The 21 skills of spiritual intelligence (SQ) were developed by Cindy Wigglesworth, who defined spiritual intelligence as “the ability to behave with wisdom and compassion while maintaining inner and outer peace, regardless of the situation.” These skills are grouped into four quadrants, each building on the previous one.
Quadrant 1: Higher Self / Ego Self Awareness
- Awareness of own worldview – Understanding how your beliefs shape your perceptions.
- Awareness of life purpose – Knowing what gives your life meaning and direction.
- Awareness of values hierarchy – Recognizing which values guide your decisions.
- Complexity of inner thought – Seeing multiple perspectives and holding paradoxes.
- Awareness of ego self / higher self – Distinguishing between your ego-driven and higher-self motivations.
Quadrant 2: Universal Awareness
- Awareness of interconnectedness of life – Feeling connected to all beings and systems.
- Awareness of worldviews of others – Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.
- Breadth of time perception – Seeing beyond the present moment; understanding long-term impact.
- Awareness of limitations / power of human perception – Recognizing that reality is filtered through perception.
- Awareness of spiritual laws or principles – Understanding universal truths such as cause and effect, compassion, and unity.
Quadrant 3: Higher Self / Ego Self Mastery
- Commitment to spiritual growth – Intentionally developing your spiritual awareness.
- Keeping higher self in charge – Choosing responses aligned with wisdom and compassion.
- Living your purpose and values – Acting consistently with your deepest principles.
- Sustaining faith in the face of adversity – Maintaining trust and hope during challenges.
- Seeking guidance from higher self – Listening to intuition and inner wisdom.
Quadrant 4: Spiritual Presence / Social Mastery
- Being a wise and effective change agent – Inspiring transformation with integrity.
- Making compassionate and wise decisions – Balancing empathy with discernment.
- A calming, healing presence – Bringing peace and stability to others.
- Being aligned with the flow of life – Acting in harmony with what is unfolding.
- Celebrating diversity – Honoring differences as expressions of the same source.
- Being of service to others and the world – Living with a sense of contribution and purpose.
These 21 skills form a developmental path—from self-awareness to universal awareness, self-mastery, and finally, compassionate presence in the world.
In the Eye 