Read sample
Follow the authorsSee all
Marco MorelliMarco Morelli
Follow
Ken WilberKen Wilber
Follow
Integral Life Practice: A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening Paperback – Illustrated, 15 October 2008
by Ken Wilber (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (246)
A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening
How to put Ken Wilber's Integral Theory-which synthesizes the teachings of the world's great wisdom traditions-into practice in all aspects of everyday life, so you can reach your full human potential
"A masterpiece guide of grounded, intelligent, self-transforming wisdom integrating the insights of all the great traditions of truth."-Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit
Over the last thirty-five years, Ken Wilber has developed an Integral "theory of everything" that makes sense of how all the world's knowledge systems-East and West; ancient, modern, and postmodern-fit together and can elevate our awareness. Drawing on science, psychology, human development, spirituality, religion, and dozens of other fields, Integral Theory is a revolutionary framework for understanding ourselves and the world we live in.
Now there is a way to not just think Integrally, but to embody an Integral worldview in your everyday life.
Integral Life Practice is not just a new approach to self-development and higher awareness, but a way of making sense of-and making best use of-the existing treasure trove of insights, methods, and practices for cultivating a more enlightened life. It offers a uniquely adaptive approach to awakened living that's suitable for everyone- people with busy careers and families, college students, retirees, even hardcore athletes and yogis. It's geared for devout-and irreverent-people of any religion, or no religion!
This highly flexible system will help you develop your physical health, spiritual awareness, emotional balance, mental clarity, relational joy, and energy level, within a framework that integrates all aspects of your life. Combining original exercises, vivid examples, cutting-edge theory, and illustrative graphics, Integral Life Practice is the ultimate handbook for realizing freedom and fullness in the 21st century.
Read less
Review
"At once challenging and uplifting, tender yet assertive, this provocative and accessible book is the source text for a new movement in post-metaphysics and life transformation. This book is the definitive roadmap for your journey to an awakened life."
--Anthony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power
"From the moment I began an Integral Life Practice, it was as if my life was assigned a new trajectory and course setting from deep within the cockpit of my soul. 'Glory upon Glory' is the way my days are unfolding since I began to practice. An ILP is an incredible catalyst to growth in ways that I could never have imagined. See for yourself!"
--Eddie Kowalczyk, lead singer-songwriter of Live
"Integral Life Practice is an extraordinary achievement. Comprehensive, detailed, and powerfully rational, it inspires any and all of us to consider more deeply how profound is our embrace of the life we are living. The searing clarity of the integral perspective leaps off every page of this manual for personal evolution, clearly illuminating what it means to be fully alive!"
--Andrew Cohen, spiritual teacher and founder of EnlightenNext
"Ken Wilber's Integral Theory has created a road map. Now Terry Patten, Adam Leonard, and Marco Morelli have added a GPS (Global Practicing System) with Integral Life Practice. Travelers on the spiritual path will find this book indispensable."
--Brother David Steindl-Rast, Benedictine monk, author of Listening Heart and The Heart of Prayer, and cofounder of Gratefulness.org
"Once again, Ken Wilber and his colleagues have taken a big subject, swallowed the whole thing and the kitchen sink too, and then spent years working to understand it, digest it, metabolize it, and then translate it into clear prose and helpful practices. And the outcome? This wonderfully helpful manual for living: Integral Life Practice. A fantastic resource for a more peaceful, meaningful, intelligent, and exuberant life."
--Elizabeth Lesser, author of Broken Open and The Seeker's Guide, and cofounder of Omega Institute
"Ken Wilber and the authors of this clearly written, sensible, well-informed book are fellow explorers with George Leonard and me in the development of integral transformative practices. Such practices grow out of a philosophic vision dawning across the world that joins our aspiration for personal and social transformation with both science and the contemplative traditions. This book will advance this developing worldview and the disciplines needed to actualize it."
--Michael Murphy, author of The Future of the Body and The Life We Are Given, and cofounder of Esalen Institute
"Integral Life Practice will help you build the healthy foundation from which you can wake up to your transcendent nature or Big Mind. Western aspirants have long needed a universal practice manual that wisely draws upon ancient traditions and modern science and psychology. Now we have it--an inspiring, straightforward guide for living a truly harmonious, awakened life."
--Zen Master Dennis Genpo Merzel, author of Big Mind, Big Heart
"Integral Life Practice is a masterpiece guide of grounded, intelligent, self-transforming wisdom integrating the insights of all the great traditions of truth."
--Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Entering the Castle
"This book makes Ken Wilber's ideas come alive. It spells out how to apply Integral philosophy to everyday life by working with body, mind, spirit, and the deeper psychological aspects of ourselves. Integral Life Practice presents a useful map of one's existential condition leading toward the attainment of the highest states of consciousness."
--Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche
"Integral Life Practice offers a finely honed distillation of some of the most effective and universal practices from the great wisdom traditions, at the same time presenting a context for practice that is both soaring and sensible. True to its title, it takes seriously the human need for fully balanced development, for depth as well as breadth, for psychological as well as spiritual development, for softness and toughness, for ethics and bold experimentation. Beautifully written, laid out in accessible modules, the book is truly an on-and-off-the-mat guide to 21st-century practice, arising from that place in us which stands in the best of tradition, yet rides the cutting edge."
--Swami Sally Kempton, author of The Heart of Meditation
"Integral Life Practice brings the integral system from the mind to doable action in life. Here is a treasure of integral Upaya."
--Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, past holder of the World Wisdom Chair of Naropa University
"Integral Life Practice represents a particular milestone. It gives a lucid and easy to understand summary of the Integral thought-system, without dumbing it down--no mean feat. What's more, it describes in an engaging and practical way what to do in order to live from this elegant and inclusive worldview. If you want a clear and easy-to-follow map for waking up, read this book."
--Bill Harris, Director, Centerpointe Research Institute and creator of Holosync Meditation Technology
"Here we learn, through integral wisdom and disciplines, how to be freer and more fully authentic by ironing out the peaks of higher consciousness development into every nook and cranny of daily life. This is the secret of the integral life: transcending while including, and being there while getting there every single step of the way. Get ready to train your mind, open your heart, and awaken to your true universal Self."
--Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within, and founder of the Dzogchen Meditation Centers
"What if we could draw from the best of the world's ancient contemplative traditions as well as contemporary psychological and somatic therapies, and weld them into a powerful program for transforming our lives? Now we can, and Integral Life Practice is a happy result of this possibility."
--Roger Walsh MD, PhD, University of California, author of Essential Spirituality
About the Author
Ken Wilber is the author of over twenty books. He is the founder of Integral Institute, a think-tank for studying integral theory and practice, with outreach through local and online communities such as Integral Education Network, Integral Training, and Integral Spiritual Center.
TopAbout this itemSimilarFrom the BrandReviewsIntegral Life Practice: A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening
Product details
Publisher : SHAMBHALA - TRADE
Publication date : 15 October 2008
====
Customer Reviews:
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (246)
About the authors
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Marco Morelli
Poet, writer, editor, publisher; co-creator of Cosmos Co-op, Metapsychosis Journal, Untimely Books, and the Infinite Conversations forum. Indigenous to Space and refugee in Time. Residing in colorful Colorado w/ wife & two daughters, working on lyric/epic poem titled "I AM THE SINGULARITY."
Ken Wilber
Ken Wilber, a visionary thinker of inspired genius, is the developer of an integral “theory of everything” that embraces the truths of all the world’s great spiritual, scientific, and philosophical traditions. He is the most widely translated academic writer in America, with 25 books translated into some 30 foreign languages. Ken Wilber currently lives in Denver, Colorado, and is still active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print.
Often referred to as the"Einstein of consciousness studies", Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development.
Ken Wilber is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which is the first organization fully dedicated to advancement and application of the Integral Approach in relation to contemporary global issues. It was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, as well as, law and criminal justice.
In 2007 Wilber co-founded Integral Life, a social media-hub dedicated to sharing the integral vision with the world wide community, as well as documenting and catalyzing the progress of the integral movement.
He is the co-founder, together with Dr. Marc Gafni, Sally Kempton, and Dr. Zak Stein, of the Center for World Philosophy and Religion, where he contributes as part of David J. Temple, a pseudonym allowing collective authorship for the expression of Integral CosmoErotic Humanism.
