Unlocking the Secrets of Spiritual Intelligence
A groundbreaking study exploring the lives of individuals with heightened spiritual awareness
Imagine a child who seems unusually empathic, deeply intuitive, and constantly questions authority not out of defiance, but from a profound sense that "the system" doesn't make sense. These children may be exceptionally creative, spiritually aware, and often feel misunderstood by parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. In the islands of Hawai'i, a groundbreaking study explored the lives of such individuals—often called "Indigos"—who grew up possessing what researchers term spiritual intelligence1 .
This concept moves beyond traditional measures of intelligence (IQ) and emotional understanding (EQ) to encompass a deeper capacity to access higher meanings, values, and purposes. Those with developed spiritual intelligence may demonstrate heightened intuition, healing abilities, and a strong connection to something greater than themselves1 2 . The Hawai'i study offers a unique window into their experiences, challenging us to reconsider how we nurture children who don't fit conventional paradigms.
The term "Indigo Children" originated from the observation that some children seem to possess special traits including high intelligence, intuition, and healing abilities. The name comes from the concept of "life colors" or auras, with indigo associated with the third eye chakra representing intuition and deep insight4 .
The term "Indigo Children" originated from the observation that some children seem to possess special, unusual traits including high intelligence, intuition, healing abilities, and a strong spiritual connection4 .
These children are often mislabeled as having behavioral disorders because their traits don't align with conventional expectations1 .
Despite the New Age associations, the phenomenon has attracted serious academic inquiry. The Hawai'i study represented one of the first scientific attempts to understand these individuals by examining their lived experiences when they reached adulthood1 .
Spiritual intelligence (SQ or SI) represents a third form of intelligence that complements our rational intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ). While IQ helps us solve logical problems and EQ helps us work effectively with others, SQ provides a foundation for both by connecting us to deeper meaning, values, and purposes2 .
Knowing what one believes in and what deeply motivates them
Seeing larger patterns, relationships, and connections
Standing against the crowd and having one's own convictions
Tendency to ask fundamental "Why?" questions and need to understand things at their core
Standing back from a situation and seeing the bigger picture
| Intelligence Type | Primary Focus | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| IQ (Intelligence Quotient) | Logical reasoning and problem-solving | Analytical thinking, mathematical ability, logical reasoning |
| EQ (Emotional Intelligence) | Understanding and managing emotions | Empathy, self-regulation, social skills |
| SQ (Spiritual Intelligence) | Meaning, values and purpose | Context understanding, meaning-making, transcendental awareness |
The groundbreaking study conducted on Oahu, Hawai'i took a phenomenological approach—meaning it sought to understand the essence of the lived experiences of individuals who identified as having grown up as "Indigo children"1 .
The research design included1 :
This methodological approach allowed researchers to capture rich, detailed narratives about what it was like to grow up with heightened spiritual intelligence in a world that often pathologized such traits.
The study identified seven primary themes that characterized the experiences of those who grew up as Indigo children1 :
Grandmothers or mothers often had similar gifts, suggesting possible intergenerational transmission of these traits.
Participants reported being guided by a higher power to heal themselves and others.
A consistent experience of not fitting in and having their perceptions invalidated by others.
Most did not openly share their unique abilities, often learning to keep them private to avoid judgment.
Particularly difficulties with partner relationships, potentially due to differing levels of awareness or sensitivity.
Many experienced abuse or were frequently disciplined, likely due to being perceived as defiant or non-compliant.
Using intuitive capabilities extensively in work and/or school settings.
| Theme Category | Description | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling Different | Persistent sense of being misunderstood or not fitting in | Universal among participants |
| Healing Purpose | Strong sense of life purpose focused on helping others | Nearly universal |
| Intergenerational Patterns | Similar abilities in mother or grandmother | Common |
| Concealed Abilities | Keeping capabilities private to avoid judgment | Nearly universal |
| Adversity History | Experience of abuse, violence, or frequent discipline | Majority of participants |
Beyond the primary themes, researchers identified nine secondary themes that further illuminated the Indigo experience1 :
These findings paint a picture of individuals who are highly sensitive, intuitively guided, and deeply connected to spiritual and natural realms, yet often struggle to find their place in conventional society.
Studying a phenomenon as subtle as spiritual intelligence requires specialized approaches and tools. The Hawai'i study employed qualitative methodologies well-suited to capturing rich, nuanced human experiences.
| Research Method | Application in Indigo Study | Purpose and Function |
|---|---|---|
| Phenomenological Inquiry | Exploring lived experiences of adult Indigos | Understand the essence of their childhood experiences |
| Semi-structured Interviews | In-depth personal interviews | Gather detailed narratives while allowing emergence of unexpected themes |
| Thematic Analysis | Identifying and categorizing participant statements | Distill common patterns across multiple experiences |
| Bioenergy Photography | Aura photographs of participants | Capture potential energetic correlates of spiritual intelligence |
| Consensus Process | Multiple investigators reaching agreement on themes | Ensure reliability and validity of qualitative findings |
For those interested in further research, several validated assessment tools have been developed to measure spiritual intelligence, including2 :
The Hawai'i study challenges us to reconsider how we perceive and support children with heightened spiritual awareness. Rather than automatically pathologizing unusual behaviors as disorders, the research suggests we should consider whether we might be witnessing manifestations of spiritual intelligence1 .
Participants reported that their life purpose was to help humankind, suggesting that when properly nurtured, these traits can lead to significant positive contributions. However, when misunderstood or suppressed, they often resulted in psychological distress, relationship difficulties, and a sense of not belonging1 .
The findings from the Hawai'i study offer valuable insights for parents, educators, and healthcare providers:
The Hawai'i study on adult Indigos opens a fascinating window into the experience of growing up with spiritual intelligence. By listening to those who have lived this experience, we gain invaluable insights into how we might better nurture children with these traits—not as disorders to be treated, but as unique expressions of human diversity to be celebrated.
As we move toward a more inclusive understanding of intelligence and consciousness, research like the Hawai'i study reminds us that there are many ways of knowing, and that by honoring spiritual intelligence alongside its rational and emotional counterparts, we create space for a richer, more complete human experience.
The journey of the Indigos teaches us that being "different" may not mean being disordered—it might mean being spiritually gifted in a world that has yet to fully recognize the value of such gifts. As we continue to explore the frontiers of human consciousness, their experiences light the way toward a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be truly intelligent.