How to Integrate All of You

Are you feeling stuck, stagnant, fragmented, and disconnected from yourself? Do you feel like you’ve lost an essential part of who you are? Are you unsure of where to go next, and because of that, you feel worn out and out of balance, like you can’t get over your own head? Integration can help you get in touch with who you really are, and heal your self-inflicted wounds. When you integrate all the parts of your brain, you move out of your head and into a powerful state of flow, where you can harness your brain fully and create the connection, adventure, and meaning you crave. 

Integration means living an undivided life, where it is possible to align profession and purpose. It also means paying attention to neglected parts of you. It is the integration of the brain, body, self, and relationships. Here are 5 tips you can use to integrate all parts of you:

Allow yourself to feel your emotions 

We often distract ourselves from how we really feel because we desperately want to avoid any negative emotions. You’re a human who is meant to experience the full range of your emotions–that’s why we have them! They send us signals and can help us figure out what is really going on. Take time to figure out how your emotions really feel in the body. Is your chest heavy or light? What sensations do you feel in your stomach? Observe these things without judging what is going on, and then let it go.

Get enough sleep

Taking care of your body is vital. Getting enough sleep seems simple, but it’s so important that we take care of our basic needs so that we can be our best selves every day. Getting a solid amount of sleep will help your brain cells regenerate, making it easier for you to get in touch with your creativity.

Slow down

Replenish the mind and body and give yourself breaks in between the constant achieving. Slowing down will help you enjoy the present more and experience the wonder of the world around you. Give yourself permission to slow down, mindfully enjoying the food that you eat, the people you connect with, and the natural world around you.

Forgive yourself for past mistakes.

Unfortunately, we are nothing more than ordinary humans with poor perception and imperfect information. Inevitably, we make mistakes, but integrating yourself means letting go of any resentments we might feel towards ourselves. It’s vital that we radically accept our failures, and hold love and space for ourselves when we make a misstep.  When you befriend yourself, and you befriend your body through forgiveness, you alleviate unnecessary, excess stress.

Moderation.

One of the most common ways to self-harm nowadays is through excess. Excessive drinking, eating, or even exercise can put you in pain so intense that you desire disconnection from your own body. When we ignore our voice of reason, this causes damage to ourselves and others. Even activities perceived as beneficial, such as exercise, can become harmful when taken to extremes. Intense workouts undertaken without proper rest or moderation can lead to physical injuries, exhaustion, and a warped perception of self-worth tied to one’s physical appearance or performance.

 Listening to your body’s wisdom will help you address the blocks and limitations that keep you from integrating your mind, body, and spirit. 

 If you feel stuck on your healing journey, working with a somatic therapist can help. Based on your needs, our intake specialist will help you get matched up with your perfect therapist. Click here to schedule a consultation.

Starting with a creative written voice and a BA in English from ASU, Alli Cravener has become so much more than Integrative Counsel’s voice! Not only is she a writer who is passionate about connecting concepts and content, Alli is also currently a grad student working towards her Master’s in Counseling. She is also the editor-in-chief, office manager, AND intake specialist at Integrative Counsel. When you call us, you’ll talk to Alli! Alli’s interests include painting, history, learning about other people, and wearing the color pink. She likens herself to a “mouse in a palm tree”, and she loves it that way.