We’re on the second circle out of my Integrated Life Framework concept. This level is called the Practices. I chose that word because these are things you actively do, but they’re never complete. You can’t hold on to it or point to an accomplishment and say, “see, now I’m done.” These are probably things you need to keep doing or risk losing.

Let’s jump in. I’ve included three practices in the Framework. They are

• Mindfulness – the practice of being present and aware of our self
• Faith – the practice of believing in a greater power, being, or force
• Creativity – the practice of creating

Something to understand and remember about practices is there is no right or wrong. It is you. Your Self will influence your Practices and the Practices will help you understand your Self. That’s why it is the next ring out from the Self.

You may identify other practices you’d put in this ring, which is fine. Of course, I reserve the right to add others, too. For now, these are the core ones I’ve settled on.

Here are some thoughts on the practices I chose and how they work with the Self.

• Mindfulness is the practice of understanding and becoming aware of how the Self interprets and impacts behaviors. I think of mindfulness as a bi-directional filter for the Self. As stimuli come in, mindfulness allows me to pre-screen them before they reach the Self. As thoughts or feelings leave the Self, mindfulness gives me a chance to determine how they will be manifested outwardly.
  
  Some might list meditation as a practice. I tend to think of meditation more as training so that I can practice mindfulness. However, I’m open to discussing the relationship between mindfulness and meditation and would love to hear any thoughts you have.
• My simple definition of faith is a belief in something that cannot be proven. In the context of the Practices, it is some greater power in the universe. When we practice faith, we’re practicing a belief in that higher power. Whatever that is for you, I would assert that Self can dramatically impacs how you practice faith. This means that understanding Self can open up new avenues in your practice of faith.
  
  I distinguish religion, like Christianity or Hinduism, from the practice of faith. I think of religion as how you understand a higher power. Faith is the practice of believing in that higher power. That may sound like a subtle difference, but I think it is important. You may practice faith without religion.
  
  If you’re not sure you have a practice of faith, spend a little time exploring the idea. If you’re not sure, hold off on a decision. As we discuss other layers of the Framework, it may become clearer for you. If you decide you don’t have a practice of faith, that’s okay, too.
• Creativity is my favorite practice. I love seeing and identifying how the Self is expressed though creativity. There are so many different ways it happens! There are traditional things like art, music, and dance. Whether you’re doing it or appreciating it, that is the practice of creativity. But, it is so much more than that, too.
  
  You can practice creativity in every aspect of your life. How you start your day, what you choose to eat, how you exercise, ways that you complete your work, how and what you communicate to people, and on and on.
  
  Creativity exemplifies what I am trying to capture with the Framework layers and the interplay between Self and Practices. I think everybody is creative, but it is not part of the Self. It is the expression of Self. Conversely, as you identify and understand your practice of creativity, it will reveal aspects of your Self.

And there you have it, the second ring on the Integrated Life Framework. I realize some of these thoughts may seem idiosyncratic, but I enjoy thinking and writing about it. You’re on a journey with me. My hope is that as I clarify more of the layers, you’ll see some ways to use this framework in aspects of your life. Thanks for being here!