ITP Core Practice Intentions

In our efforts to be healthy, research – as well as common sense – tells us the importance of rest and relaxation. The ITP Kata treats us to the practice of “progressive relaxation” and its benefits to body, mind, heart, and soul.

As with exercise, you may already have a well‐established and healthy set of eating habits, in which case you may simply choose to experiment with bringing more mindfulness to your eating. ITP’s fourth core practice intention sounds simple: “I am conscious of everything I eat and drink.” There is no dietary advice here – no “good” foods and “bad” foods, rule, or restrictions – just a recommendation to be aware of everything that you are putting in your mouth. Well, there’s a little more to it, but that is the basic idea.

Attending to the needs of the human body is not always considered a spiritual practice, but ITP recognizes the profound importance of nourishing and strengthening the physical aspect of our being. A path that develops the heart, mind, and soul but neglects the body is not a truly integral path. ITP’s third practice intention focuses on this dimension of the self through offering guidance on regular exercise. Some people reading this may already have a well‐established and healthy set of habits in this regard, in which case you may simply choose to experiment with bringing more mindfulness to your existing routines. Others may be less consistent or confident in their physical practices and habits, and we hope that the simple structure provided by these practice intentions will help you to establish healthy patterns that work for you.

ITP mastery teacher Lucy Piper has begun to sharpen her imagination to create a new and better reality. She reminds us that a dream can be supported by action and service to lead to a better world.

ITPI has a new Director of Flow, Function and Strategy. His name is Matt Winters. In this new position, Matt supports strategic planning, oversees core operations and steers systems design to advance the organization’s mission. He leads a committed team and partners with the president to guide ITPI through its current phase of renewal and growth. Get to know Matt in this interview.

In searching for a group that would facilitate her spiritual growth and support her life aspirations of heart, mind, body and soul health, Roberta Hoffman is delighted to find ITP. “It is a perfect fit for the life I aspire to.”

ITP’s nine Core Practice Intentions form the structure of ITP and serve as the roadmap for the journey of transformation of body, mind, heart and soul. They provide constant encouragement to ground us in our daily life and help us stand strong through life’s transitions. ITPI Mastery Teacher Roger Marsh explains the connection between the Core Practice Intentions and navigating transitions.

We can count on life bringing changes and challenges. ITP practitioner Autumn Wagner describes how ITP, and specifically its many forms of community, have brought grounding power to her life.

ITP’s nine Core Practice Intentions form the structure of ITP and serve as the roadmap for the journey of transformation of body, mind, heart and soul. They provide constant encouragement to ground us in our daily life and can carry us through difficult times when our energy may waver.

The first two ITP Core Practice Intentions focus on autonomy and community – two sides of one coin. While ITP stresses the importance of individuality and free choice, there is grounding power in the support of the ITP community.

As each of us is on our personal journey, we have a shared responsibility to uplift the world around us. As ITPI encourages us toward these goals, we are connecting with partner organizations who have the same goals. These include Esalen, the Center for Purposeful Leadership, Evolutionary Sport and the Holomovement. ITP practitioner and Holomovement steward Jill Robinson talks about the ITPI partnership with the Holomovement.

Learn more about Kimberly Kristenson-Lee and the experience and insight she's gained as a long-time ITP practitioner and Mastery Teacher.