The Unseen Power of Aperture
Why Depth of Awareness is Just as Important as (or More Than) IQ
Over the years, I’ve come to realise something that I feel often gets overlooked in the conversation about intelligence: we tend to focus so much on IQ: the logical, analytical, and cognitive skills that are easily measured. But there's something just as, if not more, important that I believe we need to pay attention to: depth of awareness. In the same way that an aperture in photography controls how much light we let in, our psychological aperture, or the depth of our awareness, shapes how we experience and interact with the world around us. In my own journey, I’ve found that cultivating a deeper awareness often matters more than the raw cognitive abilities that IQ measures.
Aperture in Psychology: Broadening My Lens of Awareness
In photography, the aperture is like a window through which light flows into the camera. How wide or narrow that window is determines the depth of field and the clarity of what we see. This concept resonates with me when I think about the aperture of awareness in us as humans. Our psychological aperture is essentially how we perceive the world, people, and ourselves. It’s not just about focusing on the immediate concerns but about expanding our perspective to see the bigger picture and also to meet people where they are at.
There was a time in my life when I focused intensely on one thing, whether it was a goal, a project, or a challenge I was facing, and I would narrow my awareness to those single-minded tasks. But over time, I’ve learned that when I broaden my aperture, when I allow myself to take in more than just the immediate details, my understanding deepens. I’m able to see more clearly, not just the surface, but the intricate emotional and psychological layers underneath everything. The wider I allow my aperture to be, the richer my perception of life becomes.
Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Expanding My Awareness
I often find myself reflecting on the idea of emotional intelligence (EQ), especially when considering how it connects to my own growth. Sure, IQ is important, but it’s the ability to navigate emotions (mine and others’) that truly shapes my experiences and relationships, especially as I often work amongst different cultures and communities. The more I expand my awareness, the more I’m able to tune into emotions. I realise that emotional intelligence isn’t just about “being in touch with feelings,” it’s about really understanding those emotions on a deeper level. More often than not, I end up more aware of what is occurring for others, than they are of themselves.
When I was younger, I used to get caught up in my thoughts, trying to solve problems and think my way through everything. But I soon learned that emotions often drive decisions more than we realise. And that’s where having a broader aperture comes into play. The more I understand my emotional landscape and that of those around me, the more I’m able to navigate situations with empathy, compassion, and insight. It’s a shift from just thinking logically to thinking emotionally, which is just as vital for making meaningful connections and decisions.
IQ vs. Depth of Awareness: A False Dichotomy?
I used to think that IQ was the ultimate measure of intelligence. It felt like the one thing that determined whether I would succeed, or whether I was “smart enough.” But over time, I’ve come to realise that focusing too much on IQ alone creates a kind of psychological tunnel vision. I’d often excel at logical tasks and problem-solving, but I found that my relationships or emotional well-being sometimes took a backseat.
Now, I see IQ as just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important, yes, but it’s only through developing a broader aperture of awareness, understanding myself, my emotions, and the dynamics around me, that I feel more capable in any situation. And it’s this expanded awareness that allows me to approach the world with both logical reasoning and emotional depth.
In my personal life, I’ve found that when I integrate intellectual thinking with emotional awareness, I become more grounded, present, and connected with others. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about finding harmony between IQ and emotional intelligence.
Expanding My Aperture of Awareness: Tools for Growth
There are a few practices that have helped me expand my aperture of awareness and develop a deeper psychological understanding of myself and the world. These are tools that help me grow and see things from a broader perspective:
Active Listening and Empathy: One of the most profound shifts I’ve made in my relationships is learning how to truly listen to others. I don’t just listen to their words; I listen to their emotions, their body language, and the unspoken feelings. This deeper listening helps me connect with people on a much more profound level.
Seeking Feedback: I’ve learned that feedback is an essential tool for expanding my awareness. Whether it’s from colleagues, friends, or loved ones, getting their perspective on words helps me see myself from a different angle, one that I might have missed otherwise.
Emotional Regulation: I’ve come to realise that emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings, but about understanding and managing them. By becoming more aware of my emotional responses and learning to process them, I’ve been able to make more thoughtful decisions.
Self-Reflection: I make it a point to reflect on my day, my choices, and my interactions. By doing this regularly, I gain valuable insights into how my emotions drive my behaviour and where I might be stuck in old patterns. It helps me expand my awareness, especially in moments where I’m triggered or overwhelmed.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices have helped me slow down and observe my thoughts and emotions without judgment. By focusing on the present moment, I’ve learned to become more aware of my internal world, my feelings, reactions, and even my unconscious biases.
Summary of thought: Intelligence Is a Multi-Dimensional Concept
Looking back, I realise that intelligence isn’t just about IQ or being the smartest person in the room. It’s about how I use my cognitive abilities in combination with my emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and understanding of the world. It’s about learning to widen my aperture, to see the complexity of life, relationships, and emotions, and to approach every situation in harmony of both my intellect and empathy.
In the same way that a photographer uses aperture to control what is in focus, I’ve learned that widening my psychological aperture helps me focus on the deeper layers of meaning in life. Expanding my awareness allows me to approach challenges with greater clarity, creativity, and emotional sensitivity. It’s this harmony between IQ and a broader awareness that has helped me thrive, connect, and grow in ways that simply relying on IQ alone never could.
As I continue to navigate life, I’m learning that intelligence isn’t defined by how much I know, but by how much I am able to see, understand, and connect with the world around me. The aperture of awareness, in my mind is just as, if not more, powerful than any IQ score, and it’s a tool I continue to use to grow in every aspect of my life.