July 2021 | Exploring the Exercise Factor

In The Life We Are Give, it reads "...don't forget to appreciate the miracle of the human body in motion. No matter what its present state of conditioning, this body is the culmination of an incredible evolutionary journey, the repository of the experience of aeons, the harbinger of adventures yet to come." In this context, our ITP commitment to accomplish at least three hours of aerobic exercise every week, in increments of no less than 20 minutes, is an invitation to experience the extraordinary. Engaging in physical activity can look differently for each of us as practitioners, but at its core, the exercise factor is a key ingredient to our integral transformation. This month's newsletter features a number of resources to explore and inspire consistent exercise within our personal practice. We hope the tools below offer ways to deepen your connection and commitment to moving your body not just for the goals of a faster running time or weight loss, but "for its own sake." As always, thank you for your wholehearted participation in this community. Your support and enthusiasm help to shape and evolve this practice in profound ways. Wishing you blessings of good health and peace!

Practice mentally for physical activities. Practice physically for mental activities. - George Leonard from The Life We Are Given

LISTEN

Oprah and Dr. Dean Ornish: Your Life in Focus ITP co-founder, George Leonard, was greatly influenced and healed by the work of Dr. Dean Ornish and his 1989 study on reversing coronary artery disease through lifestyle changes. In this recent podcast, medical pioneer Ornish talks in front of a live audience in San Francisco about the direct connection between chronic diseases and personal lifestyle choices. Dr. Ornish, author of Undo It! How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases, shares the four components that can undo chronic disease and lead to a happier life. He also discusses the power of meditation, how intimacy is the root of healing and the key to improving your health at any age. Listen to the Recording

READ

The Interdependence of Transformative Practices; An Excerpt from The Future of the Body In this excerpt from ITP co-founder Michael Murphy's book, The Future of the Body, he writes that the Stoics' term for the mutual entailment of the virtues, antakolouthia, was used by philosophers of many persuasions in ancient times, and might help us understand the complexities of transformative practice. To develop awareness, for example, we need a measure of courage. To achieve lasting control of autonomic processes, we need sensitivity to somatic activity. The essential elements of our transformative practice rely on and are informed by the integral.  Read the Article

WATCH

The Brain-Changing Effects of Exercise | A TED Talk by Wendy Suzuki What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory -- and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Watch the Video

PRACTICE

Personal Integral Fitness Evaluation Use the questions below to help you explore your connection to ITP's commitment surrounding weekly aerobic exercise and integral fitness. When completing the questions, don't overthink your responses. Consider visiting these prompts after completing a Kata, when you are balanced and centered in body, mind, heart and soul. What does the concept of integral fitness mean to you? What do you feel like when you are engaged in integral fitness? What impact does it have on you and those around you? What is your current state of fitness in body, mind, heart and soul? How would you describe your relationship with your body right now?  What does it feel like to be in your body?  What thoughts and emotions do you have about your body? In what ways do you currently honor and appreciate your body? What do you see as your next steps in positive transformation? What’s next for you in integrating the ITP commitment of aerobic exercise into your personal practice?  In what ways can you further honor your body in this next phase of your transformation? 

JOIN OUR ONLINE WEEKLY KATA

JOIN US FOR A WEEKLY KATA Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:45 pm PDT Online Event via Zoom Please join us in practicing the ITP Kata together each Thursday, 4:30pm Pacific Time. This online offering, led by ITP teachers via Zoom, is extended to members of our community to provide connection, support and sustenance. Following the guided Kata session, you will have the opportunity to connect with the group for a 15-minute period of personal sharing. Learn More

Our aim is to awaken the world to its fullest potential through the discovery and experience of our highest potential and extraordinary capacities of body, mind, heart and soul. ITP International www.itp-international.org 888-366-9213

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