Last week we started exploring integral theory and examining our human tendencies to think dualistically.  We humans seem hardwired to think in terms of black or white – that one way of thinking or believing is 100% right and, therefore, another is 100% wrong. 

Let’s dive into integral theory a bit more to better understand how this model might help us. 

First, in the integral model, there are four “integral’ parts to every system.  In his numerous books, Ken Wilber describes them as inter-related quadrants as shown below: 

So, Why is this Important?  How Can a Model Help Me in the Here and Now?

I believe that until we start looking at the complexity of health, we will be stuck in one (or two) of the quadrants, thinking we know the whole truth.  However, the most accurate picture of health is far more complicated.

Health is the result of the interplay of these four forces.

Upper Right Quadrant – What I Do

The first force is probably the easiest to understand.  It is the stuff of ‘hard science.’

The upper right quadrant pertains to those aspects of health that are observable and measurable. 

For those who emphasize this perspective, health is merely a combination of observable pieces of data.  It is your blood pressure, your cholesterol level or the number of minutes you exercise each week – it is the stuff of traditional medicine.

Upper Left Quadrant – What I Experience

The second force also relates to the individual but is concerned with subjective reality.  Those who view the world from this perspective emphasize the importance of psychological development, motivation, state of mind, and consciousness on individual health.

For those most comfortable here, a person’s internal, subjective experience has the greatest impact on health.  For example, those who focus on this quadrant might say that your thoughts and intentions determine your health and well-being.

Lower Left Quadrant – What We Experience

The third piece of the puzzle also deals with subjective reality, but emphasizes the impact of the collective experience.

What do we, as a culture, experience and value?  In the lower left quadrant, health is viewed only as it is embedded in the culture.  Health is determined by our shared values, customs and worldview. 

For example, most of us live in a society that values thinness and equates it with physical health.  This cultural belief can lead to behaviors, such as dieting and exercising, that impact the health of all.  This quadrant recognizes that our health is defined and influenced by the social fabric of our culture.

Lower Right Quadrant – What We Do

The final way of looking at health is to examine “what we do” as a society. 

The lower right quadrant focuses on the importance of the observable structures within society, such as the economic and social systems, on health. 

In this quadrant, for example, health is explained by how many people live in poverty or have a chronic disease.  This perspective is the favorite of those in public health, who focus on the measurable factors within society that determine health.

Using the Map to Find Our Way

When we recognize that individuals may be taking one of these perspectives when looking at the construct of health, we begin to understand why there are disagreements about how to improve health.

We have factions within our society that see the world from their favorite ‘piece of the puzzle.’  What we believe sometimes says more about us than what is necessarily ‘true.’  Our beliefs reveal our values - and our biases.

But we cannot forget that health is bigger than any one definition or perspective. Actualize this statement by trying out this week’s tip.

So, as you contemplate an integral approach to health, how do you recognize the various perspectives and become more comfortable with the ‘gray-ness?’  Can you recognize the interplay of the four perspectives?  Does this balanced approach help you move out of dualistic thinking – expanding your consciousness, your acceptance of yourself and others, and improving your health? Share your thoughts on this and related matters in the comments below.

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.