See more on the author's page
==
From other countries
Letícia Eichstaedt Mayer
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep, dense.
Reviewed in Brazil on 20 August 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
For life! A dense book. Profound. For those who are open and in the quest to be better humans.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from Portuguese by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Gary Hawke
5.0 out of 5 stars ILP - AQAL in Action
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have been waiting for this book since I received a free download copy of chapter one - so much that I attended the 1st Integral Theory Conference in San Francisco (they had pre -publication copies).
I have been running the London Integral Life Practice group for two years and have come to realise that AQAL as a practice can be just as open, full and integral as Ken's theory.
It's a set of ideas - a framework that allows the practitioner and group to touch in, "get a taste" or as Terry Patten, the co-creator of ILP would say, " feel into the juiciness of life".
ILP allows pre modern, modern and post modern practice to sit in the same practice space. Meditation and Deep Body work along with Shadow or Psychodynamic work can support personal development allowing an expansion of perspective.
The ILP start kit released in 2005 shows how ILP worked - this manual gives a deeper cut, opening up the modules of ILP and expanding them.
For me the deepest and widest awakening came through the addition of the Soul Module allowing the practitioner to feel in to the fullness and freedom of their own unique self - freeing up the mind from its grasping and truly awakening to Big Mind/Big Heart.
I know that some feel Ken's work has an `it's my way or you're not integral' - but for me it's about feeling alive and ILP does that for me. It has allowed me to come into touch with practices I would never have engaged with. It has opened me up to a deeper and higher way of living. It's made me feel alive. And for that I thank Ken Wilber.
Buy the book, dive in and allow yourself a taste of Kosmic Consciousness. A one taste of the simple feeling of being.
50 people found this helpful
Report
CWard
5.0 out of 5 stars For change on all levels
Reviewed in the United States on 21 December 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
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.
35 people found this helpful
Report
Lupo
5.0 out of 5 stars Complete personal development work
Reviewed in France on 26 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Ken Wilber and his partners present us in this book a way of living on a daily basis with a synthesis of many practices from different backgrounds. Very interesting because it offers us a guideline for personal development work.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from French by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Michael Alexander Gauthier
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 2 March 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
100% Satisfied
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars It's life changing
Reviewed in India on 5 February 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Till date the best read of my life..
Report
Markus
5.0 out of 5 stars Top!
Reviewed in Germany on 30 January 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Shadow work in particular is extremely helpful!
One person found this helpful
Report
Translated from German by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
テルヤマモミジ
4.0 out of 5 stars Good for incorporating the meditation you care about
Reviewed in Japan on 8 April 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As for the content of superconsciousness, there is no doubt that it is Ken Wilber's solitary place in the present days.This practice is presented with Ken Wilber and his collaborators as a lifestyle for spiritual awakening, aiming to overcome and improve through meditation in shadow, body, mind, and spirit aspects.As an easy way, meditation for each minute is also illustrated, and it is easy to try.
In addition, 1.2.3 of God meditation seems to be perfect for conscious, uplifting, daily routine before work every morning.Moreover, I understood that the Shomyo Nenbutsu is a representation of 1.2.3 of God in one word, and I was once again aware of the great tradition of Buddhism.
However, it is regrettable that Ken Wilber is still not immune from Western psychology.
In this book, meditation towards the source cause and the viewer without going through the microscopic domain is shown. From the microscopic to the original causal region, it is corrected to be a different state of consciousness, not to improve linearly.You are expecting things to do.In addition, there are times when the division of the three parties of the improvement of spirituality, the original cause, the viewer, and the non-duality is unknown, and I do not know where I am aiming in meditation.
Moreover, because of the limit that modern Western rationalist reason is the place of the place of religious beliefs, it is neither a statement nor a feeling that spirituality will be cut off.
In real life, I feel that it is a little... to make the contents of this book a lifestyle habit.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from Japanese by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Shirley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 15 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good!
Report
Silver Arrow
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Guideline ✨
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
An excellent guidline for developing a full spectrum path - an appreciated Gift ✨
Report
==
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very inspiring book using a modern language and methods of exploration to explore enlightened territory. Balanced and advanced, demonstrating intimate knowledge of the terrain.
Highly reccomended to those with an established spiritual path, to those who yearn for a modern interpretation of ancient truths and states/stages of development.
Peace
Ciaran
22 people found this helpful
Report
Gunjika Misra
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on 20 April 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I Love it.
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 6 May 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good
Report
Ryan O'Neill
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing...but with some reservations
Reviewed in the United States on 10 March 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Here is the condensed version of what was originally a very lengthy review.
Pros:
-Wonderful introduction to a wholly comprehensive personal and spiritual development framework (this fact alone makes it worth the purchase).
-Most complete work I've seen regarding personal development. Definitely a "desert island" book. Read it and see what I mean.
Cons:
-The book tries to do too much. By "distilling" many practices, and I think they sometimes water them down and make them less effective. Also, complex spiritual ideas such as the dark night of the soul (p.372) are reduced to half a page.
-Ok, so, here is my biggest difficulty, and one that I could elaborate on, so I'll be as brief as possible.
My difficulty has less to do with ILP than with Wilber's AQAL framework, which is the foundation for this book. I think he fails in trying to be truly integral and unbiased. Granted, I do not think this is possible, and I applaud his efforts and think he comes pretty darn close.
Still, I think he could be a little more honest regarding his perspective. The majority of the exercises in the book, and many of its underlying philosophies, are decidedly Eastern. Given Wilber's background in Mahayana Buddhism, this is understandable. But again, I wish he were more explicit about this.
For instance, I have thoroughly studied Eastern spirituality, but have recently been more interested in Western forms of paganism, because they resonate with more on a more aesthetic, emotional, and even tribal level. My current interest is in integrating mythology in spiritual practice Jungian style, but according to Wilber this brings me down a notch to his "mythic" level of development. Also, the practices I have had the greatest success with, magick and NLP, were not mentioned because of this bias. I was strangely offended by this.
Overall, though, I think this is a great book to establish a more comprehensive perspective. Just don't take it as gospel, and use your own intuition and emotions as guidance.
30 people found this helpful
Report
Amazonus
4.0 out of 5 stars a lot of great
Reviewed in Germany on 17 September 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The good and bad reviews are all right.
I find the book partly too long winded (imer again the basic theory) and there are far too few exercises for me (many of the mentioned ones are not exactly described) and concrete hints in it, I would like much more, but because some of the exercises presented in the book are really great, especially from the shadow module, and also to the body exercises. As for the supposedly bad English translation: I bought it in English, but sometimes terms are formed and that is often not quite easy to understand in English .
Conclusion: So I benefited a lot from the book and would have just wanted more from the good practical in it and less theory.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from German by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Magdalena
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to integral life.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Quite a lot of theory on integral psychology, perhaps not that much on practice as I expected. Still, very good read and a great introduction to integral life.
One person found this helpful
Report
Oliver Centurier-Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspirational manual for a more rewarding life.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A brilliant and clear explanation of essential practices to expand life and make it more abundant by growing perspective of core areas of self, relationships and society.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Mad_ona_trip
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 24 October 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Not much a reviewer myself, but I'm dropping to give my five star support review for this excellent book.
This book is the bluprint to my growth process. My progress since taking on this approach has been profound and managable.
As many people I went through a lot of self-help until I derived into a more spiritual approach to growth, renouncing all my old library sensing I had found a higher and holier place. Gettin in touch with the integral theory has put my feet on the ground.
Everyother path I followed before seemed fragmented... not anymore. Conscious evolution and awakeining are superb goals to have in life. Evolution as in stages, maturity, growth, ethics, compassion... and Awakening to the essence of who I am. Both make more sense together than what they ever made sense when they where apart.
Get a hold of the Big Mind DVD's as well if you don't have them, excellent value, excellent cause, excellent results.
ps. its a pitty that the integral inquiry in the book dosen't make reference to the Big Mind process as the ILP starer kit does, but basically the instructions are to talk to the non-seeking non-grapsing mind and sit as it during the period of meditation.
