The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self

by Martha Beck

Now, with your core value in focus, you’re ready for a next step on the way of integrity. Try this one: EXERCISE: Going to the mountain Step one: Imagine yourself in a peaceful natural landscape. You may be on a beach, in a forest, or in a meadow (I like to imagine going to the mountains). You’re alone, but everything is beautiful, calm, and completely safe. Step two: Connect with your inner teacher. You can use the “Meeting Your Inner Teacher” exercise in Chapter 3, meditate on the thought “I am meant to live in peace,” or simply focus on the word peace as you breathe in and out. When you feel the quiet, calm place at your center, continue. Step three: Recall your core values. You can write your verb-adverb combination here as a reminder: Step four: Think of an issue that upsets you. You can use the same topic you wrote about in your “monster” letter or think of a different issue. Write it here: Step five: Answer this question: In regard to the issue I’ve just cited, acting in accordance with the core values I just defined, what positive thing can I create? Step six: Whatever step you wrote down in the blank above, take it. I know this sounds blunt, and that working toward a better world by following your values could take a lifetime. But it’s really that simple.