Integral Life
| The Daily Evolver @IntegralNaked | Uploaded May 2022 | Updated October 2024, 5 hours ago.
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The Daily Evolver @IntegralNaked
![How to Have a Turquoise Conversation [Highlights]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zs11NObU5_M/hqdefault.jpg "How to Have a Turquoise Conversation [Highlights]
Watch the full discussion here:
https://integrallife.com/the-art-of-integral-conversation
Dr. Keith Witt and Corey deVos explore the concept of turquoise dialectic - a sophisticated form of integral discourse that emerges at the later stages of human development. Drawing upon their deep understanding of adult development and integral theory, they explore the feeling and transformative potential of the turquoise “we-space”, and how we might create the conditions for this type of conversation to unfold.Join Corey and Keith as they unpack the core qualities of integral communication, the evolutionary intelligences that underpin it, and the rules of the game that can help sustain a higher quality of interaction between us. Whether youre a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the frontiers of human communication and understanding, this is a conversation not to be missed.
What is a “turquoise dialectic”?
The term “dialectic” originates in ancient Greece, signifying the various methods of reasoning and discussion in order to discover the truth. It is most often associated with the work of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, whose well-known process of “thesis, antithesis, synthesis” is often regarded as a fundamental aspect of integral thinking and sense-making. In this discussion, we refer to the term “dialectic” to represent a fluid, multidimensional form of discourse that acknowledges the constructed nature of all perspectives, and seeks to both situate and synthesize those perspectives (and their associated methods of knowing) into a more coherent understanding of reality — consciously inquiring into the frameworks and assumptions that shape our perceptions and understandings of the world around us.
This kind of Turquoise discourse facilitates the emergence of new forms of consciousness, co-creating novel ways of being and understanding that align with the interdependence and mystery of existence. Communication becomes a sacred practice of conscious participation in the evolution of humanity and the kosmos, demanding radical humility, transparency, and a release of fixed identities. Participants continually challenge themselves to expand awareness, embrace paradox, and open to the unknown, engaging in an ongoing exploration of the frontiers of human potential.
To learn more about the attributes of turquoise-stage dialectic, including its overall approach to communication, handling of conflict, and decision-making processes, be sure to check out this Context map: The Stages of Communication.
How do we set the conditions for a turquoise dialectic?
Imagine that every conversation is something like a poker game, where the players decide the rules before each hand. If you’ve got five players at the table, and each is coming from an Amber stage of development, then the rules will be set up according to Amber-stage views and values, and it will basically be an Amber game. If all the players are Turquoise, you’ll get turquoise rules, a turquoise game, and therefore a turquoise we-space. It’s as simple as that!
Or is it?
Human beings, after all, are far more complicated than this. We are not developmental stereotypes, we instead possess an entire stack of evolutionary intelligences within us — all of which are constantly growing and adapting, and any of which we may be inhabiting at a given time, depending on the context we find ourselves in. Turquoise people can happily play Red games, Amber games, Orange games, and so forth, because all of these stages are still alive within them.
The trick, therefore, is not just getting the right people to the table, but also establishing the right rules and norms that are most conducive to turquoise enfoldment. Of course, these are not the sorts of strict rules and regulations that we might find in an Amber game. They are rather a series of basic guardrails, orienting generalizations, and attractor points that can help the group to self-organize, participants to self-regulate, and the dialectic itself to self-govern. It’s about “rigging the game” so that authentic transformation, deep empathy, and collective sense-making become the winning strategies, allowing us to create a space together that invites and includes all of us, and all of the multitudes we contain, while guiding us toward our highest and wisest possible Self.
To learn more about processes, postures, and containers that can help support a turquoise dialectic, check out Corey’s six-step process here: Turquoise Dialectic Process.")
![Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eOEM60sCKr8/hqdefault.jpg "Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]
Dr. Keith Witt and Corey deVos dive into the intricate world of integrally informed sex therapy—a comprehensive approach designed to address the unique complexities of modern relationships. Dr. Witt presents integrally informed sex therapy as a meta-sex therapy, a method that integrates romantic, scientific, and spiritual approaches, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of each individual or couple. This innovative therapy moves beyond the limitations of traditional sex therapy by recognizing the multifaceted dynamics within every relationship and crafting a personalized therapeutic journey.
The discussion kicks off with an exploration of how sexual interactions occupy only a small fraction of our waking hours, yet the love affair between partners is a continuous process. Dr. Witt emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining emotional intimacy and connection outside of physical encounters, as these elements are vital for sustaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
Corey deVos deepens the conversation by applying his 8 Horizons model of relationships to explore the various types of complexity that couples face. This model provides a framework for understanding how different aspects of a relationship—ranging from individual psychological states to shared cultural narratives—interact and influence the overall dynamic. Corey highlights that each relationship is a unique organism, composed of different stages, capacities, traumas, and attachment styles, and that navigating these layers is essential for a successful partnership.
Dr. Witt also reflects on the evolution of sex therapy, noting its relatively recent development as a field and its growth into a discipline that now includes a variety of approaches. Integrally informed sex therapy synthesizes these methods, offering a comprehensive and adaptive framework that evolves with the changing dynamics of each relationship.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Witt and Corey discuss practical strategies for enhancing sexual and emotional intimacy, such as the importance of emotional attunement, the impact of cultural narratives on sexual identity, and the role of mindfulness in improving sexual experiences. They emphasize that a thriving relationship is one where both partners are committed to mutual growth and development, constantly attuning to each other’s needs and evolving together.
This episode offers valuable insights for therapists, couples, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of sexual intimacy and relationship dynamics. By integrating various therapeutic approaches and utilizing models like Corey’s 8 Horizons, integrally informed sex therapy provides a powerful tool for creating and sustaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.")
