formal mentoring or guidance relationship” (McColman, 2010, p. 155). He mentions that the Celtic Christian tradition even had a special term for this deep type of relationship: anamchara, meaning “soul friend.”
Conversations with a soul friend differ from ordinary ones. You can delve deeply into your inner experiences, sharing on a level that typical friendships don’t usually reach.
In Bliss Brain, I discuss several large-scale surveys of transcendent experiences (Greeley, 1974). These surveys reveal that virtually everyone has such experiences, often starting in childhood. However, a surprising finding is that people rarely talk about them with others, not even with their spouses or family members. There is little opportunity in most conventional interactions to discuss life’s most profound aspects.
This makes mentors and soul friends especially valuable. Conversations with them provide a space to work through the challenges and oppor-
tunities of the spiritual journey, reminding you that you’re not walking the path alone.
In Buddhism, the community of monks, nuns, and laypeople who support each other on the spiritual path is called the sangha. The sangha creates a space for learning, growth, and connection within the spiritual tradition.
Most spiritual traditions, aside from those that teach solitary monasticism, emphasize the importance of community for those on a spiritual journey.
Spiritual communities support transformation. They allow us to learn from those who have walked the path before us and from those who walk it now, sharing our beliefs and values. Within a spiritual community, we find support and encouragement, realizing we are not alone on our path and that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Spiritual community goes beyond the personal. As part of a community, we have the power to bring about positive change in the world. Working together, we serve others, spread love and compassion, and promote peace and harmony. At its best, a spiritual community amplifies the power of individuals to become an even greater force for good in the world.
Whether we join a formal sangha, church, temple, or other spiritual community, we can find support, guidance, and inspiration on our path of spiritual awakening while contributing to the wellbeing of the planet. We do not have to walk alone toward Spiritual Intelligence.
Stories of the Elders
Mary Ann Downey has been involved with the Quaker Christian church since she was a young adult. Her curiosity about the spiritual journeys of other Quakers, who are also known as “Friends,” led her to frequently ask them about their experiences. Inspired by these conversations, she initiated the “Stories of the Elders” project in 2007.
“I began recruiting our oldest Friends to share their spiritual journeys with the adult religious education class,” she recalls (Downey, 2013). “We offered each guest the full 50 minutes of class time to tell his or her story and used the following list of questions I developed as guidelines for discussion:
• “What were your early experiences with religion and lessons about God?”
• “How did that concept of God and religion change and grow as you began to understand these early lessons?”
• “What special life turning points brought you closer to or away from God?”
• “What influence did education, career, marriage, and children have on your faith and practice?”
• “How did you learn about the Quakers? What led you to this meeting?”
• “How has this meeting supported your spiritual journey?”
• “What do you believe now?”
The project now houses a collection of dozens of stories shared by Quakers. Downey emphasizes the importance of storytelling in strengthening the community:
“These stories help us discover how we translate faith into practice and how this translation develops over time. Recording Friends who speak allows us to build an archive that can be shared among us and with other seekers. Perhaps the greatest benefit is that the more we know about each other and our lives, the deeper and more meaningful our meeting for worship becomes. Sharing our spiritual stories is one of the most important ways we have to build our beloved community, to continue our own holy experiment” (Downey, 2013).
10. Relational Spirituality: Beyond Oneself
Spiritual Intelligence naturally results in rising above oneself.
In today’s world, many people are searching for more than just material wealth and success. They yearn for deeper meaning, a sense of purpose, and a connection to something beyond themselves. This quest for spiritual fulfillment has led to the exploration of Relational Spirituality, which is about feeling a deep connection or oneness with a higher power or greater consciousness.
Relational Spirituality is linked to numerous health benefits, such as reduced stress, enhanced mental clarity, and overall better wellbeing (Miller, 2021). One reason for these benefits is that Relational Spirituality provides a sense of purpose and meaning, aiding individuals in coping with stress and adversity. Additionally, it fosters positive emotions like gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness, which are known to contribute to better health.
Belief in a higher power or greater consciousness is a key aspect of Relational Spirituality. This belief offers comfort, guidance, and support. It also helps cultivate humility and acceptance, leading to personal growth and transformation.
The stories of Ramana Maharshi and Paul Brunton illustrate the transformative power of Relational Spirituality. Their teachings emphasize the importance of self-inquiry, discovering the true self, and fostering a sense of oneness and connection with something greater.
