The Importance of Integrity – A Spiritual Perspective

Insights from  Rumi, Eckhart Tolle and Michael Singer*

Integrity, in its essence, is about aligning our inner and outer lives. It’s about living authentically, expressing our true selves through our words and actions. This alignment is not just a matter of personal ethics; from a spiritual perspective, it is crucial for our spiritual growth and well-being.

Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi mystic, speaks of integrity as a form of surrender. He says, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Rumi believed that our difficulties and challenges are not obstacles on our spiritual path, but rather opportunities for growth. When we accept our flaws and shortcomings, we open ourselves to the transformative power of love and grace.

For Rumi, integrity is about accepting ourselves fully, with all our imperfections. It is about letting go of the need to be perfect and embracing our humanity. This acceptance allows us to connect with our inner truth and live with authenticity.

Eckhart Tolle, in his book “A New Earth” emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of the past. He argues that our suffering often stems from our identification with our thoughts and emotions, which are constantly pulling us into the past and the future. By focusing on the present moment, we can become aware of our true nature, which is unchanging and whole.

For Eckhart, integrity is about being present in the now, with our full attention and awareness. When we are fully present, we are not caught up in our mental narratives or emotional dramas. We can see things clearly, without judgment or attachment. This clarity allows us to make choices that are aligned with our true selves and our highest good.

Michael Singer, in his book “The Untethered Soul,” describes the ego as a false sense of self that is created by our thoughts and beliefs. He argues that the ego is the root of all our suffering, as it is constantly seeking to control and manipulate the world around us. By letting go of the ego and identifying with our true nature, which is consciousness itself, we can experience lasting peace and joy.

For Michael, integrity is about living from a place of consciousness rather than ego. It is about being aware of our thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them. This awareness allows us to respond to life’s challenges with wisdom and compassion, rather than reacting with fear and anger.

By integrating the wisdom of these three spiritual teachers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of integrity in our lives. Here are some key takeaways:

Integrity is about:

• aligning our inner and outer lives.
• living authentically and expressing our true selves.
• being present in the moment, with our full attention and awareness.
• accepting ourselves fully, with all our imperfections.
• living from a place of consciousness rather than ego.

By practicing these principles, we can cultivate a life of integrity that is grounded in truth, authenticity, and love. This, in turn, will lead to a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives.

The path of integrity is not always easy. It requires courage to face our shadow selves and let go of our attachments.

But the rewards are immeasurable. By living with integrity, we can create a more authentic and fulfilling life, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Choose LOve,

Patsy/Purnima Griffiths

*Thanks to Bard (2023) and Jane Ewins for writing this blog.