15 people found this helpful
Report
dollywiz
3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't live up to the 5-star rating
Reviewed in the United States on 22 October 2012
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I haven't finished reading the book yet but feel comfortable rating it. The reason I bought this book is that I had recently read Ken Wilber's "No Boundaries" and "A Brief History of Everything" and they had a deep and profound impact. I felt like "No Boundaries" was the most important book I had ever read. Both books were rich in ideas and eloquently written. They changed my life. So, based on Wilber's writings, and the fact that this book was so favourably reviewed, I purchased it on Kindle. It hasn't moved me to any great extent. I find the writing simplistic and uninteresting. There are a million ways one can put integral theory into practice. So the practice aspect didn't do much for me. And the theory aspect went on and on, my eyes eager to skip over superfluous, new agey-type lines.
However, I appreciate what the authors have tried to do, to communicate integral philosophy to the mainstream, and they do a respectable job of it. Their writing is perfectly fine, but they are attempting to interpret and explain someone else's complex ideas in a way that comes across to me as flat and banal. Maybe if I hadn't read Wilber's books, it wouldn't affect me this way. It's just that I'm hungry for something different and cutting-edge. His books are in spades, this book isn't. However, without his integral theory, this book would never be. And since it seems to be affecting other readers in a highly favourable way, I also commend and celebrate it.
23 people found this helpful
Report
george
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Probably the most important book for over a century!
GG
2 people found this helpful
Report
==
Heynonny
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is my first exposure to Ken Wilbur's integral life teaching. The basic idea is one of integrating all areas of life into a comprehensive balanced whole, using the best of modern, Eastern, Western and scientific transformational wisdom and practices. Rather than just dealing with the inner life through meditation and silent practice, all parts of a person are open to the transformation process, both inner quadrants and outer quadrants, as described by the authors' 4 Quadrant approach. Especially appealing to me is the inclusion of dealing with shadow elements. I do find most of the suggestions to be practical and I am motivated to continue applying many of them in my daily life. I am glad to have found this resource and look forward to learning more from Ken Wilber.
10 people found this helpful
Report
Filipe Santos
3.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Dr. Oz
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 June 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
There is value in this book. Some of the advice here given is sound and easy to implement in daily life. Some of the information passed has left me thinking about myself and my own way to handle situations.
But then, there is the other part. The chapter on Shadow work is only average, if not underdeveloped. For something which was defined as extremely important and one of the most crucial contributions of the whole Integral Life Practice method, it gets the smallest Chapter of all the chapters which relate to the actual practice. I guess that the authors just had stuff to say about the least crucial ones. Physical health and meditation get, as expected, the most attention, accounting for practically half of the book by themselves.
But the worse of it are the whole chapters on why is this being offered. Pages and pages detailing the advantages of this method. Sales pitch after sales pitch. If you could cut some +30% of this book, it would be awesome. As it is, it's only average, and reminds me of an episode of Dr. Oz: helpful, if you know how to trim information to what really matters.
9 people found this helpful
Report
Mark R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 February 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
here's hoping
Report
W. Machanik
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must read for anyone that is interested an more than the rat race.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 May 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I believe that every human being on this planet should. Read this book. There is some brilliant stuff in he. Representing a significant amount of research that is consolidated into a single book, and concluded with a life style plan.
Is it perfect? No. There are things missing, and the book is an collective opinion of the authors. However the summaries and consolidation in the book that divides our loves into 4 area and applies it to 4 quadrants is brilliant.
And it gives you the tools to add your own knowledge and perspective, and that is why I gave it 5. An imperfect book that presents a system that allows you to add to the knowledge and options it expresses.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to shadow work
Reviewed in the United States on 8 May 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good book. With many different exercises
Report
stephen Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
very good
Report
Brady Uselman
3.0 out of 5 stars This book is for beginners
Reviewed in the United States on 30 January 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
In short, I have read several of Ken's books and am in the middle of listening to the Kosmic Consciousness CD Series. I was looking forward to this book and basically bought it because I wanted to start on an Integral Life Practice.
First off, this book is for people with zero history with Integral Theory. I say that because at least half of the content is talking about the value of integral theory and the basic tenants of the theory. Then it briefly skims practices that you can go into through-out the book. So every few pages or so there is an exercise. The book is not organized for you to quickly identify practices and create an integral practice. Also, I don't find any mention of any other practices specifically. In other words, why are there no mention of other great resources, like meditation or yoga. Instead, we just find a list of generic terms that don't point to any living or deepening traditions.
After reading the book, I find out that there is a DVD Set, called Integral Life Practice Starter Kit. So if you are a beginner of Integral Theory, this book would be a 4.5 Star and perfect for you. If you are not...then I would give this a 2 star. I am not sure who this book was written for.
77 people found this helpful
Report
Pernille Ingildsen
5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity
Reviewed in the United States on 13 August 2022
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Perhaps I feel now that I knew most of what was written here. But I didn’t know it in such clear language - only in intuitions and hunches. Therefore it was a relief and epifany to read it laid out so consistently and clear.
I believe I will return to this book, almost as a book of reference, when the hunches get muddy or hazy again.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Bett Bollhoefer
5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyed this book so much
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is the most comprehensive book on personal development I’ve read.
It covers all aspects of growth. The charts are very helpful.
One person found this helpful
Report
marghutch
5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable possession
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have maintained my interest in Ken Wilber's work for over 30 years - books, websites, interviews, discussions. Here at last is a book written in collaboration with 3 other authors which brings his Integral Theory into a form which can really appeal to anyone with a scrap of interest in enabling us to understand ourselves and the world we live in. This particularly applies to Chapter 8 on Integral Ethics.
Even more helpful are the Practice Modules which detail simple techniques which can be applied any-time, any-place in one's daily life. I certainly rank this book as a most valuable possession.
9 people found this helpful
Report
==
Michael Mcmahon
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Application
Reviewed in the United States on 28 January 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
With the use of four authors there is a balance of materials that covers both the theoretical and practical application of an integral life practice. I extremely pleased to see new material on the fourth element of our essence called the shadow. In addition, the one minute exercises within section gave me an opportunity to apply the material.
I have been reading Ken Wilber materials for about 10 years and this book is the bridge that is taking me from the interior world of thoughts and ideas to the exterior world of relationships and organizations.
11 people found this helpful
Report
Rev. Sandra Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars Important for those seeking a broader deeper spiritual practice
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I discovered Ken Wilbur and his amazing Integral theory, his multi-faceted writings, his deep soul, and all-around genius over the past two years of my seminary training with One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. As part of my ordination vow, I promised to utilize this comprehensive resource to enable me to better live out my call to ministry. I had the hard-copy version, which I purchased my first year, but I was grateful to find the kindle version I can carry with me anywhere! Thanks, Amazon.com!
3 people found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars ILP
Reviewed in the United States on 30 December 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Integral Life Practice is an excellent overview and blueprint for how to live our life. It helps us maintain balance in our lives and ensure that we do not neglect or overdevelop any particular aspect of our lives. While I might have differing opinions on some of the details, the overall plan is extremely useful and practical.
5 people found this helpful
Report
jodakid333
4.0 out of 5 stars Intergral Life Practice: A 21st-Centuray Bleprint for spiritual awakening
Reviewed in the United States on 18 August 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I enjoyed this book very much and recommending it to my children, it is a good guide on how to live a balanced life. It help me get free from uneccessary spiritual anxieties, after reading it I didn't feel so anxious about my spiritually anymore, great book.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Scott Layden
5.0 out of 5 stars Became essential to my life
Reviewed in the United States on 23 April 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The greatest changes of my 60+ year life has been embracing Ken Wilber’s Integral Life insights. Integral Life Practice, especially the One Minute Modules, have become an almost daily go-to to further me along the path.
8 people found this helpful
Report
Bianca
5.0 out of 5 stars It's like you are working with a professional therapist
Reviewed in the United States on 21 November 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I have just purchased it and went through the Shadow Module. This is so thoroughly written! It's like you are working with a professional therapist. No amateurs here. I feel totally relaxed and confident I am working with the best material I have ever found on this topic
WOW!
18 people found this helpful
Report
b.mo
5.0 out of 5 stars Ken Wilber would have been considered a profit a few thousand years ago.
