The Integral Deep Listening Statement of Intent: Overview
Intention drives our emotions, thinking, and behavior. It determines how we feel, what we think, what we do, and what sense we make of the words and actions of others.
Why does Integral Deep Listening have a Statement of Intent?
The IDL Statement of Intent provides clarity as to the components and purpose of the various aspects of Integral Deep Listening. As you may have already learned from the IDL video curricula, there are quite a few of them, and they are easy to forget, so a Statement of Intent helps to keep them in mind.
The IDL Statement of Intent also clarifies the relationship among the various elements of Integral Deep Listening, such as what elements are designed to increase luminosity, cosmic humor, or gratitude.
In subsequent videos I will first introduce you to the IDL Statement of Intent in its three varieties: as “I,” “You,” and “We” statements. We will then explore how each phrase of the Statement is related to the video curricula and unpack the meaning of each element and its application.
My hope is that by watching this series you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and usefulness of the various elements of Integral Deep Listening, but be inspired to use it as a springboard for developing your own Statement of Intent.
The Three Varieties of the IDL Statement of Intent
The three varieties say the same things, but from three different perspectives: “I,” “You,” and “We.”
The “I” version of the IDL Statement of Intent emphasizes ownership and responsibility. Taking ownership means that you recognize that your future is largely in your hands, that you are not powerless, and you are not the victim of others or forces such as “fate,” “destiny,” “karma,” “dharma,” or beneficent or malignant deities or entities. You are also telling yourself that you have the ability to face and deal with the dramas and challenges that life brings your way.
The “You” version of the IDL Statement of Intent emphasizes teaching, as the adult, mature, or wise voices of your emerging potentials telling you what is true and why. Ideally, the teaching in the “You” version of your Statement of intent reflects the priorities of your life compass, as these are uncovered via the interviewing of dream characters and personifications of life issues that you do. We all need to be students not only of perennial truth and of our higher self, but of our life compass. We need to access and be led by the highest and broadest intentions that embody the best of human potential. The “You” version reminds us that we need to be good students.
The “We” version of the IDL Statement of Intent emphasizes the universality of the human predicament and how we are all interdependent, with the same needs, fundamental issues, dramas, and resistances, all working together to generate a better, more inclusive future for humanity as a whole. Repeating this version keeps us from feeling alone or isolated and reminds us that we have endless resources beyond ourselves on which to draw to support us on our way forward, as we help others to do the same.
