Acknowledge Your Inner Intelligence

I'd like to differentiate, for a moment, between your intelligence and your innner intelligence. Most of us enjoy or at least have no problem acknowledging how smart we are (for example, at figuring things out with our intellect). Few men, however (at least I've spoken to), seem to acknowledge an even deeper intelligence that exists within all of us.

Our inner intelligence, when trusted, is a great source of comfort. Some people refer to inner intellligence as wisdom. Whatever you call it, it's that part of us that knows what to do. But it knows what to do, not because you've racked your brain about it, but because you've allowed an answer to come to you.

As men, we often pride ourselves on our ability to go through things. We like to think that we can do it, so we rely on hard work, perserance, and effort. And the good news is, very often that's a great assest that works well.

On the other hand, there are times when we would be better served by backing off or by not trying so hard. The truth is, there are times when we don't have an answer or don't know what to do. Other times, we are pondering on question of the heart....something that requires not intelligence in the traditional sense, but wisdom.

Suppose, for example, that you need to have discussion with your teenager about the dangers of drug use or to talk to your wife about a concern you are having. or you need to look at an old problem in a new way. There are many times when cookie-cutter answers don't fit or when turning to experts or common knowledge won't work. Usually, these times are related to matters of the heart. They are issues that require a deeper type of intelligence.

Wisdom transcends traditional intelligence. Instead of surfacing when we find our mind with data, information, and plans of action, it shows up in the absence of these things. In other words, instead of thinking about an answer, we actually stop thinking of an answer. We consciously empty our mind, which has the effect of allowing this other, more unconscious form of thought to unfold. We simply trust that the answer is in there, even if it's not immediately apparent.

On the surface, this might sound a little weird because it's more difficult to qualify this type of intelligence. While it's not as visible as traditional intelligence, I can assure you that it's anything but weird. To the contrary, it's a powerful and extremely effective way to approach life. The answers that you receive will delight and perhaps even surprise you. You'll find yourself saying things like, "Wow, where did that come from?'

Knowing that you have this type of intelligence within you is very reassuring because it lets you off the hook. Instead of panicking when you don't have an answer or pretending that you do....you'll feel more peaceful knowing that if you quiet down and wait, you'll find an answer just around...the corner. By experimenting with this type of intelligence, your life will become richer and more peaceful.