Reviewed in the United States on 4 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Once in a while a person comes along with the mental capacity to hold a huge amount of information in their brains and organize it for the rest of us dunces. Ken Wilber is that guy. He could have applied this great capacity on Wall Street or Silicone Valley but he chose enlightenment. Lucky for the rest of us.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars A great start
Reviewed in the United States on 30 October 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
After reading a number of Ken Wilber's books and attending an univerisity class discussing his works I was ready for some practical advice on how to incorporate Ken's teachings into my Life.
I just completed reading and have started to put it into practice. The book summarizes Ken's teachings nicely and has many Gold Star practices for getting stared. For me, this is exactly what I needed.
15 people found this helpful
Report
Marilyn A. Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars good advice for living out an integral life style
Reviewed in the United States on 13 June 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Ken Wilbur's collaborators have writen a good book detailing how to live out an itegral life style in all dimensions. They address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health with specific suggestions and exercises for each aspect of life.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Linda
4.0 out of 5 stars No Boundary follow-up
Reviewed in the United States on 9 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I'm still working with the practices Ken recommends. I am particularly interested in how a brilliant mind lives, works and thrives as an enlightened being.
5 people found this helpful
Report
==
Nina Potter
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical & Effective How To Guide for Healthy Development
Reviewed in the United States on 15 August 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I especially liked the chapter on Shadow work. Very clear, practical instructions for an easy practice that I have used in the past with great effect. The whole book is practical and I consider it one of my "manuals for life".
One person found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 6 June 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
It can take as little as 10 minutes per day to do the minimum practices.
4 people found this helpful
Report
John laing
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but complicated, I suggest you read it several ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Interesting but complicated,I suggest you read it several times to absorb all the information.
3 people found this helpful
Report
VRB
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 25 January 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
great vision
Report
Charzillla
5.0 out of 5 stars Great item
Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great product and I don't even paint
Report
lane reeves
5.0 out of 5 stars Every human should read this! You just have to ...
Reviewed in the United States on 17 September 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Every human should read this!
You just have to look past Wilber's arrogance and accept the fact that he has some truly incredible insights and his methods of practice work.
3 people found this helpful
Report
A Paul Reinhardt
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on 1 March 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Highly recommended to those on a spiritual path. Many valuable practices for a fuller more spiritual practice. Several perspectives were new to me and of tremendous value.
One person found this helpful
Report
cory cameron
3.0 out of 5 stars not really a philosophy book
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is more of a self help, feel good book. I just did a cursory read through. Very new agey
One person found this helpful
Report
audun hansen
3.0 out of 5 stars OK
Reviewed in the United States on 12 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
OK this book it okay.. I do not have more about this book. You could buy some another book some is better.
One person found this helpful
Report
Karen Armand
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 8 November 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
good daily guide
Report
==
Carol Kilby
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 19 February 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As a primer in integral practice, it's interesting. As inspirational material, not so much. A little dry.
4 people found this helpful
Report
K. Clayton
5.0 out of 5 stars Integrally Healthy and Alive
Reviewed in the United States on 15 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This books has been on my wishlist for quite awhile and I'm so happy to have it - it totally lives up to my expectations. Great writing, clearly laid out modules for becoming the best Integral self possible!
2 people found this helpful
Report
Gene
5.0 out of 5 stars How sausage is made.. Wilber explains
Reviewed in the United States on 6 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I tried to read Ken Wilber but could not understand his writings this has been wonderful. He filled in a hole between my left and right thinking...
Report
Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t buy: endless lists with no advice
Reviewed in the United States on 24 February 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is endlessly uninformative. It doesn’t teach you how do anything. It’s just non-stop lists of the types of consciousness that can be reached and endless, repetitive descriptions of ILP. I don’t even know what this book is but I wish I could return it.
4 people found this helpful
Report
mega
2.0 out of 5 stars Not For Me
Reviewed in the United States on 11 June 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a great book for those who have difficulty planning their life but, in the end, I found it to be a whole lot of words about nothing. It bored me.
One person found this helpful
Report
Eda Nell Long
5.0 out of 5 stars Inner and out work required!
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a brilliant compliation of work, a book for deep ponderings and self introspection, and daily practice for all of the being. Most excellent. Is a life adventure within.
3 people found this helpful
Report
sophiasmom
2.0 out of 5 stars not my cup of tea
Reviewed in the United States on 19 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
needed it for a class so didnt really read much of it. was not interesting to me at all so that is why I did not like it.
Report
James Thompson
2.0 out of 5 stars Regarding Kindle Version
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Would highly advise purchasing the print version. Charts and graphs cannot be read on the Kindle version. Great book for learning the Integral Life Practice, just get the book in print form.
26 people found this helpful
Report
Stephen Berry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about the new Human Operating System
Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I always enjoy reading Ken's ideas and philosophy, and this book has it all. It outlines a way to address all the aspects and conditions of our lives.
One person found this helpful
Report
Allen Basye
1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointed.
Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
You wasted a lot of trees and paper to write a book with no news ideas. You should honestly stop promoting this book. Put it in the out house for wiping.
5 people found this helpful
Report
==
Ken Wilber is the author of over twenty books. He is the founder of Integral Institute, a think-tank for studying integral theory and practice, with outreach through local and online communities such as Integral Education Network, Integral Training, and Integral Spiritual Center.
TopAbout this itemSimilarFrom the BrandReviewsIntegral Life Practice: A 21st-Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening
Product details
Publisher : SHAMBHALA - TRADE
Publication date : 15 October 2008
====
Customer Reviews:
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (246)
About the authors
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Marco Morelli
Poet, writer, editor, publisher; co-creator of Cosmos Co-op, Metapsychosis Journal, Untimely Books, and the Infinite Conversations forum. Indigenous to Space and refugee in Time. Residing in colorful Colorado w/ wife & two daughters, working on lyric/epic poem titled "I AM THE SINGULARITY."
Ken Wilber
Ken Wilber, a visionary thinker of inspired genius, is the developer of an integral “theory of everything” that embraces the truths of all the world’s great spiritual, scientific, and philosophical traditions. He is the most widely translated academic writer in America, with 25 books translated into some 30 foreign languages. Ken Wilber currently lives in Denver, Colorado, and is still active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print.
Often referred to as the"Einstein of consciousness studies", Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development.
Ken Wilber is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which is the first organization fully dedicated to advancement and application of the Integral Approach in relation to contemporary global issues. It was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, as well as, law and criminal justice.
In 2007 Wilber co-founded Integral Life, a social media-hub dedicated to sharing the integral vision with the world wide community, as well as documenting and catalyzing the progress of the integral movement.
He is the co-founder, together with Dr. Marc Gafni, Sally Kempton, and Dr. Zak Stein, of the Center for World Philosophy and Religion, where he contributes as part of David J. Temple, a pseudonym allowing collective authorship for the expression of Integral CosmoErotic Humanism.
See more on the author's page
==
From other countries
Letícia Eichstaedt Mayer
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep, dense.
Reviewed in Brazil on 20 August 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
For life! A dense book. Profound. For those who are open and in the quest to be better humans.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from Portuguese by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Gary Hawke
5.0 out of 5 stars ILP - AQAL in Action
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have been waiting for this book since I received a free download copy of chapter one - so much that I attended the 1st Integral Theory Conference in San Francisco (they had pre -publication copies).
I have been running the London Integral Life Practice group for two years and have come to realise that AQAL as a practice can be just as open, full and integral as Ken's theory.
It's a set of ideas - a framework that allows the practitioner and group to touch in, "get a taste" or as Terry Patten, the co-creator of ILP would say, " feel into the juiciness of life".
ILP allows pre modern, modern and post modern practice to sit in the same practice space. Meditation and Deep Body work along with Shadow or Psychodynamic work can support personal development allowing an expansion of perspective.
The ILP start kit released in 2005 shows how ILP worked - this manual gives a deeper cut, opening up the modules of ILP and expanding them.
For me the deepest and widest awakening came through the addition of the Soul Module allowing the practitioner to feel in to the fullness and freedom of their own unique self - freeing up the mind from its grasping and truly awakening to Big Mind/Big Heart.
I know that some feel Ken's work has an `it's my way or you're not integral' - but for me it's about feeling alive and ILP does that for me. It has allowed me to come into touch with practices I would never have engaged with. It has opened me up to a deeper and higher way of living. It's made me feel alive. And for that I thank Ken Wilber.
