Life’s Integrity

Recently I’ve questioned the ability of members of our society to lead a life of integrity. I’m continually surprised by the sliding scale of integrity that people apply to their daily activities on a regular basis.

This is important to me since I have witnessed the ill results of this kind of approach first hand. I have watched people in my former job throw away successful careers because they had an overwhelming need for approval and belonging, which resulted in them going along with the behavior of the pack—even if that behavior lacked integrity. These people allegedly committed unacceptable, possibly illegal acts because they were “just following orders, doing what their boss told them to do.” Others from politicians to public figures to the person next door have said that those words in the past. The history books have well described how that approach turned out.

I’ve also watched individuals who repeatedly suggested they have the highest-level integrity only to learn that their definition of integrity is loosely translated to include public actions versus what is done in private or as a general life principle.

As I embarked on the journey of creating canvas I was excited about the notion of working with people who are, in their own terms, “holistic,”implying to me that they reach higher levels of spirituality than the general public. In my mind being holistic and at a higher level of spirituality naturally meant that they would also understand the meaning of “integrity” and apply this principle to their everyday life.

I believe that in order to be holistic and reach the spiritual heights they talked about, integrity was integral concept. This not only excited me, it helped to restore my faith in our ability, as a society, to develop and thrive.

But, now, nearly a year after canvas’ first issue, I find myself questioning this notion. Why? Because of the realities we’ve experienced with some of the people we meet.

Don’t get me wrong–we’ve met and continue to meet many unbelievable people. People who subscribe to the greater good, people who put “we” ahead of “me” people who consider leading a life of goodness above everything else.

Yet, we also often find ourselves encountering people who use terms like “Namaste,” “Karma” or other holistic terminology on a regular basis. I guess they feel that using these somehow project they’re at a higher level of consciousness or function at a higher level of morality. However many of these very same people act without integrity, demonstrate narcissistic tendencies and rarely think of “we” ahead of “me.”

What’s bothers me is that these terms are more than a description of how we want other people to perceive us. Leading a life in which you would use the terms Namaste, Karma and Holistic is not simply about driving hybrids, using environmentally friendly products, eating organic or doing Yoga. It’s more than that it’s how you live your life everyday, in all aspects of your behavior.

It’s hard for me to admit I’m being judgmental, but I am and I feel sad that I feel I have to be. However, the contradiction I describe above leaves me wondering what it all means. I know striving to improve one’s self is part of the journey. By all means, I am not perfect but, to me, in order for us to survive we will need to return to some very basic principles. Among these principles Integrity is one of the most important and, to me, one of the best traits to have—one that should be the rule, not the exception, for us all.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher