So far in this short series on the basics of Integral thought, we've looked at quadrants — the belief that we need to look at things from as many perspectives as possible — and lines of development — the belief that human growth and maturity involve the whole person. Together, these two aspects give Integral … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 4: Stages of Development
About twenty years ago or so, I was taken by Howard Gardner's theory of "multiple intelligences." This was a theory that posited that we need to expand how we understand intelligence beyond the 'book smarts' represented by traditional IQ testing, to include natural aptitudes in other aspects of life: relationships, movement, self-understanding, navigating systems, and … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 3: Life for the Whole Person
I have to admit that I groaned a little when I saw that today's Gospel reading was from John 17. It's actually a beautiful passage in its own way, recording Jesus' impassioned prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane in the hours before he was arrested. But, with its stream-of-consciousness style, which loops back on itself … Continue reading A Prayer for the People of God: A Reflection on John 17.6-19
Today is Ascension Day, which commemorates the end of the forty days of Jesus' earthly appearances after his resurrection, and his ascent into heaven. The story itself, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, is as simple as it is odd: As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him … Continue reading A Glorious Inheritance: A Reflection on the Feast of the Ascension
There's a famous Indian parable about a group of blind men trying to make sense of an elephant. To one, touching the trunk, it's a snake. To another, touching the ear, it's a fan. To another, holding the leg, it's a tree. To still another, grasping the tail, it's a rope. And to the last … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 2: Multiple Perspectives
Matthew Root 