We are all familiar with IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) as a means of making better decisions and positively impacting the world.
Intelligence Quotient or IQ:
A score of 116 or more is considered above average. A score of 130 or higher signals a high IQ. Membership in Mensa, the High IQ society, includes people who score in the top 2%, which is usually 132 or higher.
Emotional Quotient or EQ:
Is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
But what is SQ?
My work deals with the Soulular Quotient. I just completed my first online 4-day Master Series (4 hours a day for a total of 16 hours) on “Strengthening Your Spiritual Resiliency” and explained the concept of SQ. While IQ and EQ are important to navigate and excel in life, my work is about going DEEPER than intelligence and emotion. Several years ago, I coined the word Soulular to explain this phenomenon of tapping into our inner wisdom or connecting with our higher power where all wisdom and knowledge resides. As captured in my quote in the introduction, Soulular is about connecting to the cell level of the soul itself — essentially connecting to the wisdom that exists beyond the heart and mind.
I came to this profound understanding later in my life when I lost my only son Tariq, a promising 20-year old college student, in a tragic, random, and senseless gang initiation at the hands of a 14-year gang member. While I attended good schools in England and studied mathematics and finance, when faced with my deepest personal crisis my education was useless.
As Einstein taught us, “We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but no personality.” In other words, IQ cannot lead — it can only serve.
We face many challenges during our lifetimes and learn the hard way that intellect by itself cannot solve our predicaments even though we may hold a double doctorate. Likewise, the wounds from tragedies like the one I suffered, cannot be healed through EQ and a loving heart. So then, what is the answer?
What I learned through my tragedy is that there are NO PROBLEMS (and let me underscore that) that you will confront in your life that your Spirit or Soulular Quotient cannot solve or heal! I believe I am a good example of this having lost my son to murder. But you have to develop a strong spiritual resiliency and Soulular Quotient — which is what I just taught in my recent Online Conference Master Series. The results at the end of our 4-day intimate deep-dive were extraordinary and many participants experienced breakthroughs and understand now what years of therapy had not previously provided. Here is what one participant shared:
“Such a deal! People don’t need to spend fortunes and years processing their stories and pain. Azim is a gifted teacher that knows what he is talking about and can guide people to a significant transformation. Once one has experienced the healing power of letting go and releasing to their spiritual faculty, the reality we all start seeing and feeling is a whole new possible reality.”
Like many, while Tariq was still alive, I was living in the world of international finance and I regrettably spent most of my time in my head and a little in my heart. However, I was fortunate that I grew up with equal emphasis on my career and my spiritual life. My Mom was very spiritual, and my Dad was a businessman. Also, in my Sufi Order – Ismailis – are encouraged to give equal importance to our human nature and our spiritual nature. Essentially, we are spiritual beings in human form, but both these forms need continuous nourishment and growth.
Seeing that there were victims on both ends of the gun – I was able to forgive my son’s killer and founded the
Tariq Khamisa Foundation which is now in its 25th year saving lives of children and teaching nonviolence. Soon after starting the
Foundation, I reached out to Tony’s grandfather and guardian who has been my partner in this work. Tony was recently paroled, and like me and his grandfather, he now volunteers for
TKF to inspire young souls not to follow in his former gang-involved footsteps. With the grace of the Universe
TKF is creating exemplary results in the lives of our children and youth.
This realization that there were victims on both ends of the gun did not come from my intellect (IQ) or loving heart (EQ) but was a “download” from a higher power. A Soulular experience. Now knowing that SQ is far more powerful than IQ and EQ – I always lead from that space. Having a highly developed Soulular Quotient is to be in partnership with the divine spirit where all things are possible.
While forgiveness was my beginning step to heal from that very devastating, dark day 25 years ago, the gifts post-tragedy have been many. Finding my life’s spiritual purpose, founding two nonprofit organizations, authoring 5 books, teaching nonviolence, peacebuilding, and forgiveness towards others and one’s self, as well as helping people build their spiritual resiliency has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling! Recently, I started to focus on teaching and lecturing about leadership for the greater good, specifically incorporating leaders who all have a high Soulular Quotient for the reasons outlined in this newsletter. I find that I enjoy a level of peace today that I never experienced before. All this greatness and joy in my life today is because of the divine guidance from a highly developed SQ.
I used to meditate an hour a day when Tariq was alive and now my daily practice is two hours. You can learn about my practice by
downloading these free meditations from my website. I connect with my higher power through the Soulular practice of meditation. This is what I teach in the Master Series and when you learn to tap into this boundless reservoir of wisdom, compassion, and loving guidance you too will manifest your life’s purpose and impact in this world beyond your wildest dreams!
Peace and many blessings on your journey forward,
Azim Khamisa
