Human Beings are incredibly dynamic and complex creatures. We are each
a unique expression of Life.
As an expression of Life we unavoidably have
numerous common dimensions in our make-up, and each dimension is
essential or 'integral' to the whole.
For example, each and every human being has a physical, sensory, emotional, mental, existential, spiritual, relational, natural and cultural dimension. Any of these dimensions may be ignored or denied, but it will continue to exist in an unconscious and/or neglected manner. If any dimension is ignored or otherwise neglected, suffering and 'dis-ease' is generally the result.
If we experience physical suffering or discomfort in the form of symptoms we are generally advised to have it 'looked at'. We don't ignore or neglect; we give care and attention. When we bring that same care and attention to all of our dimensions of Life, we can re-own and reintegrate various neglected dimensions of Life using the power of Awakened Attention and through the use of 'skillful means' or practice.
Practice in the sense we are using it here means to give attention to, exercise, utilize, care for, or otherwise engage. There is some truth to the saying “use it or lose it". Many of our human capacities simply wither, erode and atrophy when they are not utilized.
There are literally thousands of 'practices' designed to re-engage in the process ones own development. There is a myriad of ways to exercise the many dimensions of our human capability, assisting our unfolding in body, heart, mind and beyond.
There are multitudes of 'skillful means', from nutritional and dietary methods to physical exercises and body-centered therapies; from schools of psychology and philosophy to religious and spiritual traditions of the world. From gender studies to cultural and social sciences to the transformative technologies of ancient and modern times. We now have access to an enormous wealth of theories and practices for transforming our understanding of and our relationship to, ourselves, society and the world we inhabit.
The central idea of Integral Practice is simple enough: the simultaneous healing and development of the many aspects and capacities of your unique Life, in it's individual and social forms. This practice will be designed to create a context within which long-term growth and development may be sustained and flourish for a lifetime.
This means that by engaging many of our human dimensions concurrently, we create an overall effect that reverberates to our very core. Although it is impossible to predict the exact benefits of an Integral Practice, here is a list of some generally agreed upon potential results of long term consistent practice:
Your eating and sleeping patterns may improve. You may discover an ability to relax in the midst of stress. You might find your health improves in dramatic ways. Your anxiety and tension might dissipate and a sense of overall physical well-being may emerge. Your emotions can become more stabile and fluid, and you may find yourself less reactive, maybe even noticing a sense of detachment and humor. You might become less impulsive and compulsive, instead noticing a new found satisfaction. Your relationship skills may improve dramatically, and forgiveness, loving kindness and compassion could emerge. You may notice a sense of underlying contentment, while sitting smack dab in the midst of your messy Life. New capacities that are unconditioned may arise, such as gratitude or even joy, and you may discover new found purpose and passion.
Your Life might become imbued with deep meaning while you are living with poise, equanimity and maturity. Who knows, you may discover who you truly are beyond name, flesh and time. The truest you. The one that lay deeper that the one that you have, up till now, believed you were.
* 2008 All Rights Reserved.
Aaron McNaught, aka "The Wake Up Guy", is the author of five books, a Life Coach and Transformational Speaker who practically owns the term. (Google "Transformational Speaker" in quotes and see for yourself). Aaron is known for his demonstration of awakeness and has commited his life to bringing light into the world.
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