I picked up “Integral Spirituality” by Ken Wilber a while ago from my favourite bookstore, (Banyen Books in Vancouver) and I devoured it, I loved it, it filled an unmet need of some kind for me, it felt that the final missing piece had clunked in. It really felt like the logical, linear, science type part of me had a “thrist quenched”. I felt like buying copies for some family members who are the “pure science” types and from whom I have a distinctly different view of life and religion and spirituality. It was like this book could finally convince them, (because of the mathematical formulae) that I was right. Yes, a brief glimpse into my family of origin issues which are integrally involved in my shadow the “filter” with which I view my world I acknowedge! Yes, Ken Wilber, to me could represent my “unresolved” brother issues! Yes, and……another part of me says the following……
I had never felt drawn to read any of Ken Wilber’s work before, being more interested in reading Barbara Marx Hubbard, Riane Eisler, Vicki Noble and Margaret Wheatley. I think it was the word “spirituality” that drew me and I totally respect this work of Ken’s to attempt a ‘meta analysis’ of all religions, all spiritual traditions and all states, stages and lines etc. and pull it all into a framework. It totally felt to me like the most “cutting edge” framework that I could find. I immersed myself in the Integral Institute website, thinking of doing advanced training with them or at the very least some workshops.
I was ecstatic to see a women’s event. Eagerly skimming through the program, I felt like I was hit with a sledgehammer when I read that the key feature of the retreat was watching a video of Ken Wilber talking to us. Yes, there was some sacred dancing thrown in and a few other “divine feminine” type activities but I was absolutely stunned at the program which did not in any way feel integral to me, nor was anything close to what I had expected.
I chatted about this with 2 wise women friends, one of whom is very familiar with Integral theory and we both felt that there is something missing from the integral framework. She said what is missing is “concentric circles’, I said what is missing is “heart”. We both felt that it is very “heady” and for us, being bodycentered and integrated in mind and body, living in the present moment is how we attempt to live.
So, I ended up with more questions, ponderings and felt experience. I have been asking what a wisdom council of grandmothers would say about this book. I am asking, what is beyond “integral theory”, what about cycles, I feel the lack of heart centered body centered acknowledgement, I don’t think religions can be the conveyor belts of anything until the shadow of all religions is brought to the light. I am triggered, questioning, uncertain and unknowing and just “sitting with it all”. Yes, I am right in the middle of “include and transcend”.
I would love to hear your thoughts!
peace, namaste & hippy love for generations,
Zoey