Integral Meditation: Mindfulness as a Way to Grow Up, Wake Up, and Show Up in Your Life
by
Ken Wilber
4.07 · Rating details · 194 ratings · 17 reviews
A radical approach to mindfulness—combining an ancient meditation technique with leading-edge theory, resulting in a powerful new method of self-transformation.
With practical teachings and detailed instructions, Ken Wilber introduces Integral Mindfulness, a new way of practicing the widely popular meditation. Integral Mindfulness applies many of the leading-edge insights of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory--the first system to combine Eastern teachings on the five stages of awakening with the eight major Western models of human development, thus portraying the complete path of human evolution. In addition to all the benefits to body, mind, and spirit that standard mindfulness meditation confers, practicing Integral Mindfulness promises a more powerful approach to personal transformation and brings within reach the fullest experience of Enlightenment possible.
Beginning with as little as fifteen to thirty minutes of daily sessions, the meditator can gradually expand from there by slowly and easily adding significant aspects of the practice. Meditation instructions and step-by-step guided contemplations are given in detail. Readers learn how to create a graph to track progress and discover natural strengths and potentials. The book also offers recommended readings and resources to facilitate further study. (less)
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by
Ken Wilber
4.07 · Rating details · 194 ratings · 17 reviews
A radical approach to mindfulness—combining an ancient meditation technique with leading-edge theory, resulting in a powerful new method of self-transformation.
With practical teachings and detailed instructions, Ken Wilber introduces Integral Mindfulness, a new way of practicing the widely popular meditation. Integral Mindfulness applies many of the leading-edge insights of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory--the first system to combine Eastern teachings on the five stages of awakening with the eight major Western models of human development, thus portraying the complete path of human evolution. In addition to all the benefits to body, mind, and spirit that standard mindfulness meditation confers, practicing Integral Mindfulness promises a more powerful approach to personal transformation and brings within reach the fullest experience of Enlightenment possible.
Beginning with as little as fifteen to thirty minutes of daily sessions, the meditator can gradually expand from there by slowly and easily adding significant aspects of the practice. Meditation instructions and step-by-step guided contemplations are given in detail. Readers learn how to create a graph to track progress and discover natural strengths and potentials. The book also offers recommended readings and resources to facilitate further study. (less)
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A radical approach to mindfulness and self-transformation that combines an ancient meditation technique with leading-edge theory
With practical teachings and detailed instructions, Ken Wilber introduces Integral Mindfulness, a new way of practicing the widely popular meditation. Integral Mindfulness applies many of the leading-edge insights of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory—the first system to combine Eastern teachings on the five stages of awakening with the eight major Western models of human development, thus portraying the complete path of human evolution. In addition to all the benefits to body, mind, and spirit that standard mindfulness meditation confers, practicing Integral Mindfulness promises a more powerful approach to personal transformation and brings within reach the fullest experience of Enlightenment possible.
Beginning with as little as fifteen to thirty minutes of daily sessions, the meditator can gradually expand from there by slowly and easily adding significant aspects of the practice. Meditation instructions and step-by-step guided contemplations are given in detail. Readers learn how to create a graph to track progress and discover natural strengths and potentials. The book also offers recommended readings and resources to facilitate further study.
---
Paperback, 240 pages
Published March 15th 2016 by Shambhala (first published December 1st 2015)
ISBN
1611802989 (ISBN13: 9781611802986)
Write a review
Mar 17, 2016Eugene Pustoshkin rated it it was amazing
Shelves: integral, integral-spirituality, integral-buddhism
This is an excellent book! Both beginners and advanced readers of Ken Wilber’s work will find their delight in it (if they approach the text with beginner’s mind instead of mind full of prejudices and excessive expectations—in fact, it does no good to approach any work with such an impure attitude).
In a very simple and accessible language it outlines an Integral framework for one of the most profound advances in the history of meditative/contemplative/spiritual practice, showing how the all-encompassing and elegant Integral AQAL system can be used as a practical means for cultivating awakened unitive consciousness admidst the world’s activities.
Beginners will find the book quite easy to read, yet providing some challenges to their previous assumptions. And why would one read a book that is not at least a little bit challenging?
Advanced readers could read between lines—and between lines and in the spaces between words and letters there is shimmering of this gigantic ocean of Integral Awareness, an interconnected unity of structure and state of human consciousness that is vibrant with spiritual awakening and is willing to flower in the space or opening of your being-in-the-world.
This is a pioneering work that lays down foundations of that which will likely be developed into very sophisticated and flexible systems of transformation by various individuals and communities of practice in the world. That’s a truly third-tier transpersonal vision of World’s enactment, delivered in a language which can be understood by people of different states and structures of consciousness.
