The Integral Heart

The "Integral Heart" embodies a disposition that pays attention to the core of all things—the center that also connects with—and integrates—all dimensions of reality. The word "heart" comes from an Anglo-Saxon root-word connoting the "very center" or "core." The ancient lore of yoga posited three hearts — the beating physical heart on the left, the subtle feeling heart chakra in the middle, and the conscious causal heart on the right.

The core of things can be found quite practically right here in the physical plane; it can be found through the opening of the heart in transpersonal love; and it can be found by realizing the radical consciousness at the root of existence. The Integral Heart explicitly emphasizes the connection of consciousness, care and embodiment. It stands in the inseparability of the intelligence of the Integral impulse with the unified, awakened feeling awareness associated with the heart and the body.

It opens up a conversation: How do we actually live the Integral Heart? —especially in this time and place.

About the Author

Terry Patten is a seasoned Integral practitioner and teacher. He began walking a “trans-path” spiritual path 35 years ago. His service to others has given him the unique opportunity to explore the most advanced tools—and the most venerable traditions—for unlocking human awareness and potential. He has spent decades as a rational explorer of the states, structures, shadows, and shared experiences at the frontiers of human evolution. In the process he has also become a successful entrepreneur, a grass-roots conservationist, and a skilled business consultant. Today he works primarily as a Integral trainer, coach, writer, and speaker.

Terry offers Integral Coaching, Integral Consulting, and Integral Life Practice training to outstanding organizations and individuals who wish to actualize their highest potentials and serve the world effectively, in authentic, deep, meaningful ways. He is also available for keynote speeches.

More Background on The Integral Heart

• Integral Agency-in-Communion - A short essay on the importance of balancing the "agentic" (masculine, individualist) orientation of many expressions of Integral consciosness, with a balanced and corresponding "communal" orientation (feminine, collectivist).
• The AQAL Integral Map and Other Sources of The Integral Heart - A summary of the theoretical context of The Integral Heart, including a link to a 40-page PDF by Ken Wilber introducing the AQAL ("All Quadrants, All Levels" model of consciousness, the Kosmos, and human development.
• Integral Life Practice - General introduction plus link to a preview of the first two chapters of the forthcoming book by Ken Wilber, Terry Patten, Adam Leonard, and Marco Morelli (available in the Fall of 2008 from Integral Books/Shambhala).