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Towards an Integral Approach to Recovery & Beyond
The 2-T's, 3-A's & 4-I's of the IACT Program
Abstract
The Integral Awareness & Commitment Training (IACT) program at the Metapattern Institute aims to enhance psychological flexibility and promote a value-driven and spiritual life of well-being. This program integrates principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the 12-step recovery movement, and the integral philosophies and theological works of Ken Wilber, Jacques Maritain, and Louis-Joseph Lebret. The IACT program is structured around three core components: the 2-T's (Training and Therapy), the 3-A's (Awareness, Acceptance, and Action), and the 4-I's (I of Body/Flesh, I of Mind/Psyche, I of Soul/Awakening, and I-I of Spirit/God). By integrating these components, the IACT program provides a structured framework for personal recovery, individual growth, and spiritual exploration and awakening. Participants can develop resilience, interconnectedness, and a deeper understanding of themselves, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Introduction
The Integral Awareness & Commitment Training (IACT) program at the Metapattern Institute is designed to improve psychological flexibility and promote spiritual exploration and a value-driven life. It combines principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the 12-step recovery movement, offering a structured framework for personal recovery, individual growth, and spiritual exploration and awakening. Additionally, IACT incorporates the institute's ongoing research on integral facticity, enactive fallibilism, and recent developments in cognitive science, ensuring that the program is consistent with current scientific knowledge and contemporary methodologies and understandings of integral human development according to the works of Ken Wilber, Jacques Maritain, and Louis-Joseph Lebret.
The 2-T's of IACT
Training for Personal Growth & Spiritual Awakening
IACT (Training) is designed for individuals seeking personal development and spiritual exploration and awakening. It emphasizes practical tools and strategies across various aspects of life, including vocational discernment, interpersonal relationships, overall well-being, and existential and spiritual concerns. The training program aims to foster a value-driven life and assist participants in achieving their personal objectives. This branch of IACT offers flexibility and applicability to numerous personal growth scenarios, making it a comprehensive approach for enhancing overall quality of life.
Therapy for Personal Recovery & Spiritual Well-being
IACT (Therapy) for recovery is designed to help individuals overcome various mental and behavioral health conditions by addressing their underlying causes and promoting psychological flexibility and spiritual well-being. It employs specialized techniques and exercises to manage ongoing functional difficulties, prevent behavioral relapse, and support long-term recovery and spiritual wellness. This therapeutic approach is tailored to the specific needs of individuals with different conditions, providing them with the necessary tools and support for sustainable recovery.
The 3-A's of IACT
Awareness
Awareness is the foundational step in the IACT program. It involves cultivating a deep, non-judgmental awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This principle is rooted in present moment awareness practices, which encourage individuals to observe their internal experiences without attachment or aversion. By developing awareness, individuals can recognize the patterns and triggers that influence their behaviors.
In the context of IACT, awareness is not merely about noticing one's thoughts and feelings but also about understanding the broader context in which these experiences occur. This includes recognizing the influence of past traumas, social pressures, and personal values on one's behavior. Through awareness, individuals can gain insight into the underlying causes of their challenges and begin to see the possibilities for change.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the second A of the IACT program. It involves embracing one's thoughts and feelings without attempting to change or avoid them. This principle is based on the understanding that resistance to unpleasant experiences often exacerbates suffering. By accepting their internal experiences, individuals can reduce the struggle against their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to focus their energy on more constructive actions.
Acceptance in IACT is not about resignation or passivity. Instead, it is an active process of acknowledging and making space for all aspects of one's experience, including the painful and uncomfortable ones. This approach helps individuals develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, fostering resilience and emotional stability.
Action
Action is the final principle of the A’s associated with the IACT program. This principle involves taking committed steps towards living a life that aligns with one's values. Action in IACT is guided by the insights gained through awareness and acceptance. It is about making choices that reflect one's deepest values and aspirations, even in the face of obstacles and challenges.
Action in the IACT program is not about achieving perfection or eliminating all difficulties. Instead, it is about making consistent, value-driven choices that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life. This principle emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, developing practical strategies, and maintaining a flexible approach to change.
The 4-I's of IACT
The I of Body/Flesh
The I of Body/Flesh in the IACT program refers to the physical and sensory aspects of one's being. This includes the recognition and care of the physical body, understanding its needs, and maintaining its health and well-being. The I of Body/Flesh emphasizes the importance of physical practices, such as exercise, nutrition, and rest, in achieving a balanced and harmonious life.
The I of Mind/Psyche
The I of Mind/Psyche in the IACT program involves the cognitive and intellectual aspects of one's being. This includes the development of mental clarity, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. The I of Mind/Psyche is cultivated through practices such as reflection, meditation, and dialogue, which help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By developing the I of Mind/Psyche, individuals can make more informed and intentional choices that align with their values and contribute to their overall well-being.
The I of Soul/Awakening
The I of Soul in the IACT program refers to the deeper, spiritual aspects of one's being. This includes the recognition and cultivation of one's higher self, which transcends the ordinary ego and connects with a greater sense of purpose and meaning. The I of Soul is about awakening to one's true nature and experiencing a profound sense of inner peace and fulfillment. This aspect of the program draws upon the works of Ken Wilber, Jacques Maritain, and Louis-Joseph Lebret, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and development in achieving a balanced and harmonious life.
The I of Spirit & Unity with God
The I of Spirit in the IACT program represents the ultimate realization of oneness with the divine, as described by St. Bonaventure, Ken Wilber, and other authoritative religious and spiritual mystics. This involves transcending the individual self and experiencing a unity of consciousness and grace with God, where the boundaries between self, the universe, and God dissolve. This process is often described as the I of Spirit with God, where the individual self merges with the divine essence, leading to a profound sense of interconnectedness and divine sense of grace and peace. The I of Spirit and unity with God emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices and contemplative disciplines in achieving this state of grace and gift of divine revelation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Integral Awareness & Commitment Training (IACT) program at the Metapattern Institute offers a comprehensive and adaptable framework for personal growth, recovery, and spiritual exploration. By integrating the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the 12-step recovery movement, and the integral philosophies of Ken Wilber, Jacques Maritain, and Louis-Joseph Lebret, the IACT program provides a structured approach to enhancing psychological flexibility and living a value-driven life.
The program's structure, encompassing the 2-T's (Training and Therapy), 3-A's (Awareness, Acceptance, and Action), and 4-I's (I of Body/Flesh, I of Mind/Psyche, I of Soul/Awakening, and I-I of Spirit/God), equips participants with practical tools and strategies to address various aspects of life. Whether it is personal development, vocational discernment, managing health conditions, or exploring existential and spiritual concerns, the IACT program supports individuals in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
Through the cultivation of awareness, acceptance, and committed action, participants can develop resilience, interconnectedness, and a deeper understanding of themselves. This systemic approach not only fosters personal growth but also promotes a profound sense of inner peace and spiritual awakening. By embracing the IACT program, individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards a more meaningful and enriched life.