My question today is about integrity. First of all, what is integrity? The dictionary defines it as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness:” I understand the idea of honesty; however, when I think of “moral uprightness” the phrase connotates a bit of an attitude of superiority. For me, integrity means, standing in respect for oneself and for others. C.S. Lewis says it is, “Doing the right thing even though no one is watching.”

I’ve had an experience lately that has brought up this idea of integrity for me. It has been preying on my mind so to speak and I am working through it. First of all, I know it is a lawful Universe. I know that in order to have any experience in life one must be equal to it. In other words, if I am not being treated with integrity, there must be a place within me that is out of integrity with myself. Does this sound harsh? No, I take full responsibility for my experience. However, I do not take responsibility for others; only as I experience and respond to others.

So, what can I do about this situation? Firstly, I can examine myself, my own intentions, my own honesty. If I find a spot where I am not showing up for myself with integrity, then I can Treat (Spiritual Mind Treatment) to know that I am integrity, that the Universe is integrous and in alignment at all times and, as the Universe resides within and as me, I am also that alignment. I treat that I am deserving of integrity in all my endeavors because of who and what I am, a Divine Spark of Creation in the Mind of God. There is much more to this to be revealed, but in essence what I KNOW is that if I am the Presence of Love (and I am), then I am always met by love and respect.

Socrates was said to have written: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I agree with this. It is only when I examine my life my thinking, my experiences and take full responsibility for them, can I make the most of this time on earth in the physical form. It allows me to open up to our Spiritual self, which is the only place where I can truly expand, understand, and intuit my path.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Founding Director CSL Kaua`i and the Institute of Magnificence and Author of “What Do I Need to KNOW? 101 Thoughts That Changed My Life” and “This Thing Called Treatment,” both available on Amazon.