For many years in human history, intelligence was considered one of, if not the best predictors of life success. If you are really smart, you should succeed, right? Over the past several decades, the data tells a different story. It isn’t one’s IQ that shapes their life as much as their EQ (Emotional Quotient). Another way of saying this is that a person’s emotional intelligence is a greater predictor of their life success than is their raw mental capacity.
What does that mean? A person’s capacity to understand their own emotional world and that of others, and then react in healthy ways, indicates they are an influential person. See, humans are highly emotional, so we feel our way through the world more than we would like to admit. Study after study shows that the emotional centers of our brain make snap judgments faster than the rational part of our brain. Many, if not most of the time, our logical mind simply justifies the decision our emotional mind has already made. It may not feel like that, but that is what the studies show. A person who acknowledges and manages this reality will navigate the world in much healthier ways.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
That is part of the reason why these passages are so fascinating. Scripture invites us to pray when we are anxious, and science demonstrates that this practice is, in fact, highly effective in managing emotion. Prayer or mindfulness is proven to help people manage their emotional worlds. It increases neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Prayer is really good for brain health.
Does that mean that it is just a scientific activity that is good for the brain? No, it is also a powerful spiritual practice, as you will learn about in other daily writings this week. Interestingly, Jesus has advocated this practice long before science caught up.
If you don’t have a regular prayer practice, try it this week. Set aside 3-5 min to sit in prayer. Perhaps try it a bit differently than a typical asking God for things kind of prayer. Start by saying to God, “Right now, I ask that you would give me an awareness of your presence; and I ask that you speak anything that you desire to my heart.” Then, just sit in silence and pay attention to the seemingly random thoughts that come to your mind. Is there a pattern to the thoughts, is there a consistent thought that recurs? These things might be God speaking to you. Continue to focus your attention on God. Without judgment, try it for 3-5 minutes each day and see how it helps you.
by Aaron Bjorklund