Studies have shown that spirituality and depression are “two sides of the same coin” in brain function. Spiritual individuals have a lower risk of depression, while those who do not identify as spiritual have a higher risk (Miller, 2021). One significant genetic study found that people with a strong spiritual practice had higher levels of happiness-related hormones, such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin (Anderson et al., 2017).
An influential early study revealed a significant genetic contribution to spirituality, with 71% due to environmental factors and 29% to heredity (Kendler et al., 1997). However, spirituality can be developed regardless of genetic predisposition. We can train ourselves to live as spiritual beings on a human path, connecting with something far greater than our limited selves. In this sense of oneness, we are truly beings of Spiritual Intelligence.
As Big as the Universe
In 1996, brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD, experienced a lifealtering event: she suffered a massive stroke. A blood vessel burst in her brain, causing the left hemisphere to shut down completely.
As her parietal lobe ceased to function, the personality she had known for 37 years vanished. She lost all memory of herself and her life’s history. She couldn’t speak or comprehend language. Without the parietal lobe’s ability to define where her body ended and the floor began, she was unable to walk.
Rather than feeling frightened, Jill found the experience liberating. Her background in neuroscience allowed her to narrate her journey from within the experience itself. She shared her story in a TED talk that went viral and authored a book titled My Stroke of Insight, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Reflecting on the event in an interview with Unity magazine (Koontz, 2018), Jill said:
“The consciousness of my right brain did not recognize the boundaries of my body at all. The left parietal region of the brain, in what’s called the orientation association area, holds a holographic image of your body so that you know where you begin and where you end. When those cells went offline after the stroke, I no longer had that perspective.
“I felt as big as the universe! My body was attached to me, but I didn’t experience it as my essence. Instead, I was the collective whole, connected to everyone and everything—I was completely fluid. Our right brain doesn’t see the artificial division of individual bodies that the left brain places on us. We’re actually all energy. Our bodies are just energy compacted into a dense form.
“During the stroke, I felt enormous, like a genie who had just come out of its tiny, little bottle. That’s the power of what we really are... We are all this enormousness that gets squeezed inside these tiny little bodies and we think this little, tiny body is what we are. But it’s really just the tool we use to do stuff in this physical world.”
Jill’s perspective now includes the profound realization she gained from her stroke: “We are all this enormousness, part of the flow, always and in all ways.”
Embracing Spirituality on a Human Journey
Only one thing truly matters in every human lifetime. It’s not about wealth, social status, possessions, appearance, social media likes, or worldly achievements.
The one thing that brings true and lasting satisfaction is living as a spiritual being on a human path, embodying Spiritual Intelligence. At life’s end, it won’t matter how many friends you had or how much money you flaunted. But if you can say, “I have lived a conscious life,” it was all worthwhile.
Research on the brains of mindful individuals shows they have up to seven times the level of gamma waves compared to the average person. Gamma waves are associated with gratitude, compassion, and joy.
Imagine being seven times happier, more grateful, and more compassionate than the average person! This is your birthright, achievable when you master Spiritual Intelligence. We’ve seen hundreds of people going through our Short Path to Oneness course move from ordinary lives to extraordinary happiness (Church et al., 2021). To find out when enrollment for the next class opens, go to TheShortPath.com.
The ten practices detailed in this report move you to those mindful states step by step. They don’t just lead you to an end point; they provide intense pleasure along the way.
The test I mentioned at the start of this report is simple: If you live with constant joy, you are living as a spiritual being on a human path. If you suffer, you are not. Large-scale studies of human development find that joy is the common trait among those who have awakened to their true spiritual nature (Martin, 2019).
Great teachers such as Jesus, Lao Tse, Plato, and the Buddha have shown us how to end suffering. Their practices make us happy and peaceful inside.
Apply these ten keys in your life and you’ll likely feel better within minutes.
In a few days, you’ll see initial changes, and within weeks, you may witness improvements in your health, finances, mood, relationships, and work. New people and inspiring events will enter your life.
The fact that today you’re reading these words is no accident. An elevated vibrational state is calling you. Your Higher Self is reaching out to you. You are on the path to a bright new future, filled with love, joy, optimism, and creativity.
You now possess the ten secrets passed down by masters and validated by modern science. I am grateful for the profound transformation they will bring to your life, and I look forward to seeing you as a luminous being walking our human path of Spiritual Intelligence. And please join me at TheShortPath.com.
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