Archetypes
The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based. In Jungian psychology, an archetype is a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches. Examples would be The Hero, The Tyrant King, The Damsel in Distress, The Bully, The Dreamer, etc.
Causal Body
The body of infinite stillness in which you become aware of through meditative practice.
Ego
The vastness of your translation device (body, mind, emotions) and your translation of your surrounding which includes the Reactive Self, Center of Gravity Self and the Emergent self; all experiences, insights, even the most profound breakthroughs are ego bound; often orients itself as Source, via Mondo Zen and Zazen practice can be reoriented in service to source (ie Pure Awareness, Boundless Potentiality). (West, 2015)
Fascia
Fascia is the great organizer of the body. It is connective tissue comprised of a grounding substance, collagen and elastin that when in its’ resting state is a gel-like substance that can provide up to 2000 pounds of tensile strengthen per square inch. Another huge role of fascia is to absorb pressure and shock, it is one continuous organ that runs through muscles, organs, around blood vessels, nerves and bones.
Integral Theory
“Integral” means comprehensive, balanced and inclusive. It is Ken Wilber’s attempt to place a wide diversity of theories and thinkers into one single framework. It is portrayed as a “theory of everything” (“the living Totality of matter, body, mind, world, and spirit”), trying “to draw together an already existing number of separate paradigms into an interrelated network of approaches that are mutually enriching.”. (Wikipedia, 2016)
Intuition
Webster’s defines intuition as “quick and ready insight;” and “the act or process of coming to direct knowledge without reasoning or inferring.” It is derived from the Latin word “intueri” which means “to see within”. It is a way of knowing, of sensing the truth without explanations. (Robinson, 2001)
Lines of Development
A unique line that can be developed relatively independently of the others that reflects over a dozen of different development lines including: cognition, needs, self-identity, values, emotions, aesthetics, morals, interpersonal relating, kinesthetic and spirituality. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Shadow
The term “shadow” refers to the “dark side” of the psyche – those aspects of ourselves that we’ve split off, rejected, denied, hidden from ourselves, projected onto others, or otherwise disowned. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
In the language of psychotherapy, the shadow is referred to as the “repressed unconscious” – repressed because we’ve pushed or “pressed” it out of our awareness, and unconscious because we’re not aware of it! But the fact that we are not conscious or aware of the shadow does not mean that it has no effect; it just expresses itself through distorted and unhealthy means – or what are typically called “neuroses”. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Stages of Development
Developmental stages are theories that divide human development into distinct stages which are characterized by qualitative differences in behavior. Some psychologists assume that a crisis occurs at each stage of development. A very simple model of moral development possessing only four levels or stages. An infant at birth has not yet been socialized into the culture’s ethics and conventions; this is call the pre-conventional stage. It is also called egocentric, in that the infant’s awareness is largely self-absorbed. It cannot take the perspective of others and thus cannot regard them as similar beings deserving of moral regard. But as the young child begins to learn its culture’s rules and norms, it grows into the conventional stage of morals. This stage is also called ethnocentric, in that it centers on the child’s particular group, tribe, clan or nation, and it therefore tends to exclude care for those not of one’s group. But the next major stage of moral development, the post-conventional stage, the individual’s identity expands once again, this time to include a care and concerns for all peoples, regardless of race, color, sex or creed, which is why this stage is also called worldcentric. If the individual then keeps on growing, they will progress to a post-postconventional or kosmocentric stage of moral development, thereby becoming capable of identifying with and caring for all sentient beings. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Subtle Body
Made up of various kinds of energy, sometimes called chi or prana, and other subtle systems (such as the energy centers or chakras and acupuncture meridians) that usually not recognized by Western physiology. Contains emotions, images, visions, ideas, dream worlds and archetypes. Exercises include: yoga, Qigong, visualization and/or lucid dreaming. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Trigger(s)
External events or circumstances that may produce very uncomfortable emotional or psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, panic, discouragement, despair or negative self-talk.
Authentic Self
Also known as True Self – it is the part of us that exists beneath the masks we all wear. It is our core Self that is not defined by our job, roles, labels, or exterior façade but who we are when we move to a deeper place within ourselves.
Chakras
The chakra system is a seven-leveled philosophical model of the universe. A chakra is a center of activity that receives, assimilates, and expresses life force energy. The word "chakra" literally translates as wheel or disk and refers to a spinning sphere of bioenergetics activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching forward from the spinal column. (Judith, 1996)
Energy Medicine
The art and science of fostering physical, psychological, and spiritual health and vitality. It combines a rational knowledge and intuitive understanding of the energies in the body and in the environment. (Eden, 2008)
Gross body
Your physical body of flesh and bones, organs and cells, saliva and blood. Exercises include: weightlifting, running, aerobics, sports, and/or dance. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Integral Shaman
A Shaman that is integrally informed and applies the integral model to their own growth and the “work” they do with others and the Kosmos; one that can translate, inform and guide integrally and an “other” journeys through the terrain of Full Recovery of conscious evolution. Uses tools like bodywork, Integral theory, communication skills, scientific and historically based knowledge, religious and spiritual rites, cutting edge and ancient technology and consistently updates, refine and purges that which restricts insight. Capable of navigating altered states of consciousness, guiding through trauma and embodies self-less service, compassion, non-violence, mindful stewardship and skillful means. (West, 2015)
Kosmos
Kosmos, with a “K”, is the word the ancient Greeks used to denote a universe that includes not just the physical reality of stars, planets and black holes (which is was “Cosmos” usually means), but also the realms of mind, soul, society, art, Spirit – in other words, everything. (Wilbur et all, 2008)
Myofascial Release (MFR)
A safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying a gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and and restore motion.
Shamanism
A time honored cross-cultural quest for knowledge and personal power that predates all known religions, psychologies and philosophies. A set of techniques developed over ages, it allows individuals to learn consciously to bridge the apparent chasm between the physical world and the realms of imagination and vision. (Stevens, 1988)
Source / Universe / Spirit / God
Any word you want to use to describe your higher power. I use these words interchangeably but feel free to translate them (internally) to match your own vocabulary. If you don’t have that orientation you may chose “Science” and if that is still not to your world view orientation please note the Skeptic is always welcome in this space with me.
States of Consciousness
States come, stay for a while, and then pass. They are temporary and changing. We cycle through states every day – states of elation, boredom, fear, disappointment, irritation, arousal, curiosity … and these states go on and on. The three most basic states are waking, dreaming and deep sleep. (Wilbur et all, 2008) Altered states of consciousness - would be defined as any other state outside the three most basic states, for example, a meditative mind is an altered state of consciousness.
Story
The narrative we have created that defines our past experiences. A story is created by the current developmental stage we are at, at the time of the experience. It often takes a very narrow perception of the events usually due to youth and immaturity. The key to working with story is to broaden your perspective so as to mature to narrative that is related to the experience.
Tools of Translation
This can be any medium we use to explore or understand our experiences. For example dreams can be a tool of translation – we experience our dreams and they can give us ideas as to what is happening in our lives at an unconscious level. The most important thing to note about translation is that YOUR definitions of the symbols are what matter the most, tools of translation should be considered on an individual basis, though some symbols maybe universal if your definition of a symbol differs from popular belief go with what your individual definition is.