It opens your heartmind up and allows the kosmic evolutionary impulse do its work in transforming your ordinary mind into the mind of Awakened Awareness. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Mar 18, 2016Ramo Boer rated it it was amazing
Shelves: mindfulness, meditation, spiritual-psychology, ken-wilber, psychology
Good to read that Wilber is still evolving in ideas, concepts and practical applications. Inspiring is his division in structures (Grow Up) of consciousness and states of consciousness (Wake Up). Showing Up are the practical ramifications of these insights.
A well articulated and explained oversight of available levels of development, psychologically and spiritually.
He makes a compelling plea for Cleaning Up - the knowledge that meditation and mindfulness in itself don't clean up our mess from the past, and that sincere and deep psychotherapy to own our wounds and reactivity is mandatory for most if not all aspirant and seasoned spiritual travelers and practioners!
(less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Sep 24, 2020Brian rated it it was amazing
This book was just what I needed to read this week. It gives simple examples of how and what to focus on during mindfulness sessions to make that which is subject be an object of deeper contemplation. It gives many positive in-roads for someone to step into more of a clear vision of what meditation can look like and invites those who are looking for more of a roadmap for spiritual and personal awareness of the suchness of life to begin one's journey into the depths of one's experience of being. Wilber is an author whose positive and integrative writing can become a bit bogged down in repetitive thoughts, and also one whose spirit of inclusion and forward movement brings me, as a reader, toward a sense of desire for action within myself and my community. This book reminded me what I fell in love with when I read his ideas in my early 20's, and now in my late 30's, having spent more time reflecting and expanding my own meditative practice, he is here again to inspire me to seek further depths of understanding and appreciation of the complexity of the universe that lays before me. His theories can come off as a elitist from certain views, but I think that he is inviting each reader to take up their own spiritual and personal path towards a greater understanding and experience of that which each reader is looking for in life and his confidence in his ideology is refreshing to hear. His writing gives me a desire to read more and to practice more mindfulness for myself and share the experiences I have with others, and that is what powerful ideas in writing tend to do for me. Thanks, Ken, for this opportunity to hear an old message from fresh eyes, heart, and spirit. It was a good opportunity for me to recharge in the light of your positive spirit of inclusion. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Apr 01, 2016Bob marked it as to-read
I bought the Integral Meditation book because I own all of Ken’s previous books.
The introduction made me very excited and promised a more productive or efficient spiritual growth process , a Super Duper Integral Meditation.
From one (or more)of Ken’s earlier books, the 3rd way of knowing or the 3rd eye or the eye of the spirit was prescribed something like this from Ken. “meditate for 5 years and then get back to me” The Introduction seemed to offer hope to me since 5 years of meditation have not met my expectations. So I was looking to a shortcut for meditation results.
But Chap
1,Growing Up, is simply a restatement of classic AQAL Stages
Chap 2, Waking up, is simply a restatement of classic AQAL States
Chap 3, Showing up, is more detail on the 4 quadrants classic perspectives
Chap 4, Our many Streams its a review of Ken’s Classic Lines of Development, etc
So I was hoping that Chap 5 would help me learn methods for SuperDuper Integral MEDITATION. But I didn’t get it. In fact it wasn’t till page 212 that I saw the word meditation. I would like to see the results of a search for the word meditation in the 221 pages of the book.
How do I do Super Duper Integral Meditation?
(less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 01, 2015Friederike V. added it
I am very much interested in this book of Wilder to come, because (meanwhile 85) I have read all the books from this autor. --- Of course I like it, when his books are translated in German. If there is a project for translation, please let me know, I can wait. - - Otherwise I will buy the Englisch version by amazon. When is it to come on the market?
In these days we are just going through, one cannot but pray that thougts and consciousness of mankind rapidly will grow, will finish "sleepig"
Much success for much feed-back !
Friederike v. Müller, Germany
(less)
flag1 like · Like · 3 comments · see review
Apr 14, 2018Fabian rated it liked it
If you're a Wilber fan (and I am) this book is redundant. If you're new to Wilber, this is not the book to start with; that would be "A Brief History of Everything."
I will say, I am inspired to spend more time meditating on each of the structure-stages (Growing Up) and continuing to identify the forces operating on me from each structure-stage. That inspiration could have just come from an article or essay.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 08, 2019Barb Cherem rated it liked it
Ken Wilbur does a lot of repeating, but what I found original in this book that was pretty profound was his distinctions between "Waking Up", "Growing Up" and "Showing Up", as I'd always sort of wondered how somebody as brilliant as Einstein could have such a paltry and shoddy personal life. His distinctions sort of explain these huge discrepancies that seem pretty common in many circles. I'm not sure I'd call it "emotional intelligence" or the lack of it, but something a bit more full bodied than that of Goleman, as it involves a maturing.
