Integrity
Also known as congruence, wholeness
The need to live in accordance with your values and to be undivided within yourself. A state of alignment between what you believe, say, and do.
When met or unmet
When met
- Living by your values
- Wholeness and consistency
- Actions matching beliefs
When unmet
- Compromising values
- Inner conflict
- Doing things that don't align with who you are
Common expressions
I need to stay true to my values That would compromise my integrity I can't do that in good conscience
Strategies
- Clarifying your core values
- Noticing when actions conflict with values
- Making amends when you've acted out of integrity
- Choosing consistency even when costly
Recognition questions
- → Am I living in accordance with my values?
- → Is there a gap between what I say and what I do?
- → Do I feel whole or divided?
Somatic markers
When met
- A sense of solidity and wholeness
- Standing upright with nothing to hide
- Peace from alignment
When unmet
- Internal conflict and division
- Shame at inconsistency
- Fragmentation and unease
Shadow side
- Rigidity that can't adapt to circumstances
- Self-righteousness about your integrity
- Judging others by standards you don't fully meet
Cultural considerations
Integrity frameworks vary: personal values, family honour, professional codes, religious principles, community standards. Conflicts between frameworks are common.