ADC Mantra + Core Principles + ALIGN
Our Mantra:
“Integrating practices,
manifesting intentions,
empowering growth”
This is a 3-pronged approach to how we operate in the world, the core of our system, and how we approach “the work”.
“Integrating practices”
is where we start, integrating our life experiences and learnings through a regular practice (read also: ritual, ceremony, habits, rites, patterns, tendencies, inclinations, traditions, customs, routine, procedure, act, liturgy, sacrament, etc.), and its implementation in our daily life. Often we can learn about ourselves through inwardly reflecting with the self, dialogue with others, taking insights gleaned from therapy or spiritual work ― but how do we apply these lessons into our life? How can we make changes to ourselves, in intentional consistent effort and incremental progress, through integrating the whole person - mind, body, soul - our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects?
“Manifesting Intentions”
after establishing a foundation of practice, we can then start to
act and live intentionally. What does it mean to set an intention? What does it look like to manifest it?
For me, it begins with self-reflection: what is currently going on in my life? What are the contexts that shape my present state? What are the goals I have for the future? What would I like to work on personally, interpersonally, in relationship with self and others, with nature, with spirit?
We can then set an “intention” a goal, a purpose or value or archetype that then guides the actions of the individual. When we have a clear concept that acts as North Star to our choices, the end goal is clear, we merely have to find the path towards it. With self-reflection and by following our intuition, gut, subconscious, we can trust ourselves and our feelings to guide us, held and supported by our values and beliefs.
“Empowering Growth”
once we have our foundational practices and habits set, our ability to set clear and actionable goals guided by our values, we can then be empowered to grow. Each individual holds within themselves the key that unlocks the door to new possibilities and a future we can envision. Once we recognize our strengths, we can lean on them to carry us through any challenge. We can then look at our weaknesses, and then create the space and opportunities to develop them. We know ourselves better than anyone else. We know what our goals are and how to achieve them. It certainly helps when we have the proper system to operate within, and the guiding principles that can help keep oriented on the path, and ALIGN ourselves with true purpose.
Our Core Principles
1. Integration of Wisdom and Science
Principle: Honor the balance between ancient holistic practices and modern clinical approaches, creating systems that are both innovative and rooted in timeless truths.
Guidance: Emphasize the value of synthesis—bringing together diverse perspectives, traditions, and methodologies to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
2. Empowerment Through Personal Systems
Principle: Equip individuals and organizations with tools to design their own sustainable well-being systems, fostering autonomy and resilience.
Guidance: Focus on empowerment by teaching clients how to navigate their own journeys, aligning with their unique strengths, values, and experiences.
3. Storytelling as Transformation
Principle: Use the power of narrative to help individuals and communities make meaning, heal, and grow through their personal and collective stories.
Guidance: Approach every interaction as part of a larger story, helping clients contextualize their challenges and victories within an evolving narrative of transformation.
4. Holistic Growth Across All Dimensions
Principle: Address the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions of well-being, ensuring a comprehensive approach to growth and healing.
Guidance: Strive for balance and interconnectedness in your methods, recognizing that wellness is multidimensional and deeply personal.
5. Creating Safe Spaces for Exploration
Principle: Foster environments of trust, curiosity, and non-judgment, where clients can explore, experiment, and discover their full potential.
Guidance: Build relationships based on respect and safety, allowing for vulnerability, deep self-reflection, and courageous transformation.
These principles reflect the essence of our mission, vision, and unique approach
They can serve as touchstones for decision-making, client interactions, and the evolution of our practice
We implement these principles into our daily lives when we “ALIGN” with all our parts and dimensions
-- A.L.I.G.N --
A: Awareness
Concept: Cultivating self-awareness to recognize thoughts, emotions, and patterns that influence well-being. Enable us to be present in the “now”, focus on what is in front of us, not dwell in the past, or be distracted by a future that is not here yet. How can we feel into our bodies and use our different intelligences - brain, heart, and gut - to guide us?
Practical Application:
● Use mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or journaling, to help us observe their inner states. Get the interior out to the exterior, express the self openly.
● Encourage us to identify triggers and behaviors through reflective tools like emotion logs or body scans. Name some of these, write them down to recognize them.
● Introduce grounding techniques (e.g., breathwork or sensory focus) to enhance presence and awareness in the moment. These are tools to use in times of crisis or when we need to regulate.
Implementation: Start sessions with a mindfulness check-in, guiding us to tune into our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. We can begin with a small breathing exercise and mindfulness practice, open the container with a thoughtful prayer, or light a candle.
L: Learning
Concept: Teaching us the skills and tools needed to develop personal well-being systems. There are many systems and techniques that can be helpful for us on our journey; how can we research and compile information into a coherent and effective system?
Practical Application:
● Attend workshops or one-on-one coaching on topics like habit building, self-compassion, and emotional regulation.
● Share resources (books, podcasts, articles) tailored to our needs and goals.
● Provide education on integrating spiritual and scientific approaches (e.g., rituals alongside cognitive techniques).
