Christina Grote and Pam Kramer are co-authors of Living an Extraordinary Life, an extensive and valuable book whose creation must have taken tremendous focus and energy. What motivated them to write this great book? And how does their ITP practice help them be so productive while staying balanced, vital, and healthy? The interview is conducted by ITP newsletter coordinator Sally Isaacs.

During an enlivening Seekers & Sages session with senseis Teja Bell and Bob Noha, Teja led a simple embodied practice of standing energetic relaxation. The practices discussed in the session offer a glimpse of how “simplicity opens to depth,” resulting in a fuller flow of energy throughout the body and being.

George Leonard first proposed ITP, a practice that is still evolving. He borrowed the word Kata from the Japanese word for “form.” The series of exercises comprising the Kata is a perfect microcosm of integral practice itself as it involves all parts of our being—body, mind, heart, and soul. It is extraordinarily well‐designed, containing elements of hatha yoga, Aikido, stretching, progressive relaxation, transformational imaging, and meditation. The Kata has roots in the science of exercise physiology and is informed by works such as The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, MD. This video treats us to George Leonard leading a Kata class while sharing his wisdom.

George Leonard modeled ITP partly on the structure of Dean Ornish’s program for reversing heart disease, in which he participated. The program included group support as well as diet and exercise, and that community element was found to be a very important factor in the success of the program. The same is true for ITP.

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.

Embodied experiences in the World of Energy can result in profoundly satisfying and beneficial results as well as provide continuing opportunities for ongoing growth and development. Without fully embodied experience, energy cannot flow smoothly through you, resulting in a system that is not balanced and integrated. ITPI member Bob Noha explains the World of Energy and shares a story from his own life experience.

The energy in Nature is mysterious and profound. ITPI member Jerry Patchen shares his experiences with Native American stories, traditions, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

What kind of energy does your presence bring into the room? ITPI Mastery teacher Kim Kristenson-Lee describes “presence trademarks” of such celebrities as Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Carly Simon and invites you to study the energy presence of yourself and others.