You know what? There are only two basic feelings.

If you want to know all about reality, try love! Fear will reduce your perspectives, right? Love gives you new ones. Love helps you integrate new information about what really is. That is what Integral Theory and Practice is all about.

The Integral approach is a way to identify the physical, emotional, and intellectual resources that you already have, discover the physical, emotional, and intellectual resources others have, and explore the good, true, and beautiful things that are possible when everyone's resources are pooled together in a relationship that encourages everyone to participate at their highest level of capability.

The Integral approach is important to you because it allows you to be aware of all of the different perspectives from which we living beings view the world so that you can make excellent choices on every level and in every venue in your life.

Integral Theory offers you a view from the top of the universe, the bottom of the universe, and every point in between, and then lets you decide where you want to go from there.

You're only just beginning to imagine the possibilities, aren't you?

Have you ever looked inside a kaleidoscope? Every part blends and melds into the other, creating a beautiful, ever-shifting and changing display. That is the integral approach. Think of a diamond - the way each facet sparkles, the way the light refracts off of each edge reflecting the beauty within it. That is the integral approach.

If you removed one facet of a diamond it would be flawed. Same with reality. The integral approach looks at reality from all angles and all directions. It recognizes that equality is as important as freedom, that hierarchy is as necessary as pluralism. That health goes beyond the body. It doesn’t dissect the truth it integrates it. And it is important because it sees the forest and not just the trees. It looks at the truth from above and encourages us to rise towards it.

The Integral Approach is a unifying whole that also realizes the imperativeness of pinpointing exact locations of particular events that occur within the whole—and on the whole.
Integral moves us up and out. An example of a particular event—“entertainment”—coming from Integral: One thing we humans do, as entertainers, whether we like it or not, is teach. Saying entertainment merely provides catharsis is setting our sights too low. We should aim to set the person on a path of permanent development. Actually, this is not uncommon in storytelling. Storytelling mediums have at once two facets of effective developmental intervention: quality, interactive relationship; and the capacity to reach large numbers of people.
Since, scientists discover truth, and artists express beauty; then, we, as integral storytellers, can implement the good and the bad (truthful and beautiful) to make important judgments and cut off this meaninglessness, coursing rampantly through our veins.

The integral vision includes matter, body, mind, soul & spirit
Though it's really not something you might intuit
It's a theory that embraces science, art & morals,
but it really doesn't rest on its laurels

Embracing disciplines from physics to spirituality, biology to aesthetics,
sociology to contemplative prayer, let me tell you why it's important that
you fall into its snare.

The integral vision takes what was once fragmented and makes it whole.
Now you might ask: Is that a lofty goal?
A resounding yes is what I say, for thus far fragmentation has been the
human races only way.

Where once we might have coped, it has now brought us to the end of our rope.
It is through wholeness that we are delivered from that terrifying precipice where
fragmentation reigns

So sing the song of the integral! That's where our future lies.
It's the answer to that painful longing for which our fragmented soul cries.

Thank you for your interest in becoming Integral. Integral is a post-postmodern approach to Life. A way of being whole Now. If it’s not Integral it is so yesterday baby! Integral Theory’s most articulate and creative ambassador is some big-headed geek named Ken Wilber, but I think he has enough people on his jock so forget I mentioned his name alright! Integral Theory helps one get out of Flatland and see the depth of development. It integrates Eastern & Western, Feminism & Masculism, Jung & Freud, Spirit & Matter, primitive & modern with postmodern and beyond.

So please unfasten you seatbelts and feel free to walk about the cabin. The Captain has turned off the no joking sign. Come and dance with us beyond the edge of the edge of what is Known. Integral is for you and Integral is You. Cum fly with us!

Integral theory is about who, what, why and how we already are naturally. It gives us the cognitive resources to be all things to all people, thereby maximizing the growth potential of every sector of humanity, empowering us to fulfill it’s values criteria in a way that harmonizes between individual needs and the universal principals that create and sustain them. This leads to a, dynamic equilibrium across diverse realms of thinking and being, nurturing the highest considerations for ecology, at both the micro and macro-cosmic scales. It is the next evolutionary level of humanity organically unfolding as a part of a larger design. The holistic, unified approach put forward in integral theory is the saving grace of humanity, and carries with it the unmistakable aroma of First Source. In aligning with the map that integral theory provides we are equalizing ourselves with destination currently emerging on the frothy horizon.

