Integral psychology reading

     Today's reading left me thinking of a lot of things. Inner and outer medicine, or focus of healing, reminded me of the philosophical mantra, "As Above, So Below", the constant quote of the Rosicrucians, many Hermetic Societies, and the Golden Dawn. This applies to the concept that we, in these human bodies, are the microcosm, which reflects and is reflected by the Universe, which is the Macrocosm. In short, if we are hurting, the universe it hurting; if we are holistically healthy, we reflect that healthy perspective onto our subjective reality which, when shared, becomes the collective's reality.
     I read for a couple of hours, and went for a swim. In the wonderful triple-digit heat we so enjoy here in the Arizona desert, surrounded by crystal clear water in my backyard pool, I was contemplating and absorbing the information I had just read. While this information was not new to me by any stretch, each time we encounter something similar, we do this to gain a new perspective, a new understanding of the 'thing'; today's 'newness' was that in order for me to exist in a calm, healthy manner, I must project that inside and out. To wit; I have two slipped/bulging discs in may back, and have had two hernia surgeries, all due to my life of Service to Others. I worked as a personal carer for a man in Scotland, he requested many a "lift and wee shuggle (wiggle sideways)", which in effect, played havoc on my inner core structure. Now I see pain managers, go through physical therapy, and take handfuls of pills - all things I would wish not to have to do. If I can take these lessons we are currently reading to heart, and to task, I should be able to find a place I can exist in, without needing to recognize this pain in such "Western" ways. I want this. I have a severe dislike for taking pills; pills which only cover up the symptoms, and don't actually do any healing.
     I have the understanding of the metaphysical, having studied these concepts for many years. I have the discipline, having developed and practiced mediation and the 'stilling' of my mind; I was a Marine, so I know that my body will do what my mind tells it; I have walked in Divine shoes, across dimensions that many humans could not even acknowledge existing. So, I can do this - I can add the focus of living without pain into my meditations, and my learning in this class. I think I will, and I think I will continue to update my progress in this endeavor, here, in this blog. So Mote It Be.