In this #Enactment episode with author, group facilitator, and meditation instructor, Dustin DiPerna — Robert asks Dustin to share some of the critical distinctions from his recently published book on Integral spirituality: Streams of Wisdom. They also discuss the very (almost frighteningly) similar themes in building Integral practice communities (Robert in Boulder, Dustin in San Francisco). Both communities developed relational practices, Integral Circling and We-Practice respectively, and learned lessons about the importance of having a shared theoretical context.
Specific Points that Dustin Addresses:
- The 3 Core Practices for an Integral Community
- What is (Integral) Spirituality?
- The Importance of a Shared Theoretical Context in a Community of Practice
- Vantage Points of Awareness or “State-Stages”
- Instant Enactment Practice: “Golden Eyes” for enacting greater possibilities in our communities
Since there are so many important gems in this recording, I pulled out smaller sections so that I could make sure you’d have easy access to this material. Listen to the full interview if you can, but definitely get the “Golden Eyes” practice if nothing more (at the bottom of the page) — I want everyone to have this powerful orientation.
The Complete Interview (52 min)
Dustin and Robert reminisce about the days working with each other at the Integral Institute and the powerful trans-lineage spiritual gatherings hosted by Ken Wilber.
The 3 Core Practices for an Integral Practice Community (4 min)
Dustin describes what he believes are the 3 core practices any Integral community should engage in:
– 1st person contemplative practices, like meditation
– 2nd person Relational practices, like Integral Circling or “We-Practice”
– 3rd person Educational/Theoretical practices, making various topics the subject of discussion
What is (Integral) Spirituality? (2 min)
What do we mean when we say “Spirituality”?
Dustin articulates a succinct and compelling definition based on the Integral framework. Teasing apart “Exoteric” forms of religion from “Esoteric” historical traditions and practices we get a picture of what’s most relevant for our needs today.
The Importance of a Shared Theoretical Context in a Community of Practice (4 min)
Robert and Dustin discuss how different people have different preferences and biases for particular kinds of practices (such as relational over contemplative), but having a shared theoretical framework provides the “subtle architecture upon which the whole community can thrive” according to Dustin.
Coming Home: Vantage Points of Awareness (8 min)
Dustin shares a critical distinction that can assuage much of the challenge of the spiritual practice path. Dustin walks us through the kinds of experiences we can have while developing a contemplative practice (states), and more importantly, the levels of how we relate to these experiences. Understanding this distinction and developing our “Vantage Point” allows us to find our restful “home” and not always be seeking the peek-state experience high.
Golden Eyes: The Moral Obligation for Integral Relating (3 min)
For our #InstantEnactment practice, Dustin shares this practice called “Golden Eyes” that he received from Ken Wilber. It involves engaging with anyone and everyone you meet as if they are more developed and awake than yourself. Whether it’s true or not, by holding them in a higher light, we enable them to be that way in our eyes — which by itself enacts greater possibilities.
Dustin DiPerna is founder of Bright Alliance and Co-Founder of Synergy Forum He is an author, group facilitator, and meditation instructor. Dustin received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in Religion from Harvard University. He is author of two books: The Coming Waves and Streams of Wisdom. In addition to being an internationally recognized expert in the field of Integral Theory, Dustin practices in the spiritual lineages of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. He lives in California with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Jaya.