A Tetraglyph is a vertical/horizontal axis, with a circle at the center, and the 4 quadrants the axis creates. In the circle place an Object Of Inquiry, e.g. "Mother". Presume that "mother" emerges as the sum of forces in the quadrants. Place the top of the Tetraglyph facing the North Pole. The NW quadrant holds the forces that are inside "mother": dreams, ideas, feelings, etc.. The NE quadrant holds "mother's" physicality: height, genes, blood type, etc. The SE quadrant holds all the social systems that "mother" is connected with: education, health, work, etc. The SW quadrant holds cultural factors that shape "mother": religion, norms, conventions, etc. Make a list from each quadrant. Take note that each distinction on the list was something else earlier and may well be something else as it develops further. Now you have an integrally informed notion of "mother". Now try "me", or "W", or "money". Measure for yourself the expanded understanding, freedom to choose, strategic advantage, and wholistic view the Tetraglyph provides.

With an Integral Approach of the human being, we know that we are connected intricately with everything, with the same life and the health of the Earth. Our traditions reveal a vast creative force of love, intelligence and power that guides the Universe in evolution and connects all the things.

The science reveals a Cosmos highly tidy, full of energy and information, being the interdependence and connection the key of its features. The advances in the investigation of the conscience and the spiritual practices extend our interior up to embracing the whole life.

The integral minds and the natural planetary designs make us advance, in our evolutionary trajectory, towards a global civilization. The beauty and the love open the heart towards the global community forging ties of confidence and sensibility towards the needs of the persons, in our deepest levels of the existence, contributing this way to the planetary evolution.

Do you shudder at the nightly news? Do you wonder what can one person possibly do to make a difference in a world gone slightly mad?

One answer is to become as enlightened as possible… to evolve yourself into a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and to be the change you would like to see. Yeah right! So how do you do THAT?

Wouldn’t it be handy to have guidance from those who have been there? Well, that guidance is available in the form of the Integral Approach.

It’s like a travel guide for those who want to explore the amazing possibilities of human existence. It reveals the dead-ends and short-cuts on the road up the mountain of consciousness. If you care about the planet our children will inherit, then plug-in to the Integral Approach. You’ll be laughing all the way to the Karma bank.

The Integral Approach describes a way of engaging with life that helps us understand what is really going on. Most of us see only a part of the tapestry of influences that make up each moment, and yet without the full picture, we are always vulnerable to being side-swiped by what we didn’t see coming. The Integral Approach lets us see what’s missing in our lives and embrace a more wholesome approach BEFORE the red flag of suffering spirals into full-blown misery.

Importantly, it can also be used as a lens to look into the future to give us clues on whether our visions and dreams of a better world have a chance of becoming reality. Using the Integral Approach, we can be clear about what must be done to ensure our grandchildren inherit a planet worth living on.

LOVE LIGHT

ONE

COMMUNION ALL SENSES

As simple as this!!!

We create the NOW to brighten the future

Alone,
each one of us like a new moon--
a fever of hope in the pitch...
Reflecting back that light,
a little.

Together,
we are like the stars--
seemingly close
from at least one perspective,
but a much broader gap apart,
in so many other ways.

Integrally,
we come to realize that no matter how you look at it,
we are each, and all, still a bright shining light.
Whether the source, at times,
or the reflection that resonates for millenniums to come;
As the Holon in me, greets the Holon in you--
I say to you,
Namaste, Brother! Namaste, Sister!

Hello Integral Friends,

The following piece is a glimpse of the vision I had when I sat down to make sense of Integral Theory in the time it takes to ride an elevator. I would like to share that inspiration.

Please follow the link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v18byQMRT0I

There is also a high resolution sample on my website: http://web.mac.com/wesly1/Weslys_Home_Site/Integral_Institute_Video.html

Thank You,

W~
wesly1@mac.com

Alone,
each one of us is like a new moon--
a fever of hope in the pitch...
reflecting back that light,
a little

Together,
we are like the stars,
seemingly close,
from at least one perspective,
but a much broader gap apart,
in so many other ways.