Buy the book, dive in and allow yourself a taste of Kosmic Consciousness. A one taste of the simple feeling of being.
50 people found this helpful
Report
CWard
5.0 out of 5 stars For change on all levels
Reviewed in the United States on 21 December 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
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.
35 people found this helpful
Report
Lupo
5.0 out of 5 stars Complete personal development work
Reviewed in France on 26 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Ken Wilber and his partners present us in this book a way of living on a daily basis with a synthesis of many practices from different backgrounds. Very interesting because it offers us a guideline for personal development work.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from French by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Michael Alexander Gauthier
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 2 March 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
100% Satisfied
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars It's life changing
Reviewed in India on 5 February 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Till date the best read of my life..
Report
Markus
5.0 out of 5 stars Top!
Reviewed in Germany on 30 January 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Shadow work in particular is extremely helpful!
One person found this helpful
Report
Translated from German by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
テルヤマモミジ
4.0 out of 5 stars Good for incorporating the meditation you care about
Reviewed in Japan on 8 April 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As for the content of superconsciousness, there is no doubt that it is Ken Wilber's solitary place in the present days.This practice is presented with Ken Wilber and his collaborators as a lifestyle for spiritual awakening, aiming to overcome and improve through meditation in shadow, body, mind, and spirit aspects.As an easy way, meditation for each minute is also illustrated, and it is easy to try.
In addition, 1.2.3 of God meditation seems to be perfect for conscious, uplifting, daily routine before work every morning.Moreover, I understood that the Shomyo Nenbutsu is a representation of 1.2.3 of God in one word, and I was once again aware of the great tradition of Buddhism.
However, it is regrettable that Ken Wilber is still not immune from Western psychology.
In this book, meditation towards the source cause and the viewer without going through the microscopic domain is shown. From the microscopic to the original causal region, it is corrected to be a different state of consciousness, not to improve linearly.You are expecting things to do.In addition, there are times when the division of the three parties of the improvement of spirituality, the original cause, the viewer, and the non-duality is unknown, and I do not know where I am aiming in meditation.
Moreover, because of the limit that modern Western rationalist reason is the place of the place of religious beliefs, it is neither a statement nor a feeling that spirituality will be cut off.
In real life, I feel that it is a little... to make the contents of this book a lifestyle habit.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from Japanese by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Shirley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 15 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good!
Report
Silver Arrow
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Guideline ✨
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
An excellent guidline for developing a full spectrum path - an appreciated Gift ✨
Report
==
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very inspiring book using a modern language and methods of exploration to explore enlightened territory. Balanced and advanced, demonstrating intimate knowledge of the terrain.
Highly reccomended to those with an established spiritual path, to those who yearn for a modern interpretation of ancient truths and states/stages of development.
Peace
Ciaran
22 people found this helpful
Report
Gunjika Misra
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on 20 April 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I Love it.
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 6 May 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good
Report
Ryan O'Neill
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing...but with some reservations
Reviewed in the United States on 10 March 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Here is the condensed version of what was originally a very lengthy review.
Pros:
-Wonderful introduction to a wholly comprehensive personal and spiritual development framework (this fact alone makes it worth the purchase).
-Most complete work I've seen regarding personal development. Definitely a "desert island" book. Read it and see what I mean.
Cons:
-The book tries to do too much. By "distilling" many practices, and I think they sometimes water them down and make them less effective. Also, complex spiritual ideas such as the dark night of the soul (p.372) are reduced to half a page.
-Ok, so, here is my biggest difficulty, and one that I could elaborate on, so I'll be as brief as possible.
My difficulty has less to do with ILP than with Wilber's AQAL framework, which is the foundation for this book. I think he fails in trying to be truly integral and unbiased. Granted, I do not think this is possible, and I applaud his efforts and think he comes pretty darn close.
Still, I think he could be a little more honest regarding his perspective. The majority of the exercises in the book, and many of its underlying philosophies, are decidedly Eastern. Given Wilber's background in Mahayana Buddhism, this is understandable. But again, I wish he were more explicit about this.
For instance, I have thoroughly studied Eastern spirituality, but have recently been more interested in Western forms of paganism, because they resonate with more on a more aesthetic, emotional, and even tribal level. My current interest is in integrating mythology in spiritual practice Jungian style, but according to Wilber this brings me down a notch to his "mythic" level of development. Also, the practices I have had the greatest success with, magick and NLP, were not mentioned because of this bias. I was strangely offended by this.
Overall, though, I think this is a great book to establish a more comprehensive perspective. Just don't take it as gospel, and use your own intuition and emotions as guidance.
30 people found this helpful
Report
Amazonus
4.0 out of 5 stars a lot of great
Reviewed in Germany on 17 September 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The good and bad reviews are all right.
I find the book partly too long winded (imer again the basic theory) and there are far too few exercises for me (many of the mentioned ones are not exactly described) and concrete hints in it, I would like much more, but because some of the exercises presented in the book are really great, especially from the shadow module, and also to the body exercises. As for the supposedly bad English translation: I bought it in English, but sometimes terms are formed and that is often not quite easy to understand in English .
Conclusion: So I benefited a lot from the book and would have just wanted more from the good practical in it and less theory.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Translated from German by Amazon
See original ·Report translation
Magdalena
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to integral life.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Quite a lot of theory on integral psychology, perhaps not that much on practice as I expected. Still, very good read and a great introduction to integral life.
One person found this helpful
Report
Oliver Centurier-Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspirational manual for a more rewarding life.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A brilliant and clear explanation of essential practices to expand life and make it more abundant by growing perspective of core areas of self, relationships and society.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Mad_ona_trip
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 24 October 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Not much a reviewer myself, but I'm dropping to give my five star support review for this excellent book.
This book is the bluprint to my growth process. My progress since taking on this approach has been profound and managable.
As many people I went through a lot of self-help until I derived into a more spiritual approach to growth, renouncing all my old library sensing I had found a higher and holier place. Gettin in touch with the integral theory has put my feet on the ground.
Everyother path I followed before seemed fragmented... not anymore. Conscious evolution and awakeining are superb goals to have in life. Evolution as in stages, maturity, growth, ethics, compassion... and Awakening to the essence of who I am. Both make more sense together than what they ever made sense when they where apart.
Get a hold of the Big Mind DVD's as well if you don't have them, excellent value, excellent cause, excellent results.
ps. its a pitty that the integral inquiry in the book dosen't make reference to the Big Mind process as the ILP starer kit does, but basically the instructions are to talk to the non-seeking non-grapsing mind and sit as it during the period of meditation.
15 people found this helpful
Report
dollywiz
3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't live up to the 5-star rating
Reviewed in the United States on 22 October 2012
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I haven't finished reading the book yet but feel comfortable rating it. The reason I bought this book is that I had recently read Ken Wilber's "No Boundaries" and "A Brief History of Everything" and they had a deep and profound impact. I felt like "No Boundaries" was the most important book I had ever read. Both books were rich in ideas and eloquently written. They changed my life. So, based on Wilber's writings, and the fact that this book was so favourably reviewed, I purchased it on Kindle. It hasn't moved me to any great extent. I find the writing simplistic and uninteresting. There are a million ways one can put integral theory into practice. So the practice aspect didn't do much for me. And the theory aspect went on and on, my eyes eager to skip over superfluous, new agey-type lines.
However, I appreciate what the authors have tried to do, to communicate integral philosophy to the mainstream, and they do a respectable job of it. Their writing is perfectly fine, but they are attempting to interpret and explain someone else's complex ideas in a way that comes across to me as flat and banal. Maybe if I hadn't read Wilber's books, it wouldn't affect me this way. It's just that I'm hungry for something different and cutting-edge. His books are in spades, this book isn't. However, without his integral theory, this book would never be. And since it seems to be affecting other readers in a highly favourable way, I also commend and celebrate it.
23 people found this helpful
Report
george
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Probably the most important book for over a century!
GG
2 people found this helpful
Report
==
Heynonny
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is my first exposure to Ken Wilbur's integral life teaching. The basic idea is one of integrating all areas of life into a comprehensive balanced whole, using the best of modern, Eastern, Western and scientific transformational wisdom and practices. Rather than just dealing with the inner life through meditation and silent practice, all parts of a person are open to the transformation process, both inner quadrants and outer quadrants, as described by the authors' 4 Quadrant approach. Especially appealing to me is the inclusion of dealing with shadow elements. I do find most of the suggestions to be practical and I am motivated to continue applying many of them in my daily life. I am glad to have found this resource and look forward to learning more from Ken Wilber.
