According to Dr. Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences determine how we process information, meaning, how we learn. There are nine categories of Multiple Intelligences, as follow:

(1) Verbal/Linguistic, being the ability to understand syntax, semantics and phonology of a language; the use of new, strange or fun vocabulary words as well as humor; an appreciation for academic debate. A person in this category would be word smart;

(2) Bodily/Kinesthetic, being the ability to control one's motions and the capacity to handle objects skillfully; and appreciation for dancing, jogging, acting, sports. A person in this category would be body smart;

(3) Visual/Spatial, being the ability to perceive the visual world accurately; of using mind-mapping process; an appreciation for puzzles, active imagination process. A person in this category would be picture smart;

(4) Musical/Rhythmical, being the ability to understand and express the components of music, sound, singing, drumming, and beats; an appreciation for all forms of music manifestation. A person in this category would be music smart;

(5) Logical/Mathematical, being the ability to understand and use logical structures, patterns, and relationships; an appreciation for mind-stretching puzzles, working to solve a problem or new thinking patterns. A person in this category would be logic smart;

(6) Intrapersonal, being the ability to access one's own emotional life; an appreciation of higher order thinking or reasoning skills; possessing an awareness of feelings and emotions. A person in this category would be self smart;

(7) Interpersonal, being an ability to notice and make distinctions of moods, motivations, team spirit, good person-to-person communication, and positive interdependence. A person in this category would be people smart. This is, by the way, a common characteristic presented by teachers;

(8) Naturalistic, being an ability to recognize and classify nature and care for creatures and ecosystems as well as to describe and analyze insects, animals, rocks, plants. Discrimination by a teenager with regards to cars, sound systems, sneakers, CDs, films, etc also fit in this category. A person in this category would be nature smart;

(9) Existential, being the ability to ask "big" questions, to look for the truth, beauty, goodness, and the meaning of life. A person in this category could be called spirit smart.

So here, think about these descriptions and see where you fit and remember that we all possess many of them. I speak more deeply about them in another article. Enjoy, for now.

Maria Moratto

Dr. Maria Moratto holds 5 degrees, including 2 B.A., 2 M.A., and one Ph.D. Originally from Brazil, she has over 25 years experience in academics as well as coaching individuals and groups; teaching seminars, teleseminars, and classe, and writing books and other articles on self-improvement topics such as stress and time-management, leisure, spirituality, abundance, prosperity, learning styles and multiple intelligences, academic survival, relationships, natural medicine, diversity, goal setting, career, lifestyle, and spiritual business.

She is passionate about helping others improve their lives and find true happiness, health, and prosperity. She thinks that life is supposed to be easy, simple, and fun. She is a great supporter of LOHAS.

She lives in Fair Oaks, CA with her 17 year old son Alex and two kitties, Zeh and Fitty, whom she adores.