Unit 9 - Sharing Final Project/Assessment

Unlike a history lesson that can be lectured upon, the dynamic nature of the integral approach necessitates it is lived, in order to be effectively shared.  As children have difficulty respecting parents who espouse the unevolved rhetoric “do as I say, not as I do”, the integral approach will not resonate with clients if practitioners are not living it.  Therefore, developing psychologically, spiritually, and physically is vital for a practitioner.  Development in all aspects of life helps free us from the limiting ego that reinforces separation from others.  Being person-centered is essential to the integral approach, and can only be accomplished if the ego has been subdued, as the preferred therapies and perspective of the practitioner must be set aside while deeply listening.  Being person-centered allows a connection to occur that honors the client’s knowledge of his or her own body/mind/spirit, and their preferences for treatment. (Dacher, 2006)

Meditation is the area that continues to be a priority for my development, as I feel the other areas are “under control”, steadily heading in the right direction having become habit.  However, meditation is the area that I still feel some resistance to, and am working my way up to doing more.  This course has helped me to understand the relationship to meditation and psychospiritual development, and that placing this on the backburner is not a viable option if achieving unity consciousness is the ultimate goal.  Fortunately, my chosen spiritual home offers classes that will further development.  In fact, there is a meditation group run by one of the prayer practitioners from the center I attend.   Last week we discussed forming a group that meets in the morning, as the evening is not conducive to the needs of many of us, which is why I have not been able to attend thus far.  My sincere interest in developing this aspect will no doubt open the way for me to do so. 

Assessing the various domains of my life has been an encouraging process.  The integral approach was instigated in my life prior the beginning this course (thought it did not have a name), and has been clearly defined, and refined, throughout this course.  Being a member of the Centers for Spiritual Living, classes taken there, along with Sunday services, have prepared my mind for information received during this course.  The integral approach reinforces what was previously learned, adds depth by revealing specific science that validates mind/body/spirit approaches (i.e. the Pert Study), and provides meditations that leave nothing to chance for expansion of consciousness.  (Dacher, 2006)

While contemplating numeric ratings of physical, spiritual, and psychological progress, it dawned on me that despite traveling different paths at varying rates, they have converged and are now essentially progressing at the same rate, with seven being where I would place in each category.  Interestingly, growing up studying the Bible I was taught that the numbers three and seven represented completeness, which did not initially cross my mind while rating, but believe the symbolism is applicable.  Progress in these three areas is at a point where self-awareness has become a baseline allowing acknowledgement of aspects needing improvement.  The ability to witness moments of regression without judgment, and proceed to make needed adjustments, has led to a steadiness previously unknown to me.  These changes have completely taken root, blossomed, borne some fruit, some has ripened, but time is needed for more of the fruit to mature.  In time, this process will likely bring forth fruit of which seeds I am not even aware I possess.  The three degrees of separation involves maintenance of what has been accomplished, strengthening, and refining to reach the next levels of development.  Those last three number placements are represent a practice in completeness, therefore, when reaching ten, the marrying of the two numbers adds further to the symbolism. 

The physical progress achieved has enabled steady weight loss and maintenance during the holiday season by balance be woven into my life.  Without being on a diet, my nutritional knowledge has finally sunk in so that I am maintaining healthy patterns.  These changes have my whole body feeling healthier, and weight-loss is occurring!  Psychologically a steadiness has developed that allows the existence of a more even-tempered baseline.  Anxiety was a big issue the week class started, but coping skills already known were revisited, and new ones gained.  Spiritually, I continue to try to view all people as part of God, but have a few individuals that make this challenging; they are my teachers.  Thankfully, more tools to accomplish oneness have been provided through this course, and I definitely have been making good use of them, especially the loving-kindness affirmation:

            “May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.

            May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.

            May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.

            May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness” (Dacher, 2006, P.93). 

            An immediate goal for further development is extending more patience and loving-kindness to my son, whose high-functioning autism and mood disorder is challenging for me.  Being the only parent at home most of the time, burnout has occurred, and at times my impatience with his perseverations is palpable.  Believing I am also on the autism spectrum, I see my own sensory issues, and tendency to do be nitpicky, creep up on me in dealing with my son, which has the potential to harm his ability to communicate with me.   One of his counselors is helping me navigate these communication issues with excellent ideas for compromise.

Communication, that has loving-kindness and respect as its foundation, is my goal for psychological and spiritual development.  As a child, the psychological wounds inflicted on me via unhealthy communication of various forms, and lack thereof, has had negative outcomes for spiritual development as well.  It is not possible to develop past a certain point spiritually if honor is not being shown to others on such a basic level.    My son not only repeats things because he obsesses, he also double and triple checks how to do things because of anxiety and self-doubt; there is no need for me to verbally express frustration in this area, when all he needs is a “yes”, not a “yes, like we always do it”, or something else that is rude.  This tendency has caused difficulties in many relationships in my life, yet, because it was modeled for me, I do behave this way when frustrated and feeling past the point of coping.  Today after reverting to this behavior, the witnessing consciousness was employed, and how freeing that was!  Being able to observe myself without judgment cleared the way for me to see how to easily correct my behavior.  Reassuring him with love is all that is needed; “yes” said with a mother’s love is what is called. 

            Thinking on it further, this goal covers the physical aspect, too, as the stress of poor communication negatively impacts the immune system, and contributes to compulsive eating.  It occurs to me that quite often when one significant puzzle piece is found and put into place, it can connect all needed components for me to move to the next phase of development in multiple areas of life.  That is how I feel about communicating with loving-kindness, which I have already made great progress in with all my relationships, but see areas that need refinement as described previously.  This main goal will support  me to developing a calmer mind (psychological), a more expansive sense of unity that puts others at ease (spiritually), as well as continued weight-loss and regularly exercising (physical).

            Ideas for accomplishing personal health strategies are as follows:

1.      Physical: Weight-loss

a.       Walking

b.      Yoga

c.       Eating healthfully

d.      Meditation

2.      Psychological: Calm mind

a.       Walking

b.      Yoga

c.       Proper sleep

d.      Meditation

3.      Spiritual: Silent Meditation

a.       Walking

b.      Clean personal space (bedroom)

c.       Less technology

d.      Regular use of spoken meditation

As illustrated in the outline above, the exercises to meet each goal tend to overlap, as do the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects themselves; the interconnectedness of life is again perceived.

            Commitment to change has taken root, but vigilance is needed to keep out the “inner gophers” that attempt to undo the planting, or the “dogs” that can do it from the outside.  Assessing my progress in six months will involve seeing where my weight is, as this is an all-encompassing reflection of where I stand.  The peace in my house is another gauge by which to assess by progress, as the atmosphere is directly touched by my spirituality.  My children’s weight, health, peace, and expansiveness are a measure of my own.  Therefore, staying aware and in touch with their attitudes allows me to see myself, what is being done well, and where adjustments are needed.  Critical to these efforts is remembering to assess by means of the witnessing consciousness: not judging, just observing and adjusting. (Dacher, 2006)

References

Dacher, E. (2006).  Integral health: the path to human flourishing. P.93. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.