My Personal Integration
In February 2008, I had the opportunity to step back and reassess what inspires me about Integrative InSight. Let's be brutally honest ... the long-term survival 
rate for new businesses is daunting and my recently completed taxes confirmed that statistic. I found myself in the midst of an internal battle, as my practical, highly-analytical MBA side rebelled at the state of my finances. At the same time, unexpected circumstances forced me to change my business phone number, which put a freeze on any marketing efforts until all of my marketing materials could be re-published with the new number. So I had some time on my hands to reconnect with my inspiration, to acknowledge and soothe my analytical side, and to clarify and challenge the fictional hurdles created by my own expectations of where I should be.
Meanwhile, I took time to complete a survey by Dr. Lynda Falkenstein, author of Nichecraft. The purpose of the survey is to reveal how I am perceived by others. The timing seemed appropriate ... while I was reassessing my inspiration, I should confirm what others gain from their interactions with me. In the course of 10 days, I asked 36 people the same 5 questions. The people encompassed the spectrum: from members of my family to friends to business acquaintances and students; from people who knew me from my corporate finance incarnation to people who know me through Integrative InSight; from people who've known me since I was 5 years old to those I just met once at a networking meeting.
I was floored by the consistency. I was humbled by the opportunity to practice receiving appreciation ... the acceptance that my efforts to be the best "Me" possible has affected people so deeply brings tears to my eyes and inspires me to be more. Even more powerful was the realization that what others value the most about me are the two aspects to my whole that I've kept in shadow since launching Integrative InSight. All of us have parts that we allow into the light and parts that we keep in shadow. In this context, "light" and "shadow" are not evaluations, but rather terms to express what we share with others and what we keep hidden. How can I bring support others in finding their fully integrated insights when there are parts of me that I keep hidden? 
Ironically, what I thought I had effectively kept in shadow shone right through, such that they encapsulate the strengths that others value about me. I felt I left behind my MBA-side when I chose to follow my heart into Yoga Therapy. I felt that I needed to hide my Yoga Therapy-side when I realized that the general lack of awareness about Yoga Therapy versus Yoga would create a huge obstacle to explaining what it is that I do.
So I choose to bring my MBA-side and my Yoga Therapy-side into the light, where they can receive well-deserved credit for all that they bring to my whole. In balancing these two opposites and embracing the strengths they provide me, I have finally found my unique blended expression of 'East-West' that I have sought my entire life.
Contributions from my MBA-side, as perceived by those around me:
- "High professionalism"
- "Go to the ends of the earth to get the best instruction possible."
- "Accomplished leader – not the "do as I say" type; cause others to think."
- "Extremely articulate; ability to communicate complex feelings and thoughts in both speech and writing."
- "Get to the heart of an issue, so answers arise; then step back and assess."
Contributions from my Yoga Therapy-side, as perceived by those around me:
- "Genuine"
- "Welcoming, not intimidating, good listener, non-judgmental"
- "Deeply thoughtful; introspective"
- "Spiritual through connecting with others."
- "Comfortable with who you are."
- "Creatively combining eastern and western traditions in a way that is fresh and helpful."
- "Not conventional; committed to following your heart's path"
- "Intuition; keen awareness; ability to see things that other's don't"
Contributions from my Integrated Self, as perceived by those around me:
- "Finding balance between passion and business; very grounded in both."
- "Mindfulness"
- "Multifaceted approach, like a prism."
- "Bringing people together"
- "Your contributions result in a more well-rounded whole."
- "Not vested in "my way or no way" – you strive to find the way that is best for the unique situation and the people involved."
The Healing results of my presence, as perceived by those around me:
- "Others feel more in touch with themselves."
- "You pay others the compliment that they can share their thoughts and feelings."
- "You ask more intriguing questions than others would ask."
- "You allow everyone to be present, relaxed and real."
- "Mind-broadening clarity"
- "You provide others the opportunity to look at things differently."
Integrative InSight continues to be my next step, and it can be the next step for you too.
Meenal Kelkar, MBA, RYT, CPRYT, CTYT