My Integral Life Practice

I have just posted my ILP under the tab “Integral Theory.”It feels like a stronger commitment by doing this.And, I am trying to get my pages done here!

A colleague recently said that the “Mother of all Practices” is “Returning to Practice.”I thought – “Gosh, that is exactly right!”It is the continuous return that matters.

This is the same for everyone really – not just those who actually design spiritual practices.

Haven’t you heard someone refer to being “Out of practice” with something – be it playing the piano or playing tennis or doing a crossword puzzle!

I know I feel better when I’m in practice, yet I fall out when I most need them.I revert back to old ways of being and doing things that seem as if they will be comforting.And, they are. of course, even though they may not be healthy – because what is familiar IS more comfortable…at least for awhile.Auto-pilot is much easier than having to actually pay attention and navigate!

So, the lesson is to go a little easy on myself here – it is human nature to seek comfort.AND it is also human nature to feel the pull of our own potential…to want to strive and challenge ourselves.We really are more alive in this realm, yet it’s pretty scary here (or there).So, this …forgiveness or gentleness is also a practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s one thing I’d like to be “practicing” this summer; however, it will have to wait until I move to a lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m posting my ILP at the end of this post also (in addition to the page) in case you want to take a look.

Some reflection questions for you to consider in your ILP:

• What assumptions do I have about practices that might facilitate me not engaging my practices or skipping over them?

• What triggers throw me out of practice? What kind of symptoms do I need to be aware of which will remind me to return to practice?

• What practices do I know most serve my optimum “shape” and why?

 

ILP Blueprint (Core)

BodyModule

Practices	Description	Frequency
Strength Training	NROLFW – Stage 1 – workouts A & B	3x/week – T/Th/S
Interval Training	Various	1x/week
Nutrition – Clean Eating	5 mini-meals/day to reg BS (at the table)	6x/day
Sauna	For chemical detox	30 min – 3x/wk

ShadowModule

Practices	Description	Frequency
Analysis	W/Chris	2-3x/month
3-2-1 Practice on dreams	3rd/2nd/1st person examination	Weekly as..
Dream journaling	Include with morning pages	Daily
Archetype dialogue/inquiry	Examine child, victim, hero, warrior	2x /wk

SpiritModule

Practices	Description	Frequency
Meditation	Vipassana & Yoga Nidra	1.5 hr/day
Chakra Work	Visualizations & meditations & exercises	45 min/day 7 wks
Journaling	Various	Daily (apprx ½ hr)
Artist Date	**	1/week
Morning Walk	Intention setting & 2x wk with Cedar group	Daily

MindModule

Practices	Description	Frequency
AQAL Study	Books, articles, journals	1 hr/day
Reading	Integral Life Articles	1 hr/week
Integral Dialogues	Audio downloads	2-5/week