Integral Life Practice: A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening

OK, it says that this book was written by three people (Terry Patten, Adam Leonard and Marco Morelli) and that Ken Wilber was only the meta-author, it is so strongly drenched in everything Wilber wrote before that he might as well have written it himself. The three co-authors are clearly very faithful disciples of Wilber's. That said, I believe the book's contents are awesome. This is a very broad, yet deep, method of approaching development in all its aspects as an integral whole. If there is something I always believed in, even before I had read anything Wilber wrote or even knew he existed, it is development. Wilber's Integral Psychology is still my favourite book of his, but Integral Life Practice comes close, mainly due its sheer practicality. It does give you the basics of Integral Theory, but not in the depth that other books have done. Thankfully so, for all that is well-known stuff to those who know Wilber and need not be repeated in this book. It's about the practice and this book does everything to make the reader want to practice. From each of the four main modules (Body, Mind, Shadow, Spirit) to the numerous "additional" modules, all is aimed at making you do things and that is a welcome addition to all theoretical books that were written before on the subject. Whether you have plenty of time or not, there are always exercises that fit into your schedule. And all that is presented without any unnecessary links to religions that may not be your own. Thankfully, by the way, the "Shadow" as it was introduced in "Integral Spirituality" is now reframed to be what it is: psychotherapy. I always found the Shadow as Wilber described it overrated, but am much more at peace with its application in this book and the confirmation that it is just an application of normal psychotherapy. I was most happy with two things. First of all the chapter about Integral Ethics, which is something that I have been wondering about and had a hard time explaining to myself and others, but which is finally extensively described (albeit without practices) in one of the later chapters. Secondly, the fact that the book really makes you want to do this stuff, including making development plans ("ILP Blueprints") and tracking your progress. It even made me create a plan and follow through on it :-). Greatest irritations are twofold as well. Firstly the frequent use of vague wording for the non-dual state: Suchness, I AMness, True Face, etc. I appreciate that such a state is hard to describe in clear words, but these words tell me nothing, even lead me away from the essence of non-duality. My second irritation is worse, though and has to do with the same subject: Wilber et al keep confusing the causal state (that of the Witness) with the non-dual state, which, specifically in the Spirit module, is annoying. Back in 2005 already, The International Journal of Transpersonal Studies published a paper by Burton Daniels called "Nondualism and the Divine Domain" where this is

The Integral Life Practice book has the potential to launch many into higher levels of spiritual understanding, health, relationships, community, and consciousness. It has the most comprehensive and up-to-date sections on mind, body, and spirit work, and also includes a chapter on the "shadow" work that elaborates what Wilber described in [ASIN:1570627436 No Boundary: Eastern and Western Approaches to Personal Growth]. Shadow work, in case you don't know, is a process for ending obsessions, stress, the blame game, projections, etc. It can lead to tremendous psychological freedom. Just buying this book for the shadow process alone is worth it. It is the most intelligent, grounded, and sensitive personal and transpersonal growth book I've come across in my all my decades of practice. It has no comparison.

well done. ken wilber's work gets an excellent rendering here. comprehensive without dumbing down some very complex material, this book shares some of the specifics of integral theory brought to life. enjoyed it---left me feeling enthusiastic to practice the various 'modules' to experience the benefits.

This book is truly a gift to humanity. It contains simple yet essential practices for those looking to take the leap of faith into the next stage of human consciousness and evolution. It is written intelligently yet it's tone is warm, friendly, and easy-to understand. The team of writers challenge and engage us not just to think about ways to improve our lives, but to actually practice those ways, to do and be those ways. The writers give us a dynamic and effective tool to actualize our true and widest and highest potentials. The book distills a variety of powerful techniques and information from ancient traditions and the latest cutting-edge technologies into one short, sweet, and potent read. I especially liked the examples they give on how to start your own Integral Life Practice (ILP). This book is a great addition to the Integral Life Practice Starter Kit It expands on many of the products included in the kit. I think that this book will attract a larger and broader audience than Ken Wilber's previous works did. It is sure to change and transform many people lives. Can't wait to see what Ken and the folks at Integral have in store for the future. This book is highly recommended.

There's so much fragmentation in spirituality now days its a sweet refreshment to find a book that integrates body, mind, spirit and shadow practices in a seamless, clear and understandable fashion. Read it, pick up the concepts presented, and practice. In doing so the proof is in the pudding, and you'll be well on your way to experiencing an extraordinarily rich life.