ITP offers many helpful tools for navigating life’s transitions. ITPI Mastery teacher Kim Kristenson-Lee talks about how George Leonard and his wisdom of Aikido practices can inspire our journey through transitions.
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.”
Autumn Wagner is an ITP practitioner who thoughtfully chronicles the challenges and rewards of transitions throughout her life. She may have navigated change and transition with some angst, but there was always the secure belief that not all is ever lost. Through it all, she gained resilience.
After 34 years of involvement in ITP, practitioner Bill Sharp reflects on his first experiences with George Leonard and Michael Murphy. Through the years, his ITP practice has accompanied many life transitions.
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.
Life is full of transitions. Sometimes -- especially in the modern world -- we rush through them. ITP practitioner Carly Ko reflects on the importance of timing. “It’s up to us to give ourselves the resources and time to pass from ending to beginning with attention and care.”
Over the course of many decades, ITP practitioner Nathan Bolls experienced many “new beginnings.” His reflections on how one thing led to another tell a fascinating story about transitions.
As ITP practitioners, transformation is often on our minds. We tune in to, even set our intentions for, change. With change comes transition, which might be defined as “how we respond to change.” ITPI Mastery Teacher Kim Kristenson-Lee offers a simplified explanation of the three stages of transition: the ending, messy middle (neutral zone) and beginning.
Anyone who has done the ITP Kata knows the importance of connecting to the ground. It offers focus and stability before we proceed with our practice and our day. ITPI Mastery Teacher Pam Kramer shares the gifts of grounding in her life.
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.
Christine Rickerby met George Leonard when she heard his Aikido class through the ceiling of an art studio she was using. What followed was an opening to an enriching ITP practice and an opportunity to spend time with George at the end of his life.
Examine how ITP creates a cultural pivot by providing a personal path of awareness of the divine as well as a collective shift toward contemplative awareness for the well-being of society.
The practice of GRACE is the opening move of the ITP Kata: Ground, Relax, Aware, Center and Energize. These steps can be called into action any time we need to come into the present moment. Beyond the acronym, grace is a powerful energy, a transmission of divine love or a higher consciousness that is freely given, often unexpectedly, received but not directly earned. ITPI board member and co-author of Living an Extraordinary Life Christina Grote talks about how ITP practices open us up to grace.
Relaxing during GRACE is not just about physical relaxation; it’s about letting go of tension and emotions. Armando Cardenas, of ITPI México, describes what RELAX feels like for him and how its effects ripple through his daily life.
Lois Martin, member of Tulsa ITP, considers how centering creates a sense of balance and harmony. This is preparation for the Kata. It also is preparation for starting a new day. “My centering creates space to be who I am and to feel the energies of the present moment.”
The last step of GRACE at the beginning of the Kata is ENERGIZE. ITPI member Jill Robinson describes it as “a calm, yet alert sense of aliveness.” This energy sets up a readiness for the movements of the Kata. It can also nourish the activities in the rest of the day.
Charlotte Hatch leads the practice of GRACE as a series of affirmations and follows it with the Kata.
People demonstrate generosity in myriad ways, from gifts of time and money to everyday acts of kindness toward loved ones—and even to deeds that involve substantial self-sacrifice, like donating a kidney to a stranger. But we are often nowhere near as generous as we could (or even aspire to) be. In short: although we have the capacity to be generous, we don’t always act generously. The John Templeton Foundation did an extensive study of “The Science of Generosity,” answering many important questions.
Generosity with self is no small feat. We can be more dedicated to giving to others and overlook the importance of tending to our own needs. Generosity with self is essential to transform, especially through our ITP practice. In this essay, Pam Kramer describes her take on the topic.
ITPI is the epitome of generosity within community, starting with the work and inspiration of Michael Murphy and George Leonard. The fruit of their generosity has blossomed throughout the world.
Michael Choy explains how his “excessive volunteering” is deeply connected to honoring his father. In an effort to become more balanced, vital, and healthy, he poses some questions for all of us.
Affirmations are one of the most potent practices that ITP offers. They can be a powerful vehicle for transformation. Affirming generosity can come in many forms and offer many enriching benefits.
The Ebb and Flow Rowing practice found in the Kata is a wonderful opportunity to visualize generously extending your gifts out to the world and lovingly receiving back. The back-and-forth motion evokes a sense of balance and a purification practice for one’s entire being. Generosity in action as a generous gift to oneself!
