Integrity means living in a way where what you believe, what you say and what you do line up. Spiritual integrity brings this into your inner life too, so that your values and actions feel connected and true.
Here are ten paths to create more spiritual integrity in everyday life.
1. Pause before you act
A brief pause gives you time to choose actions that match your values, rather than reacting automatically.
2. Mean what you say
Speak honestly and keep your promises. If you can’t keep one, say so.
3. Let go of the day’s frustrations
Don’t carry small irritations from one hour to the next. Let them go so you can meet each moment fresh.
4. Take responsibility
Own your choices and their effects. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and put it right where you can.
5. Stay present
Live in today rather than getting lost in the past or future. Presence helps you act with care.
6. Follow your own advice
Notice the advice you give others. Are you living it yourself?
7. Stay curious
Keep asking honest questions about yourself and your life. Integrity grows through self-reflection.
8. Respect other people’s paths
Everyone has their own journey. You can hold your values while respecting that others may see things differently.
9. Widen your circle of kindness
Extend kindness beyond friends and family to strangers, people you disagree with and the natural world.
10. Give thanks freely
Express gratitude without expecting anything in return.
Integrity is a practice
No one lives with perfect integrity. The practice is to notice when your actions drift from your values, and gently return.
How little is enough
Choose one of these paths and practise it this week. Notice where your values and actions line up, and where they could come closer.
For more, read taking responsibility is power to change.
If you’d like a gentle companion for finding your way through change, there’s a guided journal for it on the Guides page.