The Process of Personal and Professional Integration - Part Two

In my experience, one of the key elements in living a meaningful and fulfilling life over the span of time that we're fortunate to be alive is how we understand, accept, change, and integrate all the elements of who we are and what we do. This six-part series will examine this process in some detail, in hopes that you will gain some value in charting your path.

In this second installment, we'll be looking at a broad area I define as Being - the core elements of our being alive, and how we expand our experience of their interdependence.

This includes Mind, Heart, Body, and Soul/Spirit - elements that, while they can be viewed independently function best when they are serving us, based on our awareness in the moment of where we're at and what we may need to do to channel our energy where it's needed.

Mind – Although the “mind” is typically thought of residing in the physiological brain, for these purposes it is used in a larger scope to denote all aspects of thought, mental processing, intellectual development, and certain types of consciousness. I don't know about you, but my mind has often thought that it is the "king" of who I am, when it can too easily fall into doubt, delusion, or "analysis paralysis."

I continue to work to open up channels in my mind for more awareness of heart, body, and soul/spirit. My mind serves me well (most of the time), but I want to shift from knowledge to a fuller experience of consciousness. The difference to me is having facts reside in their appropriate place, and allowing awareness to be open and curious.

Heart – Typically thought of as the seat of feelings and emotions, it is expressed in language like “the heart of the matter” or a “heart-centered approach.” It can be a challenge to find a balance between mind and heart, for when our intellect overcompensates from heart we are less than whole, and when heart is triggered by trauma or drama we often need a guide or counselor to process and integrate what we've experienced.

I previously wrote a LinkedIn article on the "three hearts of business" (although they apply to the rest of life too!). "Warm heart" is the place of showing care and compassion, of bestowing trust and respect, and of the presence of love as a unifying force. "Strong heart" is the place where we take a clear stand, where we reside in our balanced self-confidence, and where we set aside our insecurities. And finally, being "light-hearted" is about not taking ourselves too seriously, using humor as a connector, and allowing some light to illuminate our challenges.

Body – Our “temporary rental car,” this is the biological form that carries us through this human life. It has its own level of awareness (and consciousness, some would say). This requires appropriate care and feeding if we are to maximize our potential in all areas. When our body is working well, it serves any and all of our goals. But when it is hurt, sick, or out of shape, we face difficulties in accessing our full potential.

The body is also where we get our clues about emotions, intuition, and awareness. While Heart is the metaphorical home of emotions, the heart lives in the body, and the body provides us with all our internal messaging. Butterflies in the stomach, a tight throat, sweaty palms - we ignore these signals at our peril. Having an ongoing commitment to active exercise, yet on the other hand simply sitting still and undistracted are practices that will help us with our full integration.

Soul/Spirit – Since there is no specific material part of our human being where soul resides, it can be expressed as “emotional or intellectual energy or intensity, with a felt sense of authenticity.” We often experience this in relation to music or art, but it can apply in business or relational settings as well. Spirit can be defined as the essence of being, particularly in connection with and relationship to something universal that is larger than our singular experience. Very few of us would say that there is no such thing as spirit however we may choose to define it.

Without a connection to soul and spirit, life is dull, boring, meaningless. Cultivating soul and spirit is enhanced by ritual, community, and commitments. I am regularly challenged to get up off my butt and take even fifteen minutes to walk in the woods across the street from my office. And you know what? Being among the huge white oaks, maples, and pine trees is never something I regret, because it grounds me in all that is, and I return to my workstation with an appreciation of life being broader and deeper than my "To Do" list. Then, I put on some music that resonates with my soul and this troubled world is less daunting.

If you're interested in a process that will bring these elements (and the other five parts in this series) into greater awareness and alignment, see https://www.lifeworksprocess.com. I would be honored to be your guide as you continue your life-long process of integration. Onward!