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      %LACK ESSENTIAL INTEGRATIVE PARADIGM ELEMENTS 921103

     If  we  lack essential integrative paradigm elements,
our  lives are likely to be mislead;  even in the presence
of  what appear to be important guidelines,  moral  codes,
laws,   legal systems,  and taboos.  The latter are not as
essential as are integrative paradigm elements which  when
present  make  it possible for the latter to  function  in
integrative   ways.    The  latter   often   function   in
disintegrative ways. They are not adequate by themselves.

     It is possible for people and communities to function
in   integrative   ways  in  the  absence   of  compulsive
preoccupations with moral codes,  laws,  legal systems and
taboos. They are not essential.

     It is essential that we give each other the free gift
of the kind of  security which encourages and elicits open
and honest dialogue;  rather than seek to achieve security
through defensive measures.

     It is essential  that  we  demonstrate an integrative
balance in  our lives;  rather  than demonstrate fanatical
devotion   to  a  narrowly  focused  set   of   idealistic
priorities.

     It  is  essential that  we  seek  both  personal  and
communal integrity through honest cooperation; rather than
seek to win battles and wars at the expense  of others who
will thereafter endlessly nurse residual conflicts.

     It is essential that we seek to create new ways to be
more  inclusive,  cooperative  and honest;  rather than to
create more ways to be idealistic, perfect and exclusive.

     It is essential that we seek to be truly humble  with
quite confidence; rather than to be supremely confident of
our salvation and righteousness.

     It is essential that we seek to know and respect  our
own strengths and limitations; rather than that we seek to
know the difference between good people and evil people.

     It  is essential that we seek to know and be true  to
ourselves  and to each other;  rather than to know and  be
true to idealistic moral codes, rules, regulations,  laws,
and taboos.

     It  is  essential that we work to  fulfill  our  true
integrative natures and possibilities; rather than conform
to restrictive expectations and demands.

     When  we  demonstrate  that which is  essential  many
other  non-essential aspects of life may be present in our
lives;  and they may appear to be essential to some people
who do not recognize what is essential.  In the absence of
what  is essential many such apparently essential  aspects
of life fail to assure personal and communal integrity.

                                                                                                                               
                         (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in      
                    (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)  
                                                                                                                               
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