Integral Life Practice

“Integral life practice” refers to a structure of body-mind-spirit disciplines that are designed to accelerate development.  Here is the ILP matrix:

Each practice is described and is available in a one minute format that eliminates excuses, and also in longer versions. Highly recommended practices are called “Gold Star” practices:

Here are the auxiliary practices:

We highly recommend that you learn about, develop, and practice an integral life practice.

What is the relationship between an ILP and IDL?

According to the authors of Integral Life Practice, the exercises and disciplines are chosen by you, the practitioner. Normally, we either set our goals or have someone, like a teacher, boss, or partner, set them for us.  The first approach has the obvious benefit of putting the type and amount of practice totally in your control, that comes with some drawbacks. Most people sign up for classes or sign on with teachers because they lack the internal discipline to set up and maintain any type of life-changing program, much less one that changes four fundamental dimensions at once. Consequently, you are most likely to read about ILP and say, “Sounds great! Next!” The second approach is for those who require structure, as most of us do. Others choose our goals. The problem is that others are not us; the goals and the pace and manner in which they are approached are not our own.  What to do?

IDL believes that success in any yoga or ILP is dependent upon the success of what it calls triangulation. Essentially, triangulation involves finding and using both external and internal support and feedback, while mediating both with common sense. External support for an ILP comes in the form of an accountability structure, such as a partner that contracts for mutual support, or a therapist or coach to whom you are accountable. This is an important function of IDL practitioners. Internal support for your ILP comes from self-aspects that you interview. They help you design, choose, and modify your ILP based on the interests of your greater identity – both those parts of yourself that are stuck and those that personify your potentials.  IDL, then, provides a structure to direct your ILP.

Students set five year, one year, six month, and one month life goals in eleven areas: nutrition, exercise, health maintenance, career, finances, love, friendship, family, spiritual development, leisure, personal development. They then write or describe what their life would be like. Next, they write or describe what their lives would be like if they failed at all of these goals and accomplished none of them. This feeling is personified and the personification interviewed. Out of the interview comes a critique of one’s goals and recommendations for goals that are in alignment with one’s potentials. Both sources are considered in the rewriting of goals. A plan for ongoing support and accountability is established.