Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence (see Graphic 12g) involves knowledge of the internal aspects of the self such as knowledge of feelings, the range of emotional responses, thinking processes (metacognition), self-reflection, and a sense of or intuition about spiritual realities. Intrapersonal intelligence allows us to be conscious of our consciousness; that is, to step aback and watch ourselves as an outside observer does. Our self-identity and the ability to transcend the self are part of the functioning of Intrapersonal intelligence. It likewise involves our capacity to experience wholeness and unity, to discern patterns of our connection with the larger order of things, to perceive higher states of consciousness, to experience the lure of the future, and to dream of and actualize the possible. According to Gardner, this intelligence is the most private and requires all other intelligence forms to express itself, such as language, music, art, dance, symbols, and interpersonal communication.

Capacities involved:
· Concentration of the mind
· Mindfulness
· Metacognition
· Awareness and expression of different feelings
· Transpersonal sense of the self
· Higher-order thinking and reasoning

To activate this intelligence:
· In the midst of a routine activity, practice acute mindfulness (that is, intense awareness of every thing going on, e.g., thoughts, feelings, physical movements, and inner states of being).
· Practice watching your thoughts, feelings and moods as if you were a detached, outside observer. Notice patterns that kick into gear in certain situations, for example the “anger pattern,” the “playfulness pattern,” or the “anxiety pattern.”
· Objectify your various thinking strategies and patterns, such as your problem-solving strategies, your crisis-thinking modalities, and your processes for analytical thinking.
· In 25 words or fewer write your answer to the question “Who am I?” Keep working on it until you are satisfied. Look at it again each day for a week, making revisions that you feel are needed.

To strengthen this intelligence:
Practice metacognition by using higher-order critical and creative thinking processes, the skills of “focusing and centering” the mind, mindfulness, exercises, and self-conscious emotional or affective processing techniques.

Vocational pursuits:
Psychiatry, spiritual counseling, human potential exploration, philosopher, guru, cognitive patterns research.

(Original page by Mary Frangie)