Intelligence has been described in various ways, including one’s ability to consume and digest information, a capacity for logic and an ability to analyse complex data, an understanding of events, awareness – including self-awareness, and an ability to successfully communicate with others. In the last few decades research has shifted away from classical interpretations of intelligence (the ability to absorb, analyse and transmit information) towards so-called emotional intelligence (EQ) and creativity.
The level of attention paid to understanding classical and alternative forms of intelligence is obvious: Thinking and intelligence defines who we are as human beings. In Descartes’ words – I think, therefore I am. How we process the vast amount of data that we absorb on daily and hourly basis has been the subject of innumerable studies, and has become an even more pressing issue since the advent of the internet.
The way in which we interact with our fellow human beings on an emotional level is also a topic of intense debate: Many organisations, healthcare providers and companies are now taking EQ very seriously. Mindfulness and other techniques designed to enhance and develop this aspect of our intellect have attracted ever-increasing interest.
In this part of OpenMindPortal we will deal with both classical conceptions of intelligence as well as theories connected to emotional intelligence.
Out perception of reality is influenced by a range of factors which can be loosely categorised into four groups:
- Physical (our overall health, the average level of energy we have, the condition of our body, and genetics);
- Intellectual (our accumulated knowledge and ability to manage mental processes and employ that knowledge);
- Emotional (closely linked to the previous two factors);
- Activities (gaining experience, including skills, communicating with other humans, travelling, seeing new things).
Intelligence-related content forms the core of this part of OpenMindPortal, and will stick closely to our aim of improving our collective health. The articles, videos, books and other content published or linked to here, will help you to regulate and boost your brain functions on a day-to-day basis.
The goal? To squeeze value out of every situation of your life, both for yourself and for society as a whole.
A few examples of topics we will cover:
- How to control your thoughts
- Simple techniques to control your reactivity (being consciously vs emotionally reacting)
- How to train your memory
- Picking the best Nootropics (supplements and ergogenics aids to stimulate your brain)
- How to boost your creativity – the biochemistry of inspiration
- The brain vs mind vs spirit vs you (the four categories of being: neuroscience vs esoteric view)
- How to keep positive – the science behind it
- How to developing and cultivate your emotional intelligence
openmindportal.com 