In one of my Integral Human Development classes, we had Dr. Christine Atienza talk about integrality. Honestly, it was the first time I’ve heard of the application of this word. She defined integrality or wholeness as our response to internal and external brokenness, resulting in chronic stress, burnout, moral hypocrisy, self-deception, family breakdowns, and more. In addition to this, she discussed how having a compartmentalized life would lose a person’s real self, thus not knowing who you are and not being fully human.
She further discussed the importance of achieving wholeness for a person and its effects and impact. This intrigued me because, as a team leader, part of my responsibility is to have my analysts engage. She mentioned that addressing the full range of needs of the person and reflecting on a purpose is fundamental to attain integrality. I would not have thought that constantly directing a need to a purpose would be required to reach wholeness.
The virtual discussion was relevant to the current situation and was remarkably informative. But, honestly, I would have wanted to have met Dr. Atienza personally to pick her brains on a few more things.
What stood out to me the most during the discussion was when the speaker cited the importance of wholeness or integrality for an individual to experience fulfillment. Considering all of the aspects mentioned by Dr. Atienza, I am confident that I can identify additional underlying issues in our workplace to address and promote integral human development. Furthermore, with a deeper understanding of integrality, I will share this with my colleagues or future collaborators as we search for a solution.
With my role as a team lead, looking after at least seven analysts, I can apply what I have learned in practicing human integrality to assist them in having a satisfying and whole life. I commit to making sure that they do not compartmentalize their lives and helping them live integrated lives.
As I try to reach integral human development, I would do the same for my team as well. I’ve asked my team to draw the human development flower to reflect how they see their current work situation. With this, we have collectively identified that there is a main issue on the bodily aspect. The reason as to why my action research project will be addressing this. We will be performing multiple physical activities, ensure that breaks are taken on a timely basis through blocking of calendars with reminder notification, and lessen overtime and holiday or weekend work.
In relation to the committed action for my development, I would continue to wake up earlier than my shift to have enough time for morning meditation, morning yoga stretch, and breakfast before preparing for work. Moreover, I pledge to step away from my computer by 5:30 p.m. to do physical activity at least four times a week. In addition to this, I will no longer hold my pee or thirst while working. I will be taking the whole hour for my lunch break, although I can finish eating within 15 minutes and take the extra time to rest or do something that I like.
To ensure that I grow in my journey to wholeness, I will closely monitor my financial investments and learn more about stocks. Focusing on self-development and acquisition of new skill sets will also be incorporated. At the end of the day, I will continue writing on my gratitude diary and express appreciation for the little things. Furthermore, after a long day at work, I will carve out leisure time with my friends and play a video game or two.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. This article is part of her blog for the course Integral Human Development.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.