The True Nature of Integration - Paragraph 1

I like Robert’s idea of integration that she is bringing to us. It goes without saying that from the moment we leave the womb we are integrating, but my hunch is that Roberts has something very particular in mind. Here’s our text: 

The True Nature of Integration

“Before we go over the diversity of God’s major revelations, it is important to point out that integrating these revelations is not within our own power. It goes without saying, if all revelations were the same or identical, the need to integrate them would not arise. The need arises because they are different, yet equally True. Because the knowledge (or better put, “the knowing”) conveyed in every revelation is totally new and unassimilated, it raises questions as to how it fits in with all that went before - our previous knowledge and experiences of God. Thus we ponder the relationship between “what” has been variously revealed, and ponder our relationship to them as well. How are we to account for these different revelations, each engendering a different knowledge of God, each a totally different experience? Initially, they seem to point us toward a different end or goal to be realized. Could one be higher or truer than the other? To which should our singular love and desire be directed?”

My initial understanding of what Roberts is saying is that there are 1) many different and various revelations that God may bestow on us and 2) it will take time for the “totally new and unassimilated” to make its way to the core of ourselves. For today we’ll focus more on the second point, which is to “ponder our relationship to them [revelations]” and how integration of something new can be metabolized within ordinary living. 

But before we get started the first thing I notice is that she seems to be saying two things that do not jive. First she says “that integrating these revelations is not within our own power.” Then she says that we should ask questions such as how does a revelation “fit in with all that went before?” and “how are we to account for these different revelations?” She also implies that we “ponder our relationship” to them, meaning the revelations and their relevance to our life. If it is not in my power to integrate the revelations why is she implying we take hold of them and make sense of them? I honestly don’t know the answer to this question except to say that it seems to be a part of the journey. While we may not be the ones actually doing the integrating, it is some hidden and secret work, we are responsible for aligning ourselves to that which is new.

Perhaps that is all I can do, alignment myself to that which is new. How I experience this alignment is to see where in my life there are inconsistencies with a new truth. Now this new truth can be simple, say a new insight into the patterning of my personality. I may see how I tend towards peace, to always want, even insist, things go smoothly. If I truly see this new truth about myself then I can begin watching where I’m insisting life go according to my way of thinking instead of just being with what is actually unfolding. 

The new truth can also be more existential, which is what I believe Roberts is pointing to, such as everything is one. To actually see or experience how everything is one works would be a marvelous truth, and it would also be a wholly “new and unassimilated” truth. Such an experience would also require me to align with a whole new way of seeing the world. In this case I would need to watch for inconsistencies in word and deed. Where are my words misaligned with the truth of being connected with everything? Where are my actions separating out people and events into objects instead of understanding there is connection present? If I treat you badly am I not treating myself badly?

This notion of alignment as integration invites me to more intentional living. That the very fabric of my life should be a solemnity, a type of offering, or another word that comes to mind is surrender. This causes me to ponder what areas of my life could come under more scrutiny? Not in a legalistic way, but in a way that honors Love. Where am I being lazy about showing up and living a well examined life? I believe the answer to that question is to watch more closely for areas of life that are not aligned. What this usually means is to pay closer attention to those times when I feel out of sync. When I know there is a misalignment, yet I let it slide.

I’ll be interested to see where Roberts takes the adventure of integration. For today it is enough to have seen the truth that I often close my eyes and go the easier route. There is a sadness in this confession as the world needs people who are fully awake and there is no other way to wake up except to show up and do the inner work. At the core of my being I want to live an aligned life, especially with the “new and unassimilated”, so here’s my intention to practice more alignment. Each moment is a new beginning.