Note: This two-part post is a revision of a column I wrote in February 2008. Part Two: "Choosing Impeccability" will be posted on 12/28/11.
"Integrity" has become a popular, often-overused buzzword in recent years, and yet many people don't know what it really means.
One of the subset definitions of integrity I like very much is "impeccability." At first glance, it is easy to mistake the concept of impeccability with the impossible goal of being perfect, but they are vastly different in that anyone who seeks perfectionism generally comes from an egoic-centered place, and the one whose goal is impeccability comes from an exceptionally humble place.
Impeccability – and integrity - are about living a life of conscious, accountable choice, always aware that none of us is certain how much time we have on this planet, and that every moment, every thought, every communication, every action matters in terms of our own personal evolution in the time we're given in this incarnation – and not lazily assuming if we don't get it together in this lifetime, we can put it off until the next one. It is a life lived where we acknowledge our imperfect human-ness, and mistakes are quickly owned up to and corrections and amends are made simply as a code of honorable behavior, as there is no room for egoic justification or weak self-defense when fully embracing the path of inner transformation.
I first heard the concept of impeccability over thirty years ago when I began reading the books written by Carlos Castenada that recounted his apprenticeship with a Yaqui Indian shamanic teacher named don Juan Matus. Although some claim don Juan was simply a fabrication, Castenada's writings about the nature of authentic, compassionate, spiritual warriorship hold valuable lessons on how to navigate our way in our life's journey. At the time, don Juan's teachings went way over my head, but were always something I returned to repeatedly as I gained awareness about how we show up in the world is a direct reflection of our degree of awakened understanding, and Castenada's books are highly recommended.
Distilling impeccability down to its essence, don Juan said to Carlos:
"Impeccability is nothing but the proper use of energy."
Exquisitely stated, and deceptively simple. It is layered in subtle complexities due to the nature of the mental interpretations and personal agendas of the individual. For instance, as we saw illustrated in the Star Wars saga, the bottom line choice is on what side of the Force one wishes to attain mastery, as all the characters sought impeccability in each dimension of their chosen warrior expressions, demonstrating one can become a master of white or black magic depending on what road they choose. In the context of choosing the light side of existence, we will look at what is "proper" use of energy.
As we grow in both collective and personal consciousness we see that is unwise to waste energy, which means not wasting time, knowledge, gifts and talents we've been given, nor taking advantage of or for granted people and resources. For the spiritual warrior, death is the constant reference point that keeps the ego in check.
As don Juan said:
"A warrior must learn to make every act count, since he is going to be here in this world for only a short while, in fact, too short for witnessing all the marvels of it."
Impeccability is about paying attention to what is going on all around us, and not being lazy on any level. It is not deluding ourselves with the ignorant narcotic notion that there are choices without consequence, and owning the fact that denial and blame are useless and ultimately rather petty. Impeccability does not allow us to be self-involved or self-indulgent and carry on as victims or entitled spoiled brats. It is the framework for a life lived with constantly mindful self-discipline and inner strength, because, as I have stated many times before, it is not enough to have knowledge or good intentions.
The words of teacher A. Hameed Ali reflect the many dimensions of living a life of impeccability:
"Choosing to be an impeccable warrior means choosing to be a person, choosing to be a responsible adult, instead of being your mother’s baby. There is dignity in it; you are your own person, your life is your responsibility and you always have the choice to do your best. Impeccability can be in action, in feeling, in thinking. Impeccability can be in terms of the will, in terms of the mind, in terms of the heart."
In other words, it is an all-encompassing focus on aligning yourself with who you wish to be and what you wish to reflect back into the world on a consistent basis. Living impeccably means there is no gap between what you project to believe and how you act, as there is no room for hypocrisy whatsoever. It means being a person of your word, and someone that can be counted on to always show up with integrity no matter what the situation.
Living with impeccability is a doorway to freedom from the small self.
As don Juan said:
"The only freedom warriors have is to behave impeccably. Not only is impeccability freedom; it is the only way to straighten out the human form."
Living with the light side of impeccability and the accompanying proper use of your energy is a choice only you can decide to make. And you can't do it when you "feel" like it; otherwise there is no impeccability whatsoever.
Tomorrow, Part Two: Choosing Impeccability.
© Suzanne Matthiessen, innerevolution media.
Website: TheMind-BodyCoach.com
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