10 people found this helpful
Report
Filipe Santos
3.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Dr. Oz
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 June 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
There is value in this book. Some of the advice here given is sound and easy to implement in daily life. Some of the information passed has left me thinking about myself and my own way to handle situations.
But then, there is the other part. The chapter on Shadow work is only average, if not underdeveloped. For something which was defined as extremely important and one of the most crucial contributions of the whole Integral Life Practice method, it gets the smallest Chapter of all the chapters which relate to the actual practice. I guess that the authors just had stuff to say about the least crucial ones. Physical health and meditation get, as expected, the most attention, accounting for practically half of the book by themselves.
But the worse of it are the whole chapters on why is this being offered. Pages and pages detailing the advantages of this method. Sales pitch after sales pitch. If you could cut some +30% of this book, it would be awesome. As it is, it's only average, and reminds me of an episode of Dr. Oz: helpful, if you know how to trim information to what really matters.
9 people found this helpful
Report
Mark R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 February 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
here's hoping
Report
W. Machanik
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must read for anyone that is interested an more than the rat race.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 May 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I believe that every human being on this planet should. Read this book. There is some brilliant stuff in he. Representing a significant amount of research that is consolidated into a single book, and concluded with a life style plan.
Is it perfect? No. There are things missing, and the book is an collective opinion of the authors. However the summaries and consolidation in the book that divides our loves into 4 area and applies it to 4 quadrants is brilliant.
And it gives you the tools to add your own knowledge and perspective, and that is why I gave it 5. An imperfect book that presents a system that allows you to add to the knowledge and options it expresses.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to shadow work
Reviewed in the United States on 8 May 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Good book. With many different exercises
Report
stephen Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
very good
Report
Brady Uselman
3.0 out of 5 stars This book is for beginners
Reviewed in the United States on 30 January 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
In short, I have read several of Ken's books and am in the middle of listening to the Kosmic Consciousness CD Series. I was looking forward to this book and basically bought it because I wanted to start on an Integral Life Practice.
First off, this book is for people with zero history with Integral Theory. I say that because at least half of the content is talking about the value of integral theory and the basic tenants of the theory. Then it briefly skims practices that you can go into through-out the book. So every few pages or so there is an exercise. The book is not organized for you to quickly identify practices and create an integral practice. Also, I don't find any mention of any other practices specifically. In other words, why are there no mention of other great resources, like meditation or yoga. Instead, we just find a list of generic terms that don't point to any living or deepening traditions.
After reading the book, I find out that there is a DVD Set, called Integral Life Practice Starter Kit. So if you are a beginner of Integral Theory, this book would be a 4.5 Star and perfect for you. If you are not...then I would give this a 2 star. I am not sure who this book was written for.
77 people found this helpful
Report
Pernille Ingildsen
5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity
Reviewed in the United States on 13 August 2022
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Perhaps I feel now that I knew most of what was written here. But I didn’t know it in such clear language - only in intuitions and hunches. Therefore it was a relief and epifany to read it laid out so consistently and clear.
I believe I will return to this book, almost as a book of reference, when the hunches get muddy or hazy again.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Bett Bollhoefer
5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyed this book so much
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is the most comprehensive book on personal development I’ve read.
It covers all aspects of growth. The charts are very helpful.
One person found this helpful
Report
marghutch
5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable possession
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have maintained my interest in Ken Wilber's work for over 30 years - books, websites, interviews, discussions. Here at last is a book written in collaboration with 3 other authors which brings his Integral Theory into a form which can really appeal to anyone with a scrap of interest in enabling us to understand ourselves and the world we live in. This particularly applies to Chapter 8 on Integral Ethics.
Even more helpful are the Practice Modules which detail simple techniques which can be applied any-time, any-place in one's daily life. I certainly rank this book as a most valuable possession.
9 people found this helpful
Report
==
Michael Mcmahon
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Application
Reviewed in the United States on 28 January 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
With the use of four authors there is a balance of materials that covers both the theoretical and practical application of an integral life practice. I extremely pleased to see new material on the fourth element of our essence called the shadow. In addition, the one minute exercises within section gave me an opportunity to apply the material.
I have been reading Ken Wilber materials for about 10 years and this book is the bridge that is taking me from the interior world of thoughts and ideas to the exterior world of relationships and organizations.
11 people found this helpful
Report
Rev. Sandra Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars Important for those seeking a broader deeper spiritual practice
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I discovered Ken Wilbur and his amazing Integral theory, his multi-faceted writings, his deep soul, and all-around genius over the past two years of my seminary training with One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. As part of my ordination vow, I promised to utilize this comprehensive resource to enable me to better live out my call to ministry. I had the hard-copy version, which I purchased my first year, but I was grateful to find the kindle version I can carry with me anywhere! Thanks, Amazon.com!
3 people found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars ILP
Reviewed in the United States on 30 December 2009
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Integral Life Practice is an excellent overview and blueprint for how to live our life. It helps us maintain balance in our lives and ensure that we do not neglect or overdevelop any particular aspect of our lives. While I might have differing opinions on some of the details, the overall plan is extremely useful and practical.
5 people found this helpful
Report
jodakid333
4.0 out of 5 stars Intergral Life Practice: A 21st-Centuray Bleprint for spiritual awakening
Reviewed in the United States on 18 August 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I enjoyed this book very much and recommending it to my children, it is a good guide on how to live a balanced life. It help me get free from uneccessary spiritual anxieties, after reading it I didn't feel so anxious about my spiritually anymore, great book.
2 people found this helpful
Report
Scott Layden
5.0 out of 5 stars Became essential to my life
Reviewed in the United States on 23 April 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The greatest changes of my 60+ year life has been embracing Ken Wilber’s Integral Life insights. Integral Life Practice, especially the One Minute Modules, have become an almost daily go-to to further me along the path.
8 people found this helpful
Report
Bianca
5.0 out of 5 stars It's like you are working with a professional therapist
Reviewed in the United States on 21 November 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I have just purchased it and went through the Shadow Module. This is so thoroughly written! It's like you are working with a professional therapist. No amateurs here. I feel totally relaxed and confident I am working with the best material I have ever found on this topic
WOW!
18 people found this helpful
Report
b.mo
5.0 out of 5 stars Ken Wilber would have been considered a profit a few thousand years ago.
Reviewed in the United States on 4 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Once in a while a person comes along with the mental capacity to hold a huge amount of information in their brains and organize it for the rest of us dunces. Ken Wilber is that guy. He could have applied this great capacity on Wall Street or Silicone Valley but he chose enlightenment. Lucky for the rest of us.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars A great start
Reviewed in the United States on 30 October 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
After reading a number of Ken Wilber's books and attending an univerisity class discussing his works I was ready for some practical advice on how to incorporate Ken's teachings into my Life.
I just completed reading and have started to put it into practice. The book summarizes Ken's teachings nicely and has many Gold Star practices for getting stared. For me, this is exactly what I needed.
15 people found this helpful
Report
Marilyn A. Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars good advice for living out an integral life style
Reviewed in the United States on 13 June 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Ken Wilbur's collaborators have writen a good book detailing how to live out an itegral life style in all dimensions. They address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health with specific suggestions and exercises for each aspect of life.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Linda
4.0 out of 5 stars No Boundary follow-up
Reviewed in the United States on 9 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I'm still working with the practices Ken recommends. I am particularly interested in how a brilliant mind lives, works and thrives as an enlightened being.
5 people found this helpful
Report
==
Nina Potter
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical & Effective How To Guide for Healthy Development
Reviewed in the United States on 15 August 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I especially liked the chapter on Shadow work. Very clear, practical instructions for an easy practice that I have used in the past with great effect. The whole book is practical and I consider it one of my "manuals for life".
One person found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 6 June 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
It can take as little as 10 minutes per day to do the minimum practices.
4 people found this helpful
Report
John laing
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but complicated, I suggest you read it several ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Interesting but complicated,I suggest you read it several times to absorb all the information.
