08 Jun What Physical Intelligence is … (CLAIRE DALE & PATRICIA PEYTON)
Posted at 00:13h
in
Philosophy
by admin
The term Physical Intelligence was first used in Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner in 1983. His work established our ini- tial understanding of different intelligences and learning styles. Gardner pro- posed that ‘bodily-kinaesthetic’ intelligence (intelligence derived through phys- ical, practical learning – demonstrated, for example, by those who excel in sport or dance) is equally valid alongside other types of intelligence.* Gardner also identified that ‘intrapersonal’ intelligence (understanding of self) and ‘interpersonal’ intelligence (understanding of others) are as important as the type of intelligence typically measured by IQ. Then, in 1990, the concept of ‘emotional intelligence’ (EQ or EI) was formu- lated by two researchers, Peter Salovey and John Mayer, and in 1995 Daniel Goleman published his seminal book Emotional Intelligence. Emotional intel- ligence is the capacity to be aware of, control and express emotion, and to
handle interpersonal relationships with good judgement and empathy in order to achieve personal and professional success for you and others. Being emotionally intelligent requires a high degree of Physical Intelligence because we experience emotions largely in the body as physiological changes. Emotions are actually strands of neuropeptides – chemicals released into the bloodstream that arrive at receptor cells and activate circuits of response that lead to behaviour; sadness, elation, frustration and pride all have a different chemistry and a distinct feeling to them. For example, pride tends to move slowly outwards and upwards from the chest, while frustration often moves quickly inwards and down in a clenching action, forming isolated knots of ten- sion. Being physically intelligent is more than this, however. The internal state of the body motivates us to walk on the shady side of the street on a hot sum- mer’s day, to continue to read a book we are enjoying, to reduce social activity when feeling unwell, to avoid contact with someone who isn’t smiling, to goninto business with someone we trust, and so on. The viscera (the organs in the body), limbs and digits (legs and arms, feet and hands, fingers and toes), senses (hearing, sight, taste, smell and touch) and musculoskeletal system (posture and orientation) are in continuous two-way communication with the insular cortex in the brain, a deep, central part of the brain that connects physiological experiences with thoughts and emotions and vice versa.
Two decades of neuroscientific research shows us, for example, that we are 45 per cent more likely to have a high-quality, innovative idea when we are walking as opposed to when seated; that an open and expansive body posture improves confidence and risk tolerance; and that paced breathing technique in- creases cognitive function by 62 per cent. Furthermore, there are over 100 studies that show that physical exercise improves intelligence, including IQ levels and task efficiency. This evidence increasingly points to the fact that our Physical
Intelligence not only sits alongside, but underpins our cognitive and emotional
performance. Becoming more physically intelligent will help us create busi- nesses and societies where people take responsibility for themselves, are more informed and thoughtful about how to use their capacity, and are equipped with techniques that foster harmony and help them and their organisations achieve and sustain peak performance.
