Integration

Intention:

A dictionary definition of ‘integration’ includes: making or forming an entity; combining or blending into a unified whole; incorporation of elements into a total unit.

When we attempt to integrate experiences, we draw elements from varied sources. Some are easier than others when it comes to ingesting, digesting, metabolizing, and integrating. We process experiences, and in doing so, we go through a process ourselves. This process is rarely simple and smooth. We have integrated experiences when we have identified a meaning and purpose for them, and can see how they relate with other experiences. We incorporate them into our pre-existing whole, turning it into a different and larger whole. And so on...

The exercises proposed here are intended to stimulate the examination of elements that we may wish to integrate into our understanding of ourselves and our lives, in all their complexity. Those reading these words probably intend to integrate their experiences more and better. We are offered an opportunity to explicitly reflect here on how we are integrating the experiences we have collected on our way to the present.

Instruction:

Think and write about the topic of integration of information, insights, inspirations, and intentions.

You may use illustrations and metaphors of the process and product of your integration, such as: assembling a puzzle, cooking a stew, sewing a quilt, building a house, or writing a book.

You may use headings like the following:

Personal, occupational, social, cultural

Body, mind, soul, spirit

Intrapersonal (in me), interpersonal (near me), transpersonal (beyond me)

Past, present, future

Yes, no, perhaps

Inspection:

·       Reflect on the following: ‘Integration is more of a process than a product.’

·       What and who has eased or interfered with your process of integrating your life experiences?

·       What situations, conditions, and behaviors facilitate your integrating your experiences?