More about Integral Life Institute
What will our students study and how?
The curriculum at Integral Life Institute (ILi), true to the transformative and evolving nature of the school, is dynamic while covering a general consistent spectrum of information, skill, and experience. It focuses and places emphasis on what is perceived as truly pertinent and transformative for students in the 21st century (college level). As a residential school we very consciously include the learning modes and modules of experience, community, collective and individual learning and research, and program co-creation.
"We are not expected to finish the Work, nor are we excused from It"
At a cognitive level our students will study subjects such as:
- Integral theory as developed by Ken Wilber
- Consciousness studies: models to help us understand how consciousness evolves, e.g. the study of Spiral Dynamics (Charles Graves), and the developmental models of Jenny Wade, Ken Wilber, Susanne Cook-Greuter, and Robert Kegan.
- Evolutionary Cosmology as seen through the eyes of Brian Swimme, Thomas Berry, and others.
- The visionary philosophies and spiritual wisdom of people such as Sri Aurobindo and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
- Brain research and the Biology of Transcendence (Pearce)
- Education from “Cradle to Grave”
- Typologies such as the Enneagram, Meyers Briggs and the Keirsey Sorter typology: comparison, complementation, application, and self-assessment.
- Introduction to Transpersonal Psychology
We will also take an in-depth look at our present world situation and possible practical plans and solutions by learning about subjects such as:
- Integral Ecology, with specific case studies
- Ecological footprinting
- Redefining progress
- The Ecology of Commerce
- Integral Parenting
At the core of our curriculum we will work on personal development and global transformation with subjects such as:
- Integral Life Practices
- Discernment and differentiation between Persona and Character
- Transformative Leadership for the 21st Century
- Individuation, communion, and collective intelligence
ILi is above all an experience, a learning community where the students will be embedded in a vibrant environment of friends–seekers who are passionate about the potential depth and breath of human life. In this respect you will learn about:
- Yourself—your gifts and growing edges
- Being comfortable in group situations
- Leading groups and being a team player
- Practical skills relating to group dynamics and processes
- Non-violent authentic communication and conflict resolution
- Integral mediation
Our programs also make time for:
- Personal time for reflection, reading, contemplation, private study, journaling, meditation, and integration.
- Authentic dialogue in group settings
- Creative artistic projects and experimentation
ILi aims for a high academic standard while simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and applied knowledge and skills. During your time with us you will bring to completion a personal research project of your choice—one that matches a real need with your inner passion and interest. You will also participate in a group assignments and projects.
ILi is a fun experience, where applied skills are given great importance. Once a week you will participate in hands-on modules, such as straw bale construction, organic gardening, cooking for vibrant health, and trail building.
And finally ILi will evaluate the integral and transformative focus of the school by assessing students, faculty, and school on a regular basis. What is working, what isn’t? Our aim is to make your experience the most enriching it can be... which for us is our only measuring guideline of success.
The curriculum therefore touches on, evokes and invokes:
- Body, mind, heart, soul, and spirit of each student.
- The personal, the interpersonal, and the collective (transpersonal)
- The natural, social, spiritual, and kosmic realms of existence
- ‘Real-time here-and-now’ application of knowledge: this is not about more accumulation of more interesting information. It is about using the information and insight available to us to make a real difference—in ourselves, amongst each other, and in the world at large.
- A deep caring about the state of the world—from environmental degradation to social injustices to dysfunctional political structures—and a seeking out of new solutions to these pressing problems.
- Celebration, inspiration, and creativity—in the forms of community events, artistic endeavours, mentoring, aesthetics, moral and ethical evolution, fun and humor.
- Determination and stamina, honest radical look at oneself and the world, humility, grace, faith, prayer, discernment, authentic being and becoming.
How will we achieve all of this together, you may wonder... Well, for one, we will make use of multi media resources in order to access the required course material, including live on-line courses. We will integrate the benefits of face-to-face and online learning for mutual enhancement. In addition, our international visiting faculty are experts in their field enhancing the integral and transformative focus of the school (see ‘criteria for hiring faculty’). In addition, by coming to ILi you will immerse yourself in a worldwide network of other existing and/or emerging projects, schools, and courses that will facilitate a flow of information and expertise. This will provide you with a sense of connection with the growing body of integrally informed and enthused people around the world. Such a network can prove invaluable when going home and wanting to pursue a life at the cutting edge of many diverse fields of pertinent inquiry.