Dear friends,

We only have a few seats left for our upcoming event on October 5th, so if you would like to attend, please be sure to RSVP here! http://kenwilber.meet...


Sex in the Integral Age

How can we initiate an authentic and ongoing discourse on the topic of human sexuality?

Dear friends,

The Integral movement currently faces the challenge of discussing sex. Despite many remarkable insights and the magnificent "grand order" offered to us by the Integral framework, it nevertheless appears that—as of today—issues around sex constitute some of Integral’s most confusing headaches. Let us hope that this important issue, that effects humanity on such a deep level, does not become Integral’s first failure.

So far, it seems that the Integral movement has not yet generated a very convincing discourse about sex. Instead Integral has appropriated the postmodern discourse, which had the courage to reaffirm that sex belongs first and foremost to the sphere of individual liberties and self-expression. In addition, Integral has recycled the perennial sexual spiritualities developed in the East, such as Hinduism, Tantra, and Taoism. But the result is a heap of un-integrated techniques and concepts, an awkwardly stitched together patchwork with an Integral stamp.

Clearly this “Integrally informed” heap is not a good enough solution for the Integral movement. We need to begin assembling a more coherent map of human sexuality. Lacking a truly Integral map to help us navigate the emotionally charged and profoundly spiritual territory of sex—with all its many moral and cultural implications—could very well contribute to the complex situations regarding sexual issues in which some Integral leaders have found themselves. The Integral movement cannot afford to shy away from exploring sexuality because the issue brings up so much potential for conflict. Somehow we Integralists must find a way to open a dialogue about the fascinating and also—let's face it—complex, triggering and often even painful topic of sex.

We would like to invite you to join us in opening that dialogue, sharing an unusual exploration into the world of sex, Integrally informed. Let us approach this topic with humility, acknowledging that we are still grappling with sexuality and have more questions than answers.

Our exploration of human sexuality will extend over three sessions, each one with a particular theme and unique intention. The first one will be dedicated to the True, or the objective reality of sex; the second to the Good, the intersubjective world of morals and shared beliefs; and the last one to the Beautiful, the inner realm of individual expression and creativity.

This progression from the True to the Good and the Beautiful is also recapitulated through the IT, WE, and I perspectives. In addition, we can look at sexuality through the lens of "far," "near," and "here." Our intention is to get closer and closer to the individual’s sexual consciousness BUT ONLY after having understood how each person’s experience is effected by and dependent upon the larger context in which it arises.

It is time for the New York integral community to acknowledge its existence as a think tank. And if indeed we are a space of creative thinking to be reckoned with, let us prove it once more.

Integrally yours,
Gilles and Robin

Note: This is a three part series that will be hosted on the following dates:

Monday, October 5th – Part I
The True : Sex in four dimensions

Monday, November 2nd, Part II
The Good: It feels good, but is it Good?

Monday, December 7th, Part III
The Beautiful : The Breeder, the Hedonist, and God

Recommended Reading/Viewing:

Wilber's video: Integral Sex: The Erogenous Zones of Life, Light, and ...:
http://vids.myspace.c...

also on youtube:
http://www.youtube.co...

And for subscribers of Integral Life, we recommend Willow Pearson’s article from the Summer 2006 issue of the Journal of Integral Theory and Practice:

“The Development of Desire”
http://integrallife.c...