Integrally,
We come to realize that no matter how you look at it
we are each, and all, still a bright shining light.
Whether the source, at times,
or the reflection that resonates for milleniums yet untold;
As the Holon in me, greets the Holon in you--
I say to you,
Namaste, Brother Islam! Shalom Sister Christian

The integral approach recognizes that we all move towards the light and are interconnected beings. It doesn't reject or classifies experiences as good or bad but as experiences from which we can learn. When working within an integral approach the intention and attention is directed towards the whole of a being and assist others to tap into their own inner wisdom and guidance to develop their full potential. In an integral approach there is an understanding of our common human experiences and the unique perception of our own being that is interwoven in a larger whole. It goes beyond the individual human and the development of the ego yet includes it.

Hello Integral Friends,

The following piece is a glimpse of the vision I had when I sat down to make sense of Integral Theory, in the time it takes to ride an elevator. I would like to share that inspiration.

Please follow the link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v18byQMRT0I

There is also a high resolution sample on my website: http://web.mac.com/wesly1/Weslys_Home_Site/Integral_Institute_Video.html

Thank You,
W~
wesly1@mac.com

Remember the story about the blind guys and the elephant? Each one touched a different part of the elephant and interpreted what they felt within the limitations of their own experience. With an integral approach, the first step is admitting we have a problem: every viewpoint is blind in the sense that it is not a complete representation of what is being seen. There are many parts, levels, lines, stages, etc. of any particular whole. And that “whole” could be in the form of an idea, a situation, a person. Using an integral approach means integrating information from different perspectives to create a more comprehensive picture of the whole. Then, once we have a better sense of what we are actually looking at (in this case, an elephant), we can figure out what to do about it.

Elevator Pitch

Heard of the "Integral Approach"? It's importance can't be overstated. It helps us to see to the very heart of a matter.
INTEGRAL = all factors joined together, nothing significant left out, complete, whole.
We are whole and part of another whole.

An Integral Approach to someOne (individual or group) or someThing (problem, art, education) recognizes, utilizes, and honors this wholeness! The body, mind, and spirit, well fed, exercised, and rested is Integral self-care. Want to evlauate diverse schools of thought on spirituality, science, psychology, politics, and business? An Integral model such as AQAL organzes the information and allows the connections and interplay to be seen and understood.

An Integral Approach encourages transparency, honesty and an expanding quality of vision, thought, and action. Everyone benifits from an Integral Approach and no harm can come from learning more at ???.com

Integral has been a life saving perspective for this troubled human being trying to navigate the modern world and maintain authenticity. Being integral teaches me to thrive in all areas: interior, exterior, culturally, physically and by doing this the open wound that we all live with as human beings is put into perspective and known. When the pain of life is looked upon with awareness I find myself growing and becoming compassionate. I become aware in a BIG MIND way. Without integral I fear that we mostly close in upon ourselves, losing the perspective that allows us to hold both separate and kosmic identities together in a meaningful and helpful way as we swim through samsara. Integral is the path to sanity for a being living at the intersection of divinity and mortality.

The Integral Approach is an integrative perspective on personal, social and global transformation. It is the result of the rich mining of a multiple of disciplines from which the theories, findings and timeless wisdoms of teachers, scientists and philosophers, from throughout the world and throughout the ages, have been interwoven. This approach is becoming more important in a shrinking world in which people and their personal and social psychologies are intermingling—or clashing. As different cultures, organizations, institutions and ideologies move closer together, the Integral Approach provides us with a way to understand ourselves, each another—even whole societies—and prepare ourselves to embrace the inevitable changes we are now experiencing and will continue to undergo.

Integral is both a living philosophy and a new way of being in the world. In other words, a framework for better understanding our world, and a daily practice for becoming a more whole person.

Integral, as a framework or map of human reality, is quite elegant. It shows us that in order to understand life, we have to include it's five most vital dimensions: Quadrants and Lines (for harmony and balance); Levels (of developmental depth); States (for spiritual insight); Types (for embracing diversity).

