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The 'science' and integration behind ATP
by Ted P. Attreides

(continued from Article 4, page 1)

Thus this integrated vision is reflected in four sides, four different approaches, four important dimensions needed to accurately describe the depth and scope of its wholistic character.

Therefore as they apply to human beings, these four important dimensions refer to the interior and exterior of the individual and the interior and exterior of the collective. Significantly, all four of these sides are interwoven; they all mutually affect each other.

In other words, none of these can be reduced to the others without serious distortions.

In the ATP program, these four dimensions are reflected in the tetrahedron which is the central part of our logo. The tetrahedron is composed of 4 equilateral triangles, a base and three upright triangles. As applied to our discussion here, the 4 sides of the tetrahedron can symbolically represent the 3 sides of the interior and exterior of the collective and the exterior of the individual, resting on the interior of the individual (self and consciousness) which forms the 'base', the foundation, which holds the 'structure' upright.

It is important to realize however that many cultures in the world have intimated this 'tetra-interactive' reality in the number 'four' -- as in their references to the 'four faces of God', and their stone temples which visually represent four faces looking in four different directions (for example the Four Faces of Brahma Temple in Angkor -- Thom, Bayon, Cambodia)

An incredibly well-thought out and modern representation of these four dimensions was created by the integral philosopher Ken Wilber in his "Four Quadrant" model, and is available in several of his books including the book "A Brief History of Everything" from Shambhala Publication Inc, 1996.

The important point to remember here, is that this bigger and more complete vision must involve all four dimensions of your being and therefore must include physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual components in its approach, in order to claim to be integral or wholistic.

Naturally, the question most people have at this point is, how did we implement this integral vision in the design of the exclusive ATP Self-Discovery program?

The one year ATP program is taught in 12 monthly lessons which are presented in 4 to 5 weekly sessions of about 10 pages each.

It is a program based on a wholistic integration of the four important "intentional", "behavioral", "cultural", and "social" dimensions we just discussed.

What follows is a brief example of the practices that have been included in the ATP program representing each of these four important dimensions:

Article 4 continued