Our bodies and minds are inextricably connected. Yet, so many of us learn to disconnect as a survival strategy. Integration of body and mind through somatic and mindfulness-based therapies can help us reconnect with our bodies’ messages, learn to honor our needs, reclaim our bodily autonomy, and tune into our deepest truths, values, and purpose.

Even our sense of self is made up of a complex system of parts working together in an effort to meet our needs. Many of us have learned to reject certain parts of ourselves, often born out of painful experiences of rejection from others. Integration of self can entail exploring our life story, reclaiming our narrative, and learning to embrace all parts of ourselves with compassion.

We are wired for connection and need to feel seen, accepted, and cared for in our close relationships to thrive. Integration in relationships often entails learning to communicate our needs authentically, setting boundaries from a place of care for self and others, clarifying which relationships are serving us, and leaning into the vulnerability that underlies deep and meaningful connection.

Oppressive systems such as white supremacy, homophobia, patriarchy, ableism and xenophobia gain and maintain power by perpetuating the lie that we are separate. We are interconnected. Our liberation is bound together, and no one is truly free until we are all free. Integration within community might look like unlearning the conditioning of oppressive systems, engaging in activism, or contributing to community-care. It might look like seeking out communities where you feel a sense of connection and belonging.

We are part of nature and not separate from it. There is evidence across time and cultures that humans have the capacity to live in harmony with nature rather than unconscious exploitation. Integration with nature might look like finding joy and healing through connection with fellow plants and animals, awakening to our individual and collective impacts on the planet we inhabit, advocating for climate justice, or utilizing nutrition and plant medicine to harness our innate capacity to change and grow.