Schedule of Events
Moondollar Cafe
Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN
October 2; 6pm
Reading and Discussion
Serenity in the Smokies
Forgiveness, Nature Meditations
September 18–21
Norris, Tennessee
Wisdom Whispers through the Four-Fold Way
November 7–9
Moondollar Cafe
Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN
November 13; 6pm
New Book Release
Nature’s Magical Moments
The Practice of Integrity
During this political climate, the question of integrity seems to show up in conversations. What is integrity? How do we know if someone is responding with integrity? How do we consciously practice integrity in our personal and professional relationships?
Webster’s defines integrity as “the quality or state of being complete and whole” and gives the synonym as “honesty”. Since integrity is about wholeness, then it has to be examined from an emotional, spiritual, and physical perspective. How then do we as creative leaders and visionaries begin to look into the mirror and ask ourselves the important questions about personal integrity and honesty?
Integrity begins with self. Gain honest clarity about your personal feelings, thoughts, and actions. Clarity is revealed through quiet observation, or “independent watchfulness”. Sit quietly, still the mind, and look inward. What is the internal dialogue you are having with yourself? Where do you doubt yourself? What exactly are you feeling? What are the emotional attachments you have about the issue? Let go of anything that is incorrect, free yourself from delusions and do not fool yourself by falling into patterns of denial or indulgence. After honest examination of your heart and mind, the process of determining “right action” begins.
Taking action and communicating from a place of integrity requires truth-telling without blame or judgment. Right timing, right placement, and right context before delivery are essential. Do not push nor hold back. Be consistent and congruent in your actions.
Although some matters require immediate attention, we can use situations and challenges in our lives to stimulate personal growth and self-awareness. When opportunities present themselves use the following technique as a way to examine “the Self” so that you continue on the path of seeking “wholeness” and responding from a place of personal integrity.
1) Spend three full days in understanding the meaning and challenges involving the virtue of integrity and honesty.2) Spend one day resolving sincerely to remove any blocks you might have that take you out of integrity, i.e., judgment, lying, denial, exaggeration, etc.
3) Spend three days watching carefully to make sure that the blocks to honesty do not return.
Integrity begins with “Self”. Hold up the mirror. Ask yourself the important questions. It may appear easy to wear masks of self-deception or say what we think others want to hear, but these masks get heavy and block authenticity and well-being. Be present in your life. Now is the time. Integrity requires “saying what you mean and doing what you say” with honorable communication. Begin the journey…”to thine own self be true."