3 people found this helpful
Report
VRB
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 25 January 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
great vision
Report
Charzillla
5.0 out of 5 stars Great item
Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Great product and I don't even paint
Report
lane reeves
5.0 out of 5 stars Every human should read this! You just have to ...
Reviewed in the United States on 17 September 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Every human should read this!
You just have to look past Wilber's arrogance and accept the fact that he has some truly incredible insights and his methods of practice work.
3 people found this helpful
Report
A Paul Reinhardt
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on 1 March 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Highly recommended to those on a spiritual path. Many valuable practices for a fuller more spiritual practice. Several perspectives were new to me and of tremendous value.
One person found this helpful
Report
cory cameron
3.0 out of 5 stars not really a philosophy book
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is more of a self help, feel good book. I just did a cursory read through. Very new agey
One person found this helpful
Report
audun hansen
3.0 out of 5 stars OK
Reviewed in the United States on 12 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
OK this book it okay.. I do not have more about this book. You could buy some another book some is better.
One person found this helpful
Report
Karen Armand
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 8 November 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
good daily guide
Report
==
Carol Kilby
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 19 February 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As a primer in integral practice, it's interesting. As inspirational material, not so much. A little dry.
4 people found this helpful
Report
K. Clayton
5.0 out of 5 stars Integrally Healthy and Alive
Reviewed in the United States on 15 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This books has been on my wishlist for quite awhile and I'm so happy to have it - it totally lives up to my expectations. Great writing, clearly laid out modules for becoming the best Integral self possible!
2 people found this helpful
Report
Gene
5.0 out of 5 stars How sausage is made.. Wilber explains
Reviewed in the United States on 6 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I tried to read Ken Wilber but could not understand his writings this has been wonderful. He filled in a hole between my left and right thinking...
Report
Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t buy: endless lists with no advice
Reviewed in the United States on 24 February 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is endlessly uninformative. It doesn’t teach you how do anything. It’s just non-stop lists of the types of consciousness that can be reached and endless, repetitive descriptions of ILP. I don’t even know what this book is but I wish I could return it.
4 people found this helpful
Report
mega
2.0 out of 5 stars Not For Me
Reviewed in the United States on 11 June 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a great book for those who have difficulty planning their life but, in the end, I found it to be a whole lot of words about nothing. It bored me.
One person found this helpful
Report
Eda Nell Long
5.0 out of 5 stars Inner and out work required!
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a brilliant compliation of work, a book for deep ponderings and self introspection, and daily practice for all of the being. Most excellent. Is a life adventure within.
3 people found this helpful
Report
sophiasmom
2.0 out of 5 stars not my cup of tea
Reviewed in the United States on 19 August 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
needed it for a class so didnt really read much of it. was not interesting to me at all so that is why I did not like it.
Report
James Thompson
2.0 out of 5 stars Regarding Kindle Version
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Would highly advise purchasing the print version. Charts and graphs cannot be read on the Kindle version. Great book for learning the Integral Life Practice, just get the book in print form.
26 people found this helpful
Report
Stephen Berry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about the new Human Operating System
Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I always enjoy reading Ken's ideas and philosophy, and this book has it all. It outlines a way to address all the aspects and conditions of our lives.
One person found this helpful
Report
Allen Basye
1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointed.
Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
You wasted a lot of trees and paper to write a book with no news ideas. You should honestly stop promoting this book. Put it in the out house for wiping.
5 people found this helpful
Report
==
==
켄 윌버의 <통합적 삶의 수행 (Integral Life Practice)>에 대한 요약과 평론
<통합적 삶의 수행 (Integral Life Practice)> 요약 및 평론
1. 요약: 전인적 성장을 위한 운영 체제
켄 윌버, 테리 패튼 등이 공저한 <통합적 삶의 수행>(이하 ILP)은 현대인의 복잡한 삶 속에서 신체, 정신, 영혼, 그림자라는 인간의 핵심 영역을 동시에 발달시키기 위한 실천적 가이드를 제시한다. 이 책의 근간은 윌버의 통합 이론인 <AQAL>(All Quadrants, All Levels) 모델에 있다.
통합적 모듈의 구성 ILP는 인간의 역량을 크게 네 가지 핵심 모듈로 나눈다.
신체 모듈: 단순히 육체적 건강뿐 아니라, 거친 신체(육체), 미세한 신체(에너지), 아주 미세한 신체(의식의 배경)를 모두 관리한다.
정신 모듈: 세상을 바라보는 관점을 확장하고, 비판적 사고와 통합적 인지 능력을 기르는 것을 목표로 한다.
영혼 모듈: 명상이나 기도를 통해 '나'라는 에고를 넘어선 초월적 의식 상태를 경험하고 이를 일상에 정착시킨다.
그림자 모듈: 프로이트와 융의 심리학을 응용하여, 개인이 억압하거나 투사한 무의식적 어둠을 직면하고 통합하는 <3-2-1 수행법>을 제시한다.
수행의 효율성: 1분 수행법 이 책의 가장 큰 특징은 바쁜 현대인을 위해 설계되었다는 점이다. 각 모듈을 완벽하게 수행하기 위해 은둔자가 될 필요는 없다. 윌버는 <골드 맥도날드(Gold MacDonald)> 방식처럼 핵심만을 간추린 <1분 수행법>을 통해, 일상의 틈새에서 의식을 깨우는 법을 가르친다.
2. 평론: 지도를 넘어 길을 걷게 하는 지침서
통합 이론의 대중적 실천화 켄 윌버의 기존 저작들이 형이상학적이고 이론적인 <지도 제작>에 몰두했다면, <통합적 삶의 수행>은 그 지도를 들고 실제로 어떻게 <길을 걸을 것인가>를 다룬다. 윌버 철학이 자칫 빠지기 쉬운 <주지주의적 함정>에서 벗어나, 몸과 마음의 구체적인 감각으로 이론을 끌어내렸다는 점에서 이 책의 가치는 독보적이다.
그림자 모듈의 탁월성
특히 영성 수행자들이 흔히 범하는 <영적 우회(Spiritual Bypassing)>—심리적 상처를 명상이나 종교적 초월로 회피하려는 경향—에 대해 강력한 경고를 날린다. <그림자 모듈>은 깨달음을 추구하는 이들이 왜 여전히 인격적인 결함을 보이는지에 대한 명쾌한 답을 준다. 무의식을 다루지 않는 영성은 반쪽짜리에 불과하다는 윌버의 통찰은 현대 심리학과 영성의 가장 건강한 결합이라 평가할 만하다.
서구적 합리주의와 동양 영성의 용광로
이 책은 동양의 정적인 명상 전통과 서구의 동적인 자기계발 및 심리 치료를 하나의 용광로에 녹여냈다. 하지만 이는 단순한 나열이 아니다. 각 수행이 서로를 어떻게 강화하는지 <통합적 교차 훈련(Integral Cross-Training)> 개념으로 설명함으로써, 신체 단련이 어떻게 영적 통찰을 돕고, 인지적 발달이 어떻게 감정적 성숙을 이끄는지 논리적으로 증명한다.
비판적 시각: 너무 방대한 설계도?
물론 비판의 여지도 존재한다. 모든 것을 통합하려는 시도는 때로 개별 수행법이 가진 깊은 전통적 맥락을 희석시킬 위험이 있다. 또한, <통합적 운영 체제>라는 명명 아래 인간의 삶을 지나치게 기능적으로 분류했다는 느낌을 지우기 어렵다. 삶의 신비조차 데이터화하여 최적화하려는 서구적 기획의 한계가 엿보이기도 한다.
결론: 현대인을 위한 가장 정교한 수행 매뉴얼
결론적으로 <통합적 삶의 수행>은 파편화된 현대인의 삶에 통일성을 부여하는 강력한 도구다. 단순히 <더 나은 나>가 되는 것을 넘어, <인간 존재의 전체성>을 회복하려는 이들에게 이보다 더 체계적이고 친절한 가이드는 찾기 힘들다. 이는 지식의 축적이 아니라, 존재의 변용을 꿈꾸는 모든 현대적 구도자들의 필독서라 할 수 있다.
세진님, 이 요약과 평론이 켄 윌버의 방대한 수행 체계를 파악하시는 데 도움이 되기를 바랍니다. 추가적으로 <그림자 모듈>의 구체적인 방법론인 <3-2-1 수행법>에 대해 더 자세히 알고 싶으신가요?