Implementation: Build a personalized learning plan for our own unique selves, tracking progress with measurable milestones. We all have our individual strengths, our own toolkit of skills. Let’s use them to help us through difficult times and times of growth as we work on the parts of us that need it most, becoming more empowered, self-sufficient and whole.
I: Integration
Concept: Bringing together ancient wisdom and modern practices to create a cohesive, sustainable framework for the implementation of learnings and insights. Here we invoke the archetypes of the Hermit and Magician. As a hermit goes to his cave in the mountain to do “the work”, reflect and learn, we too go inward to analyze experiences and insights. And then as a Magician does, we apply these learnings and embed our intentions into actions, using the power of words as spells to create an empowered future we envision for ourselves. This is the final step of the magical process of: “Thinking, feeling, acting” – we then go outward to manifest our intentions and implement into daily life.
Practical Application:
● Encourage us to explore complementary practices like breath-work, yoga, or energy work alongside therapy or medication.
● Design rituals or routines that blend symbolic meaning with actionable steps (e.g., creating a morning ritual for focus and grounding).
● Guide individuals to integrate insights from therapy, psychedelics, or transformative experiences into daily life through a multi-disciplinary approach.
Implementation: Use integration sessions to discuss how we can apply learned tools and insights in our everyday contexts. How can we track our progress and goals as we accomplish them? What new insights develop day to day, week to week, in this ever evolving, iterative process?
G: Growth
Concept: Fostering holistic development across mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions. We are complex, multi-dimensional beings. We oscillate and move through different states of consciousness to adapt to our surroundings and unique situations. How can we navigate this ever changing human experience with our whole being?
Practical Application:
● Help us set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals in each area of wellness.
● Facilitate regular self-assessments or progress reviews to celebrate wins and adjust approaches.
● Use archetypal frameworks, like Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey, (separation/departure, initiation, and return), to help us view our challenges as steps toward transformation.
Implementation: Create a “growth map” that visualizes our progress and the interconnectedness of our well-being goals. Maybe start a page in your journal to begin exploring the areas of yourself that you would like to work on: Mind, Body, Spirit, Relationships, Lifestyle, Nature.
N: Narrative
Concept: Using storytelling to create meaning, process experiences, and inspire transformation. We all have a story to tell, we all began from somewhere - shaped by the lessons taught to us by love ones, through books and movies. What are the events that lead you to who you are in the present? What inspires you now, what inspired you when you were younger? Where do you want the rest of your life to go, and how can we walk that path with intention and purpose?
Practical Application:
● Guide us to reframe our challenges as part of a larger, empowering life story.
● Use creative writing prompts or visual storytelling (e.g., vision boards) to help us articulate our aspirations.
● Encourage individuals to explore archetypes (e.g., Healer, Helper, Explorer, Hero - Magician, Hermit, or High Priestess from Tarot - Greek gods such as Hermes or Athena) that resonate with our journey.
Implementation: Integrate narrative techniques into sessions, helping us rewrite limiting beliefs and craft empowering personal myths. Write a myth/fable/ story with you as the main character, create a representation of yourself, maybe as your favorite animal, and write stories of healing and wellness, accomplishing goals and growing into aligned purpose.
Bringing ALIGN Together in Practice
To ALIGN holistically, you could:
1. Begin with Awareness: Start each journey by fostering mindfulness and self-reflection.
2. Build Learning Opportunities: Equip us with actionable skills and knowledge tailored to their goals.
3. Focus on Integration: Regularly revisit how we are combining insights and practices into our daily lives.
4. Encourage Holistic Growth: Use progress tracking and goal-setting to keep us moving forward in all areas of life.
5. Inspire through Narrative: Continuously work with ourselves and others to transform stories into ones of empowerment, wellness, and possibility.
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ALIGN Writing Exercises
A: Awareness
1: Body Scan Meditation
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Focus on each part of our body, starting from the head and moving downward.
Notice any tension, sensations, or emotions without judgment.
Purpose: Cultivates awareness of physical and emotional states.
2: Thought-Emotion Tracker
Create a simple chart with columns for Trigger, Thought, Emotion, and Reaction.
Fill it out whenever we experience a strong emotion or reaction.
Purpose: Helps us recognize patterns in our responses and increase self-awareness.
3. Sensory Awareness Walk
· During a walk, focus on one sense at a time (e.g., sights, sounds, smells).
· Reflective prompts:
o What details stood out?
o How did focusing on your senses shift your experience?
4. Emotion Naming Exercise
When we feel strong emotions, pause and name them specifically (e.g., "I feel frustrated" instead of "I feel bad").
Reflection: How did naming the emotion impact your reaction?
5. Stream-of-Consciousness Writing
Spend 5–10 minutes writing whatever comes to mind without stopping or censoring.
Reflection: What patterns or themes emerged in your thoughts?
6. Mirror Check-In
Spend a few minutes looking at yourself in the mirror and asking, "How am I feeling today?"
Reflection: What did I notice in my expression or body language?"
