ITP Community Spotlight on Pam Kramer
Each ITP newsletter spotlights a member of the ITP community so that they can share some insight into their practice and the role ITP plays in their life. This newsletter, with its theme of Community and Leadership, shines a light on Pam Kramer. Pam is the president of ITP International, an ITP Mastery teacher, is on the faculty of Esalen Institute, and presents workshops at venues in the US and abroad. She is engaged in training ITP teachers, helping to form ITP groups and bringing integral principles and practices to the workplace. Pam was the honoree of the For the Love of ITP event on May 2nd.
How did you become involved in ITP?
I was introduced to ITP by Amy Bacheller, a holistic practitioner and healer, in 1999, and a dear friend to this day. She was a co-coordinator of Community ITP with Barry Robbins at the time.
How did you get involved in ITP leadership?
After practicing with CITP for a year or so, I joined the program committee led by Amy and was soon asked to lead sessions for our weekly meetings on “staying current” and other topics. Later I agreed to chair the program committee of 10 responsible for shaping our year-long calendar of programs. This included evening programs with outside speakers on themes relevant to our practice. In 2004 I was invited to join the newfound ITPI board, where I served as treasurer until George asked me to accept the role of president in 2007. What an honor and life-altering moment!
Within your practice, what insights have you experienced that have made the biggest impact in your daily life?
Practice is continual in every moment, in all interactions, choices, and activities. How I bring my integral being into each moment is the current focus of my practice. I have also learned the power of balance and the conditions which support me to flourish. I have learned how to manage my energy so it can be even and steady throughout the day. Evolutionary love is a practice that supports how I envision myself and others in their highest potential, while discerning what’s also true in one’s current state. The complexity of paradox is also something I’ve grown to understand and respect. Being and becoming, both at once, is an example of that.
What ITP practice resource/exercise/quote has been most helpful in your transformative journey?
Love something and watch it blossom.
- Michael Murphy
Expect nothing. Be ready for anything.
- George Leonard
What is one affirmation you currently have/or had that has been particularly helpful in realizing your own extraordinary capacities?
I awaken to my divine nature.
And a recent one:
I am lit up and flourish from living an extraordinary life.
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or newsletters that align with and support your practice? Please share with our community.
I relish rereading George Leonard’s The Silent Pulse, am a fan of The Marginalian by Maria Popova, and am intrigued by Sam Harris and his podcast.
What ways have ITP and this practice supported your work/engagement in the larger community and world?
I am honored to have met hundreds of marvelous people in the ITP community and at workshops at Esalen Institute, IONS, Greenheart International, and most recently the Holomovement. The sharing of practices and ideas for creating a more just and beautiful world inspires and fuels the soul.
Can you describe the leadership of ITP?
Each practitioner is a leader -- of their own life, in relation to others, and in the world. Our Integral Leadership Mastery program reinforces this interpretation and keeps us inquiring, imagining, and practicing leadership in everyday life. An extraordinary feat!
If someone would like to be part of ITP leadership, what steps would you suggest?
Practice, practice, practice. Reach out for support to others and become the compelling author of your life in the most vivid way imaginable. Start an ITP group, let your intentions for leadership be known. Be true to yourself, radiate love and generosity, practice self-care -- all ingredients for creating a field of attraction, as I view it. George Leonard would say, “Don’t hoard yourself.”
Any additional comments you would like to add about ITP?
Be grateful for the miracle of the life you’ve been given. And have fun! Enjoy the magic of ITP.