I clearly haven't been posting a lot here - mainly because I've been pretty busy.

But also, this particular blog has focused on the "basics", of integralism (when not veering to tech stuff and philosophy!)

For various dimensions, it is now pretty clear what the basic practices are.

Physical - I've blogged before - but 2 to 3 times a week, cardio, stretching, and weighlifting for exercise.

For diet - barring special circumstances - less carbs, and balanced eating.

Meditation - while there is a lot around the map here, the basic practices involved for integral involve:

Basic Zen/Vipassana sitting
BigMind/Advaita training
Compassion/Heart work


Now, of course, I'm missing a lot of the I-Thou meditations.  Perhaps I could blog them.

In terms of professional, career - one of the best books out there for this is Pathfinder, and What Color Is Your Parachute?

Both are passionate and practical, and give a very good sense of what are the gifts one has to GIVE, in terms of skills, abilities, and desires.

Psychological/interpersonal- while there are a lot of books out there, self-assessment is fairly easy to use, and I have also used this site to point to inexpensive therapeutic options.  And then there is the Shadow Work of the 1-2-3, as well as Byron Katie's work.  I could write more about relationship as well, but it is so easy for this to become narcissistic, in my opinion.

Now - community - this is probably one of the biggest lacks that I personally have, or have not written a lot about, and I've been attempting to address this through the Ken Wilber MeetUp, and organizing the San Francisco ILP Group. 

And then, when you do all the above, do you have time for rest, play, and creativity? Where is the balance?

I still believe there are things that are important for an "integral practitioner" to deal with - deeper delving into the interpersonal, dealing with MOTIVATION and destructive subpersonalities (just because all the practices are out there, doesn't mean you are doing them!), and also re-introducing some concepts into the integral community with ethics - such as "duty", "community commitment" etc.  A community is defined by the individuals that "take on" the duties of that community, and it is duty and volunteerism that is the glue of community.  Which conflicts a bit with "my/your integral growth".  And you want to keep away from any cultism, as such.

At any rate, opening up for questions - what integrally, needs to be worked on?  My integral growth, rather than "our" integral growth? 

Saw this at Graham's place. 

If real - and it is a question, because it is possible that his feet are being held up a rope, as the video doesn't capture that - it shows that this is where "integral fitness", can go.  More into a Qigong mode of practice, engaging the energetic body, as well as the phyical body.

From Yahoo Health:

The main points -

Don't eat less than 1000 calories
Eat every 4 to 5 hours
Make breakfast a priority
Protein with every meal
Aerobic exercise 4 to 5 times per week
Strength training 2 to 3 days per week

I like this type of advice - simple, and to the point. 

Especially as the focus is ON metabolism, as this is overlooked by a lot of people. 

As you get older the natural metabolism CHANGES - and changes greatly.  Slows down, and it can be quite unexpected.  I went from eating, drinking, scarfing, pretty much anything I wanted - and staying skinny.  And I had (have) quite a sweet tooth, but it didn't affect my weight.  And then over the course of six months, at 31 - I put on 15 pounds.  And now, I go back and forth, battling that extra 15 pounds, depending on how my eating habits hold up (or don't).

Getting the metabolism up, in a healthy, simple way, has been one of the best ways to automatically fight weight gain.

This is worth paying attention to. 

From Bill.

Was browsing through some of Bill's earlier postings on Integral-Fitness Options.

Came across this one.

I think these hints still work now, don't you?

Distinguishes between development and maintenance, of different practices.

Check it out.

I saw this worksheet on preparing for an exercise program from Ryan. What is excellent about this, is a modified version of this program can be utilized in any integral practice module that one is beginning as a new practice. My own interest is in continuing to explore the 5 Essential Practices of an Integral Practitioner   more »

A good article for exercise freaks.

I have been reflecting on the development of this site, and some of the development of my own views. I've started to come to the realization that the concept of Integral Practice is probably more richly reflected in the concept of Skillful Means.   more »

I've linked to blog into shape before, but this post really does lay out the basics of cardio and weight training - clearly and concisely.  The description covers the basics that I've read about in every exercise plan I have looked at.

Missing would be diet and stretching, but the exercise portion is covered, in about 10 short paragraphs.  You can buy books that go on about the same basic program, that go on for 10 chapters!

It's worth a look. 

Saw this.  Thought it was cute!

A few years ago, there came onto the scene, a diet and exercise program called "Body for Life".   more »