L: Learning
1: Personal Toolkit Creation
Have our list of practices, tools, or rituals we’ve learned that support our well-being (e.g., breath-work, journaling, grounding techniques).
Encourage ourselves to create a “toolkit” we can refer to during challenging times.
Purpose: Reinforces learning by consolidating knowledge into practical, actionable, and accessible steps.
2: Daily Micro-Learning
Ask ourselves to commit to learning one small thing daily (e.g., a quote, a breathing exercise, or a new fact about well-being).
We can journal about how it resonates or challenges them.
Purpose: Encourages consistent growth and curiosity.
3. Gratitude Journal
Each day, write down three things we’re grateful for and why.
Reflection: How does focusing on gratitude shift your mood over time?
4. Resource Exploration
Choose one resource (e.g., a book, article, or video) related to personal growth and write down three takeaways.
Prompt: "How can I apply these takeaways to my life?"
5. Self-Compassion Letter
Write a letter to our self as if we were comforting a close friend going through a similar situation.
Reflection: How does showing compassion to myself feel?
6. Mindful Listening Exercise
Have a conversation where we focus entirely on listening without planning our response.
Prompt: "What did I learn about being present in communication?"
I: Integration
1: Ritual Design
Design a ritual that blends symbolic and practical elements.
Example: A morning grounding ritual combining intention-setting (spiritual) with deep breathing (practical). In the evening, light a candle and sit in a comfortable spot and write about our day, note any accomplishments or insights.
Encourage ourselves to experiment and refine the ritual over time, try different methods.
Purpose: Helps us merge insight and action into our daily lives.
2: Integration Journal
After significant experiences (e.g., therapy sessions, meditations, or psychedelic journeys), we are encouraged to write down:
1. What we learned.
2. How it relates to our life.
3. One small action we can take to integrate the insight.
Purpose: Turns abstract insights into actionable, lasting change.
3. Visualization Practice
Visualize ourselves successfully integrating a positive habit into our daily life.
Prompt: "What steps do I need to take to make this visualization a reality?"
4. Symbol Creation
Create a personal symbol (e.g., a drawing, shapes, a name or word) that represents our healing journey.
Prompt: "What does this symbol mean to me, and how can I use it to stay focused?"
5. Morning or Evening Review
Spend 5 minutes at the start or end of the day reviewing our intentions or reflecting on our progress.
Reflection: What worked today, and what can I improve tomorrow?
6. Integration Action Plan
Write down one insight from therapy, a ritual, or a meaningful experience and brainstorm 3 ways to apply it to your daily life.
Prompt: "What small step can I take today to put this plan into action?"
G: Growth
1: Holistic Goal Setting
Set one small goal in each dimension of wellness (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical).
• Mental: Read one chapter of a self development book.
• Emotional: Share a gratitude with someone.
• Spiritual: Meditate for five minutes.
• Physical: Take a short walk.
• Purpose: Promotes balanced and intentional growth.
2: “Success Story” Mapping
• Imagine our life six months or a year from now and write a short story of our “future self” thriving.
• Identify steps we need to take to become that version of ourselves.
• Purpose: Creates a motivating vision and actionable roadmap.
3. Wheel of Life Assessment
Draw a wheel divided into sections (e.g., career, relationships, health, spirituality). Rate your satisfaction in each area from 1–10.
Reflection: Which area do I want to focus on improving, and why?
4. Weekly Reflection and Intention Setting
Every Sunday, reflect on the week:
What went well?
What challenges did I face?
What intention do I want to set for the next week?
5. Growth Affirmations
Write affirmations for each area of wellness (e.g., "I am growing stronger emotionally every day").
Prompt: "How do these affirmations make me feel when I repeat them daily?"
6. Strength Inventory
List your strengths across mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions.
Reflection: How can I use these strengths to achieve my goals?
N: Narrative
1: Rewrite Your Story
Write about a difficult experience in our life as if it were a movie, a comic, or a children’s book. Change details slightly but keep the core narrative.
Then, rewrite the story where the protagonist (us) grows stronger through the experience.
Purpose: Helps reframe challenges into empowering narratives.
2: Archetype Exploration
Research a list of common archetypes, (e.g., hero, healer, explorer, nurturer), refer to the works of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, James Hillman.
Choose an archetype we resonate with and journal about:
1. How it aligns with their current journey.
2. How they can embody it more fully in their life.
Purpose: Strengthens self-identity and fosters a sense of purpose.
3. Life Timeline
Create a timeline of significant events inyour life. Label them as challenges, turning points, or victories.
Prompt: "What patterns or lessons do I notice in my journey so far?"
4. Story of the Future Self
Write about our life 5 years from now as if everything went perfectly.
Reflection: "What steps can I take today to move closer to this vision?"
5. Character Map
Imagine yourself as a character in a story. Map your traits, strengths, challenges, and allies.
Prompt: "What role do I want to play in my story, and how can I embrace it fully?"
6. Dialogue with the Inner Critic
Write a conversation between you and your inner critic. Challenge its assumptions and offer counterarguments.
Reflection: "How does engaging with my inner critic help me rewrite negative narratives?"