Integritus Prime

Recently, I was asked how I function between worlds. That is, between the practical earthly world and the realm of spirituality. I answered without hesitation: I have no problem.

Later, during meditation, I realized my answer came out sounding so sure because it’s founded on a very deliberate practice that grounds my spirituality and melds it with my professional work and service. It takes hard work, and it’s by far the most important work I do. Inner work.

You see, it’s not possible to feel or be aligned if we haven’t done the work to function as spirit beings in human bodies. Here’s what I mean…

Spiritually, and soulfully, it may make sense to dream, play, and enjoy the bliss that comes from a divine union with nirvana or God or peace. This may not necessarily align with professionalism, punctuality, routine, or other aspects of the daily grind.

Moreover, in order to function in a chaotic world that comprises political and economic stress, inner trauma and turmoil, as well as the constant learning from relationships, we need a solid strategy for being who we really are and maintaining that integrity. We need positive habits and practices that guide our wellbeing and nourish our ability to lead from day to day.

My spirituality is grounded in nature and meditation. Based on my life and work experiences, and the ever-evolving science-based model of Alchemus Prime, I have found that there are four linked dimensions to achieving balance and true self in a world of influences that are always pulling and pushing you in different directions:

Connect

It’s vital to connect with yourself, with other life, and with nature as a whole. This includes an awareness of the needs of mind and body, such as meditation, learning, diet, exercise, and the need for healthy relationships. Ultimately, it also involves releasing trauma so we can be authentic in our every action.

Create

Our creativity hinges on being relaxed, having permission to play, and becoming fearlessly willing to make and learn from mistakes. I use design thinking and improv methods to encourage creativity and exploration of all things new. We cannot sustainably reach and maintain this level of creative flow if we are holding on to past trauma.

Transform

Change is a constant in life. I apply behavioral science techniques that help people anticipate change, adapt to it, and with time, thrive in chaos. Meditation also helps us become easeful change agents, remaining unshaken in the most torrid of life’s storms. Once we embrace transformation as a way of life, we become one with life: fully aligned. This brings trust and surrender to our purpose and calling. We begin to serve all of life, instead of fixating on ourselves.

Sustain

Any strength, positive change, or epiphany is fleeting unless its benefit is sustained over time. I look to nature and the science of biomimicry, as well as behavior change tools to help clients sustain the positive changes they achieve and to remain steady in achieving their life purpose.

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Now, without the discipline of practicing these techniques, or other sets of techniques that offer similar benefits, it would be easy to become scattered between spirit and worldly realms. It would be difficult to see how to meld spirit with material wealth, for instance. When we find our true self and purpose, bringing value to others, abundance follows.

Many people ask me how diet and leadership and trauma are related; the answer is they are fundamentally intertwined. We find all aspects of ourselves connected to every other aspect, if we pause and look deeply. Trauma dictates emotional eating which influences mental acuity, which in turns undermines self-worth and the ability to lead well. That’s just one example. The challenge is to develop and maintain a practice of self-love, meditation, healthy eating, and regular, mindful movement that keeps us grounded in our physical beings and in practicality, while leading from our spiritual integrity.

Why be aligned in the first place? Well, it brings lasting joy, real contentment, and true purpose. Happiness, as it turns out, is how you spell success.

For me, after many years of experimenting, it comes down to an organic, vegan and gluten-free diet; walking, weights, and dancing; meditation twice a day; and ample time for creative activities like drawing, poetry, cooking, and baking. I don’t do alcohol or drugs because it interferes with my intuition and the channeling of my books and other work. This set of habits keeps my mind sharp, my body strong, and my spirit clear. Bottom line, my lifestyle has helped me to know who I am and why I’m here. So, I can do what I do with clarity. Challenges and hardships become gifts for learning, going deeper into life, setting boundaries, and thriving. I bounce back faster from setbacks, like my recent trip to the ER.

If you like what you’re reading, drop me a note and let’s chat about spirituality, purpose, passion, and practical success.