Community Connection ~ November 16, 2025: Become More "Self Smart"

After another few weeks of All About Me Bags, it’s time to return to our series centered around Thomas Armstrong’s book 7 Kinds of Smart. We have been diving into the theory of multiple intelligences, spending a Sunday exploring each of the ways our beautifully unique brains are capable of knowing things. Today we reach the final one: “Self Smart.” 

“Self Smart,” is another way of describing intrapersonal intelligence - a crystal clear way of doing so, as the word intrapersonal literally means “within the self.” Those who are “self smart” have a well-developed core sense of self - the knowledge of who they truly are, deep down, beneath labels, societal expectations, and self-judgment. Armstrong talks about the importance of cultivating a positive self-image - shifting your self-talk and creating a sense of “effectance” by setting and achieving goals. These things help you see yourself more clearly. He also details the benefits of self-discovery, and how things like journaling and dream work can help you learn about yourself. 

But one standout idea he offers is a very concrete, actionable thing you can do to develop your intrapersonal intelligence - something Armstrong refers to as “isolation for self-renewal.” It includes a period of taking-in, during which you do things like read, listen to music, or immerse yourself in nature; a do-nothing period for stillness and reflection; and a period of expression, where you produce something like writing, music, or movement. Done all together, these three things are like a mini one-person retreat, but if that doesn’t fit into your life, try carving out some time for each one separately over the course of a week, a month, or a season. After all, any amount of self-renewal you can achieve is a good thing! 

When you reach your period of expression, consider trying out another of Armstrong’s suggestions, a self collage. Gather words that describe you, images that capture you, and quotes that speak to you, and glue them to a piece of paper. Let your instincts guide you and try not to question your choices too much. When you feel like you’re finished, take a look at how you’ve defined yourself and see how accurate it feels. You can even repeat this activity at intervals during your intrapersonal journey and track how your sense of self changes as your self-knowledge grows. 

If you create a self collage, we’d love to see it! Share with us on Facebook or Instagram. While this post closes out our communal exploration of the 7 kinds of smart, we hope you feel inspired to dig deeper into each one, celebrating your areas of strength and bolstering your areas of challenge. And if you’d like to read the book yourself, there is now a copy on the library cart in the church - happy reading!