My reservations to Wilber is that he writes in an areas that truly needs vetting and has skirted that process in that he's not in the academic world where that would be a necessity. I think he is weakened by not having that sort of rigorous back-and-forth process at his disposal. He would be stretched if he did have that as a foundation; it would only improve his model and thoughts. As it is, he has "critics" with little redeeming merits to strengthen his thoughts and writing. I am sorry for that lack.
Otherwise, I find him an original and challenging author, despite his repetitive quadrants, which indeed are his foundation and very powerful. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Jul 14, 2020Jan rated it did not like it
Shelves: won-t-finish
What a load of new age rubbish: PSEUDO SCIENCE!
I wasn't a hundred percent convinced from the start because it sounded Freudian and he rambled in his writing as if he is making it up on the spot.
I did not even get past the first chapter.
I am not a theist. But he spent a good portion of his time bashing bible stories and then saying that ESP, precognition, and telekinesis is real.
This guy is two steps away from starting the next scientology.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jan 07, 2020Nicolas rated it really liked it
Shelves: coaching
I have been interested in learning more about integral theory (and its corresponding meditation). I started reading another of Ken Wilber's book but found it quite difficult to grasp for someone starting on his journey to the integral theory (and getting lost in the level of details provided).
This book - Integral meditation - is a good segway into this framework without being overloaded.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jan 12, 2018Peter rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spirituality, 2018
Understanding integral theory has been a great challenge, but I am getting closer. This for anyone who thinks about growth and development.
Paperback, 240 pages
Published March 15th 2016 by Shambhala (first published December 1st 2015)
ISBN
1611802989 (ISBN13: 9781611802986)
Write a review
Mar 17, 2016Eugene Pustoshkin rated it it was amazing
Shelves: integral, integral-spirituality, integral-buddhism
This is an excellent book! Both beginners and advanced readers of Ken Wilber’s work will find their delight in it (if they approach the text with beginner’s mind instead of mind full of prejudices and excessive expectations—in fact, it does no good to approach any work with such an impure attitude).
In a very simple and accessible language it outlines an Integral framework for one of the most profound advances in the history of meditative/contemplative/spiritual practice, showing how the all-encompassing and elegant Integral AQAL system can be used as a practical means for cultivating awakened unitive consciousness admidst the world’s activities.
Beginners will find the book quite easy to read, yet providing some challenges to their previous assumptions. And why would one read a book that is not at least a little bit challenging?
Advanced readers could read between lines—and between lines and in the spaces between words and letters there is shimmering of this gigantic ocean of Integral Awareness, an interconnected unity of structure and state of human consciousness that is vibrant with spiritual awakening and is willing to flower in the space or opening of your being-in-the-world.
This is a pioneering work that lays down foundations of that which will likely be developed into very sophisticated and flexible systems of transformation by various individuals and communities of practice in the world. That’s a truly third-tier transpersonal vision of World’s enactment, delivered in a language which can be understood by people of different states and structures of consciousness.
It opens your heartmind up and allows the kosmic evolutionary impulse do its work in transforming your ordinary mind into the mind of Awakened Awareness. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Mar 18, 2016Ramo Boer rated it it was amazing
Shelves: mindfulness, meditation, spiritual-psychology, ken-wilber, psychology
Good to read that Wilber is still evolving in ideas, concepts and practical applications. Inspiring is his division in structures (Grow Up) of consciousness and states of consciousness (Wake Up). Showing Up are the practical ramifications of these insights.
A well articulated and explained oversight of available levels of development, psychologically and spiritually.
He makes a compelling plea for Cleaning Up - the knowledge that meditation and mindfulness in itself don't clean up our mess from the past, and that sincere and deep psychotherapy to own our wounds and reactivity is mandatory for most if not all aspirant and seasoned spiritual travelers and practioners!
