Handbook for an Integrated Life

See the Current. How is mainstream American culture moving you in the direction you want to go - or away from it? Before you can make changes, you need to see the influence of the Current all around you. What is the thing in your life that appears “normal” to everyone but is nonetheless causing you discomfort, fear, or guilt? What are some alternatives? What might you do differently, big or small? Is there some way to test a new approach without going all in?

Embrace “Yes, and” to Keep Making Progress. Small steps matter. Keep taking small, positive steps and pretty soon you’ll be walking, even running in the right direction. Don’t let positive steps in one area absolve you from action in another area. Take a minute now and think of something you are already doing that you feel good about. How can you embrace a “yes, and” mentality and extend its impact a little further by doing the next right thing?

Don’t Give Back; Just Give. We’re often told we should “get ours first” and then help others, which excuses a lot of selfish behavior along the way. There are countless ways to give to others while still on our own journey, and it brings more joy to us at the same time. Think about the tasks in front of you for the next two weeks. Can you identify an area where you might just give? Perhaps with a neighbor, a co-worker, or a business you visit. Take a minute to plan how you could inject generosity into your actions in one of those upcoming situations.

Be Brave. Sometimes it’s tempting to ignore or avoid the areas where we aren’t living or acting in alignment with our own values. Be honest with yourself, name those areas and resolve to address them. Is there something you’ve been avoiding and need to address? A job or a relationship or a hobby that doesn’t feel aligned with your values? What would it mean to be brave in this situation?

Resist the Allure of Convenience. We’ve been sold the idea that our own convenience is the highest priority and the most important attribute of any product or service, leading us to sideline other values, from worker health and safety to environmental protection. If you have a little extra time or money, pay the “convenience tax” to act in alignment with your values. Look at your economic activity for the coming week. Can you identify some area where you can pay a little “convenience tax” or shop local to bring more benefit to your community? If you need something that is available from a big national retailer (or online giant), can you set aside 15 minutes to see if alternatives are available from locally owned suppliers?

Walk Lightly in the World. Americans’ ecological footprint far outpaces many other parts of the world and we consume more resources than the earth can regenerate in the same time period. Make consumption of resources a conscious and necessary choice and not mindless entertainment. Is there something you thought you needed that you might be able to go without? Can you apply the purchasing hierarchy to some items on your wish list? For example, if you need work clothing for a return to office, could you find a local consignment store instead of heading to the mall?