Five Days of Intensive Training: Insights into the “Integral Approach” in the Vegetarium Project

As part of my ESC project, I had the opportunity to participate in a five-day training, which is central to the entire project. The theme of the training was the “Integral Approach,” a concept that incorporates the theoretical ideas of Ken Wilber and is implemented in a practical, self-developed version in the Vegetarium Project. It was a rewarding experience that gave us deeper insights into the daily operations and the underlying principles of the project.

The Integral Approach as the Foundation of the Project

The project itself is based on the core principles of the Integral Approach. This approach seeks to provide as comprehensive an understanding of human experience as possible by considering various perspectives, levels, and dimensions. During the training, we not only learned the theoretical background of this approach but also how it is concretely applied in the practice of the Vegetarium Project.

One focus of the training was to understand the “Quadrants of Life” – a model that encompasses four different perspectives on life. It helps illustrate and plan everyday small and large problems, as well as projects.

Other topics of the training included the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a concept that helps us become more productive while balancing personal and professional life, as well as understanding the filters of consciousness and the different stages of development.

These topics were particularly helpful in regard to community life here in Trinoga. We all come to the project with different filters through which we perceive the world, living and working together in close quarters. These filters influence how we understand and respond to reality. It’s good to occasionally remind ourselves of this fact.

Personal Impressions and Suggestions for Improvement

What I particularly appreciated was the space and time we had at the end of the training for general suggestions for improvement. This gave us the opportunity to reflect as a group on how we can incorporate what we’ve learned into the project to make it even more successful and sustainable. This open atmosphere for feedback and improvement was further proof of the integral approach, which promotes not only theory but also practical application and continuous reflection.

Conclusion

The training was extremely valuable to me. It deepened my understanding of the Vegetarium Project and its philosophy and provided tools that I can apply both in my professional and personal life. The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and personal exchange helped me expand my own perspective and better support the project. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying what I have learned and integrating it into the project.

By Sarah K.