(less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Sep 24, 2020Brian rated it it was amazing
This book was just what I needed to read this week. It gives simple examples of how and what to focus on during mindfulness sessions to make that which is subject be an object of deeper contemplation. It gives many positive in-roads for someone to step into more of a clear vision of what meditation can look like and invites those who are looking for more of a roadmap for spiritual and personal awareness of the suchness of life to begin one's journey into the depths of one's experience of being. Wilber is an author whose positive and integrative writing can become a bit bogged down in repetitive thoughts, and also one whose spirit of inclusion and forward movement brings me, as a reader, toward a sense of desire for action within myself and my community. This book reminded me what I fell in love with when I read his ideas in my early 20's, and now in my late 30's, having spent more time reflecting and expanding my own meditative practice, he is here again to inspire me to seek further depths of understanding and appreciation of the complexity of the universe that lays before me. His theories can come off as a elitist from certain views, but I think that he is inviting each reader to take up their own spiritual and personal path towards a greater understanding and experience of that which each reader is looking for in life and his confidence in his ideology is refreshing to hear. His writing gives me a desire to read more and to practice more mindfulness for myself and share the experiences I have with others, and that is what powerful ideas in writing tend to do for me. Thanks, Ken, for this opportunity to hear an old message from fresh eyes, heart, and spirit. It was a good opportunity for me to recharge in the light of your positive spirit of inclusion. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Apr 01, 2016Bob marked it as to-read
I bought the Integral Meditation book because I own all of Ken’s previous books.
The introduction made me very excited and promised a more productive or efficient spiritual growth process , a Super Duper Integral Meditation.
From one (or more)of Ken’s earlier books, the 3rd way of knowing or the 3rd eye or the eye of the spirit was prescribed something like this from Ken. “meditate for 5 years and then get back to me” The Introduction seemed to offer hope to me since 5 years of meditation have not met my expectations. So I was looking to a shortcut for meditation results.
But Chap
1,Growing Up, is simply a restatement of classic AQAL Stages
Chap 2, Waking up, is simply a restatement of classic AQAL States
Chap 3, Showing up, is more detail on the 4 quadrants classic perspectives
Chap 4, Our many Streams its a review of Ken’s Classic Lines of Development, etc
So I was hoping that Chap 5 would help me learn methods for SuperDuper Integral MEDITATION. But I didn’t get it. In fact it wasn’t till page 212 that I saw the word meditation. I would like to see the results of a search for the word meditation in the 221 pages of the book.
How do I do Super Duper Integral Meditation?
(less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 01, 2015Friederike V. added it
I am very much interested in this book of Wilder to come, because (meanwhile 85) I have read all the books from this autor. --- Of course I like it, when his books are translated in German. If there is a project for translation, please let me know, I can wait. - - Otherwise I will buy the Englisch version by amazon. When is it to come on the market?
In these days we are just going through, one cannot but pray that thougts and consciousness of mankind rapidly will grow, will finish "sleepig"
Much success for much feed-back !
Friederike v. Müller, Germany
(less)
flag1 like · Like · 3 comments · see review
Apr 14, 2018Fabian rated it liked it
If you're a Wilber fan (and I am) this book is redundant. If you're new to Wilber, this is not the book to start with; that would be "A Brief History of Everything."
I will say, I am inspired to spend more time meditating on each of the structure-stages (Growing Up) and continuing to identify the forces operating on me from each structure-stage. That inspiration could have just come from an article or essay.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 08, 2019Barb Cherem rated it liked it
Ken Wilbur does a lot of repeating, but what I found original in this book that was pretty profound was his distinctions between "Waking Up", "Growing Up" and "Showing Up", as I'd always sort of wondered how somebody as brilliant as Einstein could have such a paltry and shoddy personal life. His distinctions sort of explain these huge discrepancies that seem pretty common in many circles. I'm not sure I'd call it "emotional intelligence" or the lack of it, but something a bit more full bodied than that of Goleman, as it involves a maturing.
My reservations to Wilber is that he writes in an areas that truly needs vetting and has skirted that process in that he's not in the academic world where that would be a necessity. I think he is weakened by not having that sort of rigorous back-and-forth process at his disposal. He would be stretched if he did have that as a foundation; it would only improve his model and thoughts. As it is, he has "critics" with little redeeming merits to strengthen his thoughts and writing. I am sorry for that lack.
Otherwise, I find him an original and challenging author, despite his repetitive quadrants, which indeed are his foundation and very powerful. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Jul 14, 2020Jan rated it did not like it
Shelves: won-t-finish
What a load of new age rubbish: PSEUDO SCIENCE!
I wasn't a hundred percent convinced from the start because it sounded Freudian and he rambled in his writing as if he is making it up on the spot.
I did not even get past the first chapter.
I am not a theist. But he spent a good portion of his time bashing bible stories and then saying that ESP, precognition, and telekinesis is real.
This guy is two steps away from starting the next scientology.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jan 07, 2020Nicolas rated it really liked it
Shelves: coaching
I have been interested in learning more about integral theory (and its corresponding meditation). I started reading another of Ken Wilber's book but found it quite difficult to grasp for someone starting on his journey to the integral theory (and getting lost in the level of details provided).