As a life-practice Integral can help us to better navigate our complex and often confusing world as well as heal and grow as individuals in the core arenas of partnering, parenting, profession, and planet. It does this by helping us cultivate mind, body, spirit and soul in the important domains of self, culture, nature and social systems.

So, by including all of these central facets of our humanity, Integral combines theory with practice to create a guiding light for leaders, visionaries or anyone interested in the evolution of change and expanding care and compassion.

Integral has dramatically enriched my life and supported my growth as a person. If you'd like to learn more, I can recommend some great resources.

Good chatting with you...

Everyone has experienced growing up. We know our ideas and values change and develop as we move through childhood into maturity.

Suppose that not only individuals but also cultures evolve and develop like this: from serfdom and slavery to freedom and democracy; storytellers and chariots to TV and Ferraris. If you could look down at Earth from a ‘God’s-eye view’ you would see an intricate mix of different peoples, cultures, social systems and technologies all at different stages of development.

Only an Integral view can make sense of this complexity; a rigorous, non-partisan approach to mapping every aspect of reality that embraces all human diversity, all peoples, all views. Being Integral means seeing both the woods and the trees from every angle from ground to heavens and allowing for all.

The Integral Approach gives us the tools to heal our broken, fractured world. It’s an idea whose time has come.

60 seconds go by really fast when you try to explain Integral thinking.
And they go by even faster when you are trying not to use Integral vocabulary or imagery.
But I am going to try…

Here is my video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q757cvvA9bE

I send love and admiration to all of you who are exploring the edges of the unfolding consciousness.

Gili Getz

giligetz@yahoo.com

Integral is a map of consciousness for those who have first identified consciousness as a territory worthy of further study.

It seeks to demonstrate a trajectory of being or an unfolding of will in the manifest world; and it does so by pointing to a continuum of increasing complexity, depth and intensity in the three domains of spirit/mind, energy and matter. In doing so, Integral acknowledges that when it comes to the manifest world (both its inside and outside) the wheel turns in the direction of “yes” and/or “more”. And whereas some balancing reality might exist where the wheel turns in the other direction, truth must be recognized fundamentally as what-is before it can be related to what it is not.”

(and if given a chance to say more I'd add:)

As a practice, Integral is about first being real, then choosing true, and surrendering to THAT over and over again. For in so doing, truth is born as a recognition of that which cannot be born and self recognition, is thus experienced as the ultimate creative act.

Only when it doesn’t matter, can it matter. Make it matter!

… the marriage of sense and soul, united in ecstatic and everlasting dance and dialogue, already perfect and yet constantly deepening and widening, resting in endless empty harmony and still climbing further up towards more whole, more healthy and more healed stages of being and understanding.
… a relief in transgressing the (often unhealthyly squeezing) boundaries of modern (social) sciences towards a fuller, less fragmented, less alienated view and vision of reality.
… all I have ever been looking for in my private and professional life :)
… the vision, the development and spreading of which I would love to devote most of my energy to in the future and which I hope will conquer our planet in the most sensitive, yet the most thourough and sustainable way fort the good of all creatures.

There is no guarantee that you’ll understand the Integral Approach, but if you’re reading this the odds are favoring you... What is “Integral”? And what are we “approaching”? “Integral” denotes that the interior and exterior of the individual, together with culture and society- and their various developmental lines, consciousness states and types- are all necessary and complimentary components of one, living whole- our Kosmos. The object of an “Integral Approach” is, in a word, everything- from biology to psychology to sociology; medicine to art to politics; ecology to cosmology to God.
Many intuit the urgency for an Integral Approach in our world today. We see that understanding who we are and the universe we live in- and solving our existential problems- can no longer be accomplished by the fragmented and competing visions of reality that prevail. Instead, an Integral Approach is already beginning to evolve, transform, awaken our world.

Here's my tongue-in-cheek entry to the contest:

I get onto the elevator, wearing my “AQAL: transcend and include, bitches.” t-shirt (quadrant diagram on the back). Another passenger gets on.

“What the hell does your t-shirt mean? 'A-Q-A-L?' 'Transcend and include bitches?' Huh?”

“It refers to the integral worldview - check out this nifty diagram on the back” [I turn around for a moment.] It's a map to orient all areas of human knowledge and experience. Everyone has part of the truth. ”

“Even George Bush? Scientologists? Richard Dawkins? Yeah, right.”

“There are healthy versions of those worldviews, and yes, they are partially correct.”

“Very partial. Sheesh. What does 'transcend and include' mean?”

“Everything is evolving - biologically, culturally, spiritually - and each level goes beyond the previous level, while including what's essential about it. Cells transcend and include molecules, for example. Moral systems that care for all beings transcend and include those that only care for the self or one's ethnic group.”

“Are you in some kind of cult?”

“Trust me, that would be like herding cats. [laughs ruefully]”

“Wait - you still didn't tell me what 'A-Q-A-L' means!”

“That takes a little more time to explain. Here, take this card - it's got my email on it and some Integral Institute websites that will tell you more.”

“You're kinda hot - are you Canadian?”

“Yes, but I'm married - and straight. Sorry. But check out the websites or email me if you want to know more about AQAL.”

NOTE: The above is loosely based on conversations that took place in my previous job in a library. It also works if you're wearing a “Nondual perverts transcend and include fucking everything” t-shirt, though the conversation tends to get raunchier and is even more likely to result in an attempted pick-up.

To see a version of the above with better formatting: http://pods.gaia.com/ii/discussions/view/264838#309677
To see the XKCD t-shirt that inspired this entry: http://store.xkcd.com/ [the 7th item down]

(Background/Intro music –The Beatles’ Revolution – "You say you want a revolution ,Well you know, We all want to change the world, You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world….")

"We all want to change the World" -- Then Participate in the Emerging Integral Revolution–—The Power of “How”!!!

Do you often find yourself wondering how “IT” all makes sense and how literally Everything wondrously fits together? – The I, The We and The IT,... The Good, The True and The Beautiful---

Religion, Psychology, Science, Politics, Business, Culture, Gender, Hip-Hop, …Existence Itself---

Are you open for a new “lens” to see how all these elements and more, fit together in a single, comprehensive framework? A way that applies consciousness, care and compassion not only to the problems of the world ,but also to your very own Life.

(Beatles -- Magically Mystery Tour --"Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery tour, step right this way. Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour...")
"Step Right this way", Join us and the growing number of Integrally Informed people and "'Ride" the newly. emerging world view – Integral!!

Be Integral ….for Anything less… can only be Partial

(Ending music could fade out with Stuart Davis’s Universe Communion
We have a tendency think that it’s our practical senses
that get these questions solved
but those are tenuous tools and the more we employ them, the slower
we evolve…
Earth can find the perfect union
in the universe communion)

In life we have two basic things happening all the time. We have our experience and we have our understanding of our experience. To have experience is life's essential demand. To understand our experience is life's essential challenge. In other words, whether you understand it or not, experience is going to keep coming. It is like some kind of primitive compassion or tough love on the part of the kosmos. As they say in the horoscopes, "you born today" are very fortunate. You have been born at a time when the fundamental context in which your experience arises has been revealed.

Shit balls. I do not have a computer at home and I have to go pick up my kids and I won't be able to get back to a computer to finish this before the 6th has ended. Anyways, I've had a lot of fun thinking about this topic. Thanks for the catalyst.

-Jeffrey

Imagine *integrating everything* you've ever been through, everyone you've ever known, the wonderful little things and great big disasters into one worldview that makes sense. Now try explaining that worldview in 30 seconds! The integral approach is a systematic way to bring your life together with the lives of those around you; micro to macro, from your inner world to the world that we share around us with an eye to the great beyonds that glisten on the horizon. From I to you and we and us together, the integral approach takes a deep holistic system and makes it applicable for business, art, sustainability and every aspect of our shared lives.

Thanks for this challenge, a fun exercise! BTW, I love Jeffrey's answer, pre and post shitballs.
~evonne~

Life is happening right now. Constantly changing. Unforgiving. Unrelenting. To surf through the ever-shifting mechanism of life one needs Awareness, Knowledge, and Efficiency. Awareness IS key, but what is awareness without the knowledge of a reality that has many aspects and many faces? Knowledge IS important but what is knowledge without the techniques for integrating that knowledge in an efficient and individualized manner? Nurturing awareness with the efficient and effective use of up to date knowledge for the good of all sentient beings in Self, Body, Culture, and Society, that's Integral. And it is available to you Right Now.

