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Assuming you’ve read the home page of Integral Life Balance, you already understand why this double-faceted website has been created, with sections devoted to the integral vocalist and integral artist-teacher. This page helps further explain the source and general meaning of integral life-balance practice.

First, let’s consider the logo, which symbolizes the main concepts of integral life balance. The Chinese Taoist yin-yang symbol of two equal halves represents the two primal cosmic forces in the universe: yin (moon), the passive female force; and yang (sun), the active masculine force. This universal representation of dualism (opposites) is observed in all areas of life, and is epitomized in the general characteristics associated with right-brain functions (yin, emotionalism, and romanticism) and left-brain functions (yang, rationalism, and classicism). In lieu of displaying the traditional black and white halves, the ILB logo has been modified to include the use of three colors (plus white and black) to symbolize the four primal physical elements: green=earth; blue=water and sky (air); and the red lines (that create four equal parts)=fire. The circle in the middle symbolizes the center or balance point that we strive to attain in all of our thoughts and actions. The four equal quarters or quadrants symbolize the four human developmental levels (stages), lines, states, and types that philosopher Ken Wilber has outlined so completely in his many influential books (I recommend The Integral Vision: A Very Short Introduction (2007) and/or Integral Life Practice: A 21st Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening (2008) as first readings).

The four quadrants illustrated below represent the main areas of life that we all must learn to negotiate for effective coping.

Wilbur’s explanations are extremely helpful in gaining a coherent understanding and overview of the diverse areas of life, particularly in relation to achieving a balanced or integrated approach for effective living. We observe ample signs of extreme imbalances around us—among individuals, social groups, institutions, and nations. Extremist attitudes tend to manifest a multitude of irrational, dysfunctional behaviors in all areas of life. Two prominent examples of extremism: the ongoing ideological conflicts between fundamental conservatives and progressive liberals, and the expanding chasm between the “haves” and the “have-nots”. The moderate or centrist position—the so-called Middle Way—is often unappreciated, as people tend to think that striving for moderation and balance is an uninteresting life-coping strategy. After all, don’t we need excitement in our lives—all of the time? Well, of course we need excitement—and passion—but we also need time for quietude and reflection, as we thoughtfully contemplate our beliefs and behaviors, gain greater self-awareness, and expand our level of consciousness.

Contemporary life in America—and other developed (and developing) nations—is motivated largely by a visceral desire to achieve some type and degree of success, either individually or as a specific socio-ethnic group. Unfortunately, many people experience a very hectic lifestyle, ostensibly spurred on by the deeply ingrained belief that the busier we are, the more worthwhile we must be. Or, in material terms, the more things we own, the more prestigious and powerful we are. I’m sure you agree that this type of thinking leads to a superficial way of living.

In contrast, a well-balanced individual exhibits a strong sense of personal integrity that’s founded on an all-inclusive, evidence-based belief system, in tandem with life practices that are inspired by ethical, moral, and esthetic considerations. Ideally, humans develop—individually and collectively—from the primary, “first-tier” consciousness levels of egocentric (preconventional, childlike worldview) and ethnocentric (conventional, adolescent worldview) to higher “second-tier” consciousness perspectives that may be thought of as worldcentric (postconventional, mature), and, perhaps even cosmocentric (universal).

In brief, throughout life we naturally develop and evolve through a spectrum that involves body, mind, and spirit, in that order; beginning in childhood with a focus on individual (egocentric) physical needs, progressing gradually into adolescence, when social (ethnocentric) concerns increase—in conjunction with mental and emotional development. And, if all goes well, human development culminates with an integral, well-balanced worldview that may be considered worldcentric and/or cosmocentric (Kosmocentric, which in Greek philosophy indicates both material and mental/spiritual dimensions). Unfortunately, a majority of the world’s population never progresses beyond the adolescent or ethnocentric stage.

The integral life-balance approach, which aims to unify opposites, is based on holistic goals. One goal involves developing greater awareness of our environment, as well as our mind-body states. Developing acute awareness requires learning how to live fully in the moment—figuratively speaking, on life’s cutting-edge, where past and future conjoin. Many young upwardly mobile persons tend to focus mostly on the future, while elderly populations tend to focus primarily on the past. Learning how to live more in the moment is a goal I continue working on in my senior years, and I like to think I’m making some progress—albeit slowly.

OK, I think you have a good idea of this website’s overall goal and objectives. I imagine it will evolve with time, and my goal is to be flexible along the way. For more information, see the following links:

• Integral Institute
• Integral Life Practice

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