This book - Integral meditation - is a good segway into this framework without being overloaded.
flagLike · comment · see review
Jan 12, 2018Peter rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spirituality, 2018
Understanding integral theory has been a great challenge, but I am getting closer. This for anyone who thinks about growth and development.
===
From Australia
Tom Stuart
5.0 out of 5 stars Puts a lot of the theory in a neat package
Reviewed in Australia on 11 June 2019
Verified Purchase
Wilber repeats a lot of stuff in his books but for me, as a reader, it is like reinforcement and there is a little bit of development each time, even if simply phrasing things in a more explicable way. As for his metatheory, it makes sense of my experience, as someone who is not particularly intelligent and yet I seem to more easily embrace complexity, diversity, paradox, and uncertainty, than many around me who are way smarter. And after many years and hours of spiritual disciplines, I've discovered for myself the states and stages, though the growing up stages are clearer to me than the waking up stages.
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From other countries
Dr G W Owens
4.0 out of 5 stars Complex but very
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 October 2017
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Complex but very good
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2017
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Just as described. Thanks
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Carolyn Winter
5.0 out of 5 stars I love Ken Wilbers work but must admit it has taken ...
Reviewed in Canada on 21 March 2018
Verified Purchase
I love Ken Wilbers work but must admit it has taken a while to really 'get' all of the theory. This book and some of the recent online courses are taking his amazing body of work on consciousness (or thinking about HOW we think) and making it accessible, practical and very inspiring for most of us. We often stop and remark about how rapidly life is changing and ways we used to do things have become obsolete - tv guides, phone books, etc. What we rarely think about is how our actual way of thinking is changing, how are physical brain is actually getting reshaped. In ken's work they refer to the 'frothy edge of evolution' - this book helps you to find your new place in time and history. It will help you to understand the world changing around you and encourage you to create your own world.
3 people found this helpful
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S M Bothra
5.0 out of 5 stars Foundation for a complete system
Reviewed in India on 19 October 2018
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Integral Meditation :Mindfulness as a way to grow up, wake up and show up is one of the gems from the Ken Wilber stable. It comprehensively explains the AQAL framework (all quadrants, all states all stages all lines all types) -the 4Qudrant matrix proposed by Wilber, the states of consciousness -waking up, the stages of development- growing up ,multiple intelligence lines and typologies.
Ken Wilber was a pioneer in Transpersonal Psychology. He later branched out propounded the 4quadrants system and founded Integral Psychology, which provides the theoretical foundation for integral spiritually and integral meditation.
Traditional meditation systems take care of the waking up aspect, the consciousness dimension. The integral meditation system also takes care of the growth aspect, the development dimension, integrating the two holistically. The book offers it's theory only. For getting into actual practice you will need to be formerly initiated into it. At one of its centers or by one of its teachers. But do read this book. It does complete justice to its sub title.
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Angel7
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lighter way of Life
Reviewed in Canada on 21 April 2016
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Excellent! As a long time meditator I found the material very uplifting and useful. Plus discovered some new twists with an integral approach to meditation and spirituality. As always, Ken never fails to expose new patterns of awareness available to everyone when you are open to deeper understanding. A truly refreshing read with options to take action in your own life. There is light even within the shadows of humanity.
4 people found this helpful
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Aki Karvonen
3.0 out of 5 stars Buddhist mediation is already integral
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 July 2016
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Ken Wilber is a brilliant thinker, I have all (sic) his books and used to be a kind of fan in the past. But...nowadays Ken is packaging the same stuff in different packages, now combining AQAL model and meditation. Sometimes I feel, to be honest, that he is trying to make more money than writing good books as he did in the past. Well, he has written a lot of good books already, but this is the feeling I sometimes have. Maybe this is the way of Integral; using AQAL concepts in different contexts. But, sometimes the usage of the concepts seems a bit artificial and calling integral mediation somehow astonishing and revolutionary is in my opinion artificial in deed. Mediation, especially Buddhist, has always been "integral" by combining the body, gross, subtle and causal (Ken often uses these) , i.e. Satipatthana, the four foundations of mindfulness including body, feelings, mind, and dhammas. Neverthless, this is a good book for Ken's fans and a good repetition of the his integral thinking model, but it did not bring anything new to meditation as such.
15 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 9 May 2018
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Wonderful book. Not a very easy read though...
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 23 April 2017
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Une vision vraiment intéressante !
2 people found this helpful
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Ed Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 1 January 2017
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A modern review of old Buddhist principals
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