Different theories, religions, and philosophies have different and often contradictory points of view on where things go wrong and how to make things better. Integral offers a meta-perspective on all these different theories and puts them into a big picture that clarifies their underlying assumptions or biases.

One bias, known as quadrant bias, is when a theory assumes that everything is determined by only one of four possible perspectives - either a person’s interior state, or their material and environmental influences, or that everything is about the cultural or structural aspects of society.

Within each quadrant any theory will be biased to see the world from a different level of human development – from basic survival mentality, to warlord/ gang mentality, to fundamentalism, scientific-rationalism, post-modernism, and beyond.

By differentiating and articulating the biases of each theory, integral allows you to transcend its limitations, not by throwing it out, but by complementing it with theories from other quadrants and levels.

You can apply the integral meta-perspective to any topic of interest – Law, business, psychology, education, parenting, politics, spirituality…anything.

(Pick one of the following closing sentences, depending on your target audience)

To sum it all up, integral…
(Infrared -) basically helps you survive and get on top of the basic challenges of life.
(Magenta -) really helps you see the world more clearly as a beautiful, enchanting, and magical universe.
(Red -) gives you insight and power over both yourself and the people around you.
(Amber -) helps you live a more moral life and worship god more fully.
(Orange -) gives you insight and understanding of the underlying laws of the universe and people and how to work with and use it to your advantage.
(Green -) provides a way of seeing how all the different ways of being and making sense of the world contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience.

(Integral and Beyond -) … Hi… Nice to meet you!

Business, Family, Spirituality, Health…. Integral embraces everything, including what’s most effective and efficient. Learn to love every aspect of yourself and this world, while enhancing your perspective of what’s important and how to achieve your goals.
Take theories and philosophies that seem to be clashing, and find out how they fit together. Discover how you can bridge the gaps between medicine and meditation or technology and art. Specialize in whatever you want. Go after your passion. But do yourself a favor, get Integrally Informed - visit www.integrallife.com

The Integral Framework provides a view, encompassing many views, and provides an organizing structure for these views. This is called AQAL (referring to all quadrants, lines, levels) which speaks to developmental unfolding of a human being and the systems within and upon which it operates. Emerging from philosophy postulating the significance of knowing The Good, The True, and The Beautiful, the Integral View leads one to differentiate subjective experience from material and behavioral life. It identifies the shared views, norms, and values that form a culture, and recognizes the existence of social institutions and structures as a manifestation of the culture. There is relationship and interdependence between each of these quadrants. The integral view recognizes all parts without rejecting or making irrelevant any one part. In short, the Integral view brings clarity by pointing out depth from detail, and by providing a means to translate our experience according to very specific and ever-encompassing perspectives.

The “Integral Approach” is a way to apply a map of already existing human dimensions. These dimensions are broadly grouped into an all-inclusive framework – four quadrants consisting of the singular and plural of both interiors and exteriors. Although richly detailed, this unique map encourages its participants to compassionately embrace self-awareness. This approach urges one to acknowledge and embrace the strengths and weaknesses in one’s own body, mind, and spirit and integrate those capacities into a more holistic vision in one’s own self, culture and nature.

Ultimately, one may recognize the partial perspectives so pervasive in today’s world and appreciate the need of a comprehensive yet unifying approach – an “Integral” approach that accepts, honors and embraces the partial truths found in all voices and perspectives. In a world of increasing complexity, an approach is desparately needed that facilitates the logical accompanyment of an increased consciousness – that approach is “Integral.”

I am co-founder of the institute of integrative conflict transformation and peace-building Vienna, together with my wife Gudrun Kramer. We are working as facilitators and trainers in the field of international peace mediation, with a special focus on sri lanka, central asia, uganda and israel/palestine. We are just writing a handbook on integrative peace-building, using the works of Ken Wilber, Johan Galtung, Claudio Naranjo, Edgar Morin, J.L.Moreno and others. We would like to learn more about the possibilities of an integral approach to conflict transformation and peace-building at this conference! warm regards, wilfried graf and gudrun kramer, www.iicp.at