==
<한국어 | 1,000단어 안팎 요약+평론>
켄 윌버(및 테리 패튼, 아담 레너드, 마르코 모렐리)가 함께 쓴 <Integral Life Practice>(통상 ILP로 약칭)은 “통합이론(Integral Theory)을 실제 삶의 훈련 체계로 바꾸는 사용설명서”에 가깝습니다.
책의 핵심 제안은 단순합니다. 인간 성장과 변화를 한 영역(운동만, 명상만, 독서만)으로 밀어붙이면 어느 순간 정체되기 쉽고, 그래서 <여러 축을 동시에, 그러나 무리하지 않게> 훈련하는 ‘모듈식 종합훈련’이 필요하다는 주장입니다.
이 모듈식이라는 형식 덕분에, ILP는 “정답 루틴”이 아니라 “개인 맞춤형 조합”을 강조합니다.
책이 제시하는 기본 골격은 <4대 핵심 모듈>입니다.
곧 <몸(Body)·마음(Mind)·영성/의식(Spirit)·그림자(Shadow)>에서 각각 최소 1개의 실천을 확보하라는 것입니다. 저자들은 이것이 ILP를 ILP답게 만드는 최소 조건이라고 말합니다.
여기서 ‘그림자’는 정신분석의 어휘처럼 들리지만, 요지는 간단합니다. 내가 보기 싫어 억눌렀거나 부정해온 감정·욕망·공포·분노 같은 ‘숨은 나’를 다루지 않으면, 운동과 명상과 공부가 어느 순간 “좋은 사람 코스프레”로 퇴행하거나, 반대로 수행이 도피가 되거나, 관계에서 같은 패턴이 반복된다는 문제의식입니다.
ILP가 유명해진 도구 중 하나가 ‘3-2-1 그림자 작업(Shadow Process)’인데,
대상화(3인칭)→대화(2인칭)→동일시/통합(1인칭)처럼 관점을 이동시키며 억압된 부분을 회수하는 방식으로 소개됩니다.
또 하나의 특징은 <보조 모듈> 개념입니다. 사람에 따라 핵심 4모듈만으로도 충분하지만, 여력이 생기면 ‘관계, 일, 윤리, 성’ 같은 영역을 보조 모듈로 추가해 삶의 전 영역을 연동시키라는 제안이 뒤따릅니다.
이런 구조는 “수행은 방석 위에서만 하는 게 아니라, 일상 전체의 운영체제(OS)를 바꾸는 일”이라는 윌버식 문제의식을 반영합니다.
책의 문체와 구성은 ‘한 번에 통독’이라기보다 ‘참조용 매뉴얼’에 가깝습니다. 영감(왜 해야 하는가)→설계(어떤 모듈을 잡을 것인가)→실행(매일/매주 어떤 형태로 넣을 것인가)→저항(왜 우리는 늘 미루는가) 같은 흐름을 반복하며, 독자가 자기 루틴을 스스로 설계하도록 밀어줍니다. “실천은 스스로에게 하는 실험”이며, 데이터를 보려면 직접 해봐야 한다는 식의 실용주의적 태도도 강합니다.
<평론>
이 책의 강점은 첫째, <편식의 함정>을 정확히 찌른다는 점입니다. 많은 자기계발·수행서가 한 축만 과대평가합니다(운동 만능, 명상 만능, 독서 만능). ILP는 “다른 축의 부채가 결국 발목을 잡는다”는 현실적인 통찰을 전면에 둡니다. 둘째, <모듈식>이라는 설계가 실용적입니다. 사람마다 체력·성향·종교성·시간 여건이 다른데, ILP는 특정 종파의 수행법을 강요하기보다 ‘영역과 원리’를 제시하고, 각자에게 맞는 실천을 끼워 넣게 합니다. 이 유연성은 특히 다양한 문화권 독자에게 장점입니다. 셋째, ‘그림자’ 모듈을 핵심에 둔 건 의미가 큽니다. 실제로 많은 수행자는 ‘깨달음’이나 ‘의식 확장’으로 빨리 가고 싶어 하지만, 감정·관계 패턴·자기기만을 다루지 않으면 삶이 무너질 수 있습니다. ILP는 그 위험을 제도적으로(=모듈로) 막으려 합니다.
반면 약점도 분명합니다.
첫째, 윌버 특유의 용어와 프레임이 <과잉 체계화>로 느껴질 수 있습니다. 어떤 독자에게는 “삶을 너무 설계도처럼 다룬다”는 거부감이 생깁니다.
둘째, ‘통합’이라는 표지가 주는 매력 때문에, ILP가 자칫 <만능열쇠>처럼 오해될 위험이 있습니다. 실제로는 “잘 조합된 훈련”일 뿐인데, 독자가 기대를 과대하게 잡으면 실망이 큽니다.
셋째, 책이 ‘현대 과학’과 ‘검증’의 어조를 종종 취하지만, 이건 엄밀한 임상근거를 촘촘히 제시하는 방식이라기보다 “실천적 경험주의”에 더 가깝습니다. 그러니 독자는 ‘과학적 확정판’으로 읽기보다, “현대인이 자기 삶을 운영하는 종합 루틴 설계서”로 읽는 편이 정확합니다.
<누구에게 유용한가>를 딱 잘라 말하면:
(1) 운동/공부/명상 중 하나만 하다가 번아웃이나 정체를 겪는 사람,
(2) 영성에 관심은 있지만 심리·관계·몸의 문제를 같이 다루고 싶은 사람,
(3) 종교적 언어에 완전히 갇히지 않으면서도 ‘수행의 구조’를 갖고 싶은 사람에게 특히 맞습니다.
반대로
(1) 간단한 습관 한두 개만으로도 충분한 사람,
(2) 체계·프레임 자체에 알레르기가 있는 사람,
(3) “이 방법이 과학적으로 입증됐는가”를 최우선 기준으로 삼는 사람에게는 피곤한 책일 수 있습니다.
<English | Summary + Review (condensed)>
<Integral Life Practice> (ILP) is essentially Ken Wilber and colleagues’ attempt to translate “integral theory” into a practical, modular training system for everyday life. Bibliographically, it’s a 2008 Shambhala title (416 pages) co-authored by Wilber, Terry Patten, Adam Leonard, and Marco Morelli. The central premise is straightforward: most people stagnate because they over-develop one line (e.g., fitness, meditation, intellectual study) while neglecting others. ILP proposes a balanced, customizable approach where you maintain at least one practice in each of the “Four Core Modules”: <Body, Mind, Spirit, Shadow>.
The “Shadow” module is a signature move: ILP argues that without integrating disowned emotions, projections, and self-deceptions, spiritual practice can become bypassing, and personal development turns fragile. A well-known tool here is the “3-2-1 Shadow Process,” which shifts perspective through third-person objectification, second-person dialogue, and first-person reintegration. Beyond the four cores, ILP mentions optional “auxiliary modules” (relationships, work, ethics, sex, etc.)—areas where practice can be expanded once a stable foundation is built.
<Review> ILP’s biggest strength is its anti-“single-solution” realism. It refuses the common self-help trap of selling one master key and instead offers a structure that makes imbalance visible. The modular design is also genuinely practical: it invites personalization rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all routine, which helps across cultures and belief systems. Finally, treating shadow-work as non-negotiable is a mature contribution; it addresses the frequent collapse of “high practice” under the weight of unresolved psychological patterns. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}Its weaknesses follow from the same ambition. Some readers will experience the framework as over-systematized—life can feel reduced to an engineered program. There is also a risk of “integral” being read as a universal master framework rather than a pragmatic heuristic. And while ILP often appeals to modern science in tone, it reads more like experiential pragmatism than a tightly evidence-cited clinical manual.
Best suited for readers who want a comprehensive “life training plan” that integrates body, mind, contemplative practice, and psychological integration. Less suited for readers who want minimalist habit advice or strict evidence-first prescriptions.
원하시면, 세진님 일상(돌봄/글쓰기/산책·수영/영성 독서)에 맞춰 <4대 모듈 1주 샘플 루틴>을 “무리 없는 강도”로 바로 짜드릴게요.
==
