What ARE some integral values?
Posted on Sep 14th, 2006
by 
ebuddha
ebuddha
If 2nd tier makes any sense, then the question is raised - what are integral values, as opposed, or differentiated, from regular values?
It's a very important idea to adhere - to varying degrees - to a sense of internal values, and live one's life by those values.
I would argue we are doing that all the time anyway - the Atman Project right? - whether it is following desires, attempting to get a good job, looking for love, or explicitly looking for the Divine. (Or explicitly "dropping" looking for the Divine.)
I didn't get any feedback the other day on this question, so I thought I would post it again - separate from the analysis of a Ken Wilber post. Tuff Ghost makes the valid point that the values of 2nd Tier might not be noticeably differernt from the ordinary run of values.
However, I want to run this thought experiment. What ARE some integral values? So, But I will look at it, by coming up with mine!
Integral Value One: Recognizing that there are a multiplicity of values, of which MANY - but NOT all - have some implicit and explicit truth. and value.
The quest for God has value, the quest for scientific truth has value, the quest for integration has value, the quest for creative expression has value, and the quest for a better social order has value, and the quest for harmonious, deep, interpersonal relationships has value.
Integral Value Two: Say Yes To Meaning
or find and create meaning in how you live.
Whether you find meaning in your creative work, in your family, or in your God, or in simply resting in PEACE - find a YES, for your pursuit, internally, and for life. "He not busy being born is busy dying", for a wonderful quote by a famous singer.
Of course, this can be pretty difficult for those with traumatic experiences, either in childhood or some time in life. (It doesn't help to tell a suicidal person "have a nice day", as an example.) In this case of course, get help.
Integral Value Three: Contribute Back to the Larger Community, to Life.
There has been enough of boomerism, narcissism, etc. An integral person recognized the value of others, the value of a larger community, and gives back TO this community. I would say the basis of this for myself, is recognition and space for the Divine - but integral can proceed for agnostics as well, in the commitment to LIFE. On a profound level, THERE IS NO SEPARATION.
Integral Value Four: Practical Balancing.
Or "The Golden Mean"
Or "The Middle Way".
This isn't an absolute, of course - at any moment you may be called on to sacrifice for one of the above three values (children, community, country, a 3 year religious retreat), and that of course overrides balancing one's life. But finding the right balance, as a general rule, is a value of integral.
This particular value becomes very important for those of us who have analytical tendencies. What are the social structures that most promotes the above values? What type of goverments promote both stability, freedom, a sound and dynamic economic base, individual experimentations and creativity, and appropriate sharing of resources among all? How to create an environment for individuals to be challenged, but not overwhelmed?
Just because I can, I place all science, social science, economics, etc, in this particular realm...
Integral Value Five: The Now, Forward Movement, and Acceptance
Someone needs to make this particular value more pithy (any takers for a better expression?), but here is what I mean.
Acceptance for the moment. And for yourself, and others. THIS moment, now, pregnant with all possibilities, is as it is.
Moving forward - in this moment, this perfect moment, there is still movement. Move forward actively with what NEEDS to be done, and what you are called to do: building, fixing, loving, caring, participating, creating, opposing when necessary, defending when you must. But hold it lightly, (when possible) at peace in this moment.
Now that I read this over, some of this sounds a bit hokey. But that's okay. I am a regular guy of limited means, and this is what I got!
Those of you who are smarter, more productive, more inspiring...
Why don't YOU take your stab?
What are integral values to YOU?
(Also posted at Integral Practice)
It's a very important idea to adhere - to varying degrees - to a sense of internal values, and live one's life by those values.
I would argue we are doing that all the time anyway - the Atman Project right? - whether it is following desires, attempting to get a good job, looking for love, or explicitly looking for the Divine. (Or explicitly "dropping" looking for the Divine.)
I didn't get any feedback the other day on this question, so I thought I would post it again - separate from the analysis of a Ken Wilber post. Tuff Ghost makes the valid point that the values of 2nd Tier might not be noticeably differernt from the ordinary run of values.
However, I want to run this thought experiment. What ARE some integral values? So, But I will look at it, by coming up with mine!
Integral Value One: Recognizing that there are a multiplicity of values, of which MANY - but NOT all - have some implicit and explicit truth. and value.
The quest for God has value, the quest for scientific truth has value, the quest for integration has value, the quest for creative expression has value, and the quest for a better social order has value, and the quest for harmonious, deep, interpersonal relationships has value.
Integral Value Two: Say Yes To Meaning
or find and create meaning in how you live.
Whether you find meaning in your creative work, in your family, or in your God, or in simply resting in PEACE - find a YES, for your pursuit, internally, and for life. "He not busy being born is busy dying", for a wonderful quote by a famous singer.
Of course, this can be pretty difficult for those with traumatic experiences, either in childhood or some time in life. (It doesn't help to tell a suicidal person "have a nice day", as an example.) In this case of course, get help.
Integral Value Three: Contribute Back to the Larger Community, to Life.
There has been enough of boomerism, narcissism, etc. An integral person recognized the value of others, the value of a larger community, and gives back TO this community. I would say the basis of this for myself, is recognition and space for the Divine - but integral can proceed for agnostics as well, in the commitment to LIFE. On a profound level, THERE IS NO SEPARATION.
Integral Value Four: Practical Balancing.
Or "The Golden Mean"
Or "The Middle Way".
This isn't an absolute, of course - at any moment you may be called on to sacrifice for one of the above three values (children, community, country, a 3 year religious retreat), and that of course overrides balancing one's life. But finding the right balance, as a general rule, is a value of integral.
This particular value becomes very important for those of us who have analytical tendencies. What are the social structures that most promotes the above values? What type of goverments promote both stability, freedom, a sound and dynamic economic base, individual experimentations and creativity, and appropriate sharing of resources among all? How to create an environment for individuals to be challenged, but not overwhelmed?
Just because I can, I place all science, social science, economics, etc, in this particular realm...
Integral Value Five: The Now, Forward Movement, and Acceptance
Someone needs to make this particular value more pithy (any takers for a better expression?), but here is what I mean.
Acceptance for the moment. And for yourself, and others. THIS moment, now, pregnant with all possibilities, is as it is.
Moving forward - in this moment, this perfect moment, there is still movement. Move forward actively with what NEEDS to be done, and what you are called to do: building, fixing, loving, caring, participating, creating, opposing when necessary, defending when you must. But hold it lightly, (when possible) at peace in this moment.
Now that I read this over, some of this sounds a bit hokey. But that's okay. I am a regular guy of limited means, and this is what I got!
Those of you who are smarter, more productive, more inspiring...
Why don't YOU take your stab?
What are integral values to YOU?
(Also posted at Integral Practice)
Access: Public
integral
May 2008 