Be Sober: Know Thy Spirit Man and Build Spiritual Intelligence

Published July 9th 2026

GRID's Transformational & Thankful Thursday Building Spiritual Intelligence

Thursdays we encourage our readers to pause and remember something essential; we are more than bodies to nourish and minds to strengthen; we are souls with purpose. At GRID Holistic Living we integrate the Spirit Man, the Emotional or Mental Man, and the Physical Man; healing can be found in treating the whole man, not one-third man. Subsequent posts on Transformational and Thankful Thursdays, we explored the Emotional and Physical man, today we explore the Spiritual Man to build Spiritual Intelligence (SQ). 

SQ assists humanity in our daily lives whether we realize it or not. Contemplative Interbeing (2023) describes SQ as the “foundation that integrates and enhances all other intelligences.” It’s the quiet inner compass that assists us navigate turn by turn in our journey call LIFE. 

This week, we’re exploring SQ through two lenses: Transformation and Thankfulness; because growth and gratitude are the twin engines of spiritual maturity. It's time to pause, self-reflect and tap within and ask, "How Is My Growth Serving My Higher Purpose?" Jeremiah 29:11

Transformation isn’t just about changing habits or improving routines. It’s about going beyond the surface level social media question, it's a deep dive to the root of the problem. This challenge automatically searches for deeper questions such as: "Is my growth aligned with the reason I’m here?"

Reflect and Reform

On GRID Holistic Transformation & Thankful Thursdays, we invite you to reflect on:

• Where have I grown this week: emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually?
• I am still operating under a poor mindset of competing with others?
• How is that growth shaping me into the person I’m called to become?
• What part of my higher purpose is being strengthened through this season of chaos and global challenges?

Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) reminds us that transformation is not random. It's about taking the time to learn and pivot from our experiences. That is every lesson, every stretch, every trial, every moment of discomfort, understand the Potter trying you like GOLD to be purified of all dirt and filth. According to 1 Peter 1:7 " That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Growth becomes meaningful when we can trace it back to purpose. Without growth, according to James 5:3; your gold and silver are cankered and become rust, which serve as a witness against you. We all know rusty precious metals are devalued. Don't allow that to be you. This week, let your transformation be intentional, and don't forget to be thankful for all you have and what experience taught you. Let it be sacred. Let it be connected to your calling.

How Has a Higher Power Sustained Me This Week?

Gratitude is one of the purest expressions of Spiritual Intelligence. It shifts our focus from what is missing to what has been faithfully provided. Also, it shifts our focus from the creation back to the Creator. Here is Food for Thought on a Transformational and Thankful Thursday:

• Where did I feel supported, even in small ways?
• What strength showed up when I needed it most?
• How did a higher power; God, Spirit, Source carry me through moments I couldn’t carry myself?

During this reflective process, think about the poem "Footprints in the Sand," credited to author Mary Stevenson. If you are not familiar with this poem, the link is provided in the reference section of this post. 

SQ teaches us that gratitude is not passive. It is a spiritual practice that deepens awareness, softens the heart, and strengthens resilience. When we acknowledge divine sustenance, we reconnect with the truth that we are never walking alone.

This week, pause and breathe. Notice the grace that met you. Notice the peace that held you. Notice the provision that found you. And give thanks to the God and Creator of the Earth.

Final Words of Encouragement

As you move through this Transformational & Thankful Thursday, remember:

SQ is the soul’s spiritual intelligence; the wisdom that helps you live with meaning, alignment, and spiritual clarity. When you reflect on your growth and give thanks for your sustenance, you activate the deepest part of who you are. You step into purpose. You step into gratitude. You step into Whole Health, Whole Life, Whole You.

References

Contemplative Interbeing. (2023). Spiritual Intelligence (SQ): The foundation that integrates and enhances all other intelligences. Contemplative Interbeing Institute. https://contemplativeinterbeing.org

GRID Holistic Living. (2026). Transformational & Thankful Thursday Series: Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) — The Soul’s Purpose. GRID Holistic Living Blog. https://gridholisticliving.com

Zohar, D., & Marshall, I. (2000). SQ: Spiritual intelligence:  The ultimate intelligence. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Emmons, R. A. (2000). Is spirituality an intelligence? Motivation, cognition, and the psychology of ultimate concerns. 

Stevenson, M. (1936). Footprints in the Sand. Mary Stevenson Poems. Retrieved from https://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com

The Holy Bible, King James Version. (1769/2017). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1769)

The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 10(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327582IJPR1001_2 (doi.org in Bing)