Make Every Moment Count—The Art of Integrated Practice
- Steve Ehrenreich
- Aug 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Understanding Integrated Practice: A Deeper Exploration
The concept of Integrated Practice can initially seem counterintuitive, as it suggests that the primary goal is not to engage in practice itself, but rather to focus on an entirely different activity. This notion invites us to rethink our understanding of practice and its role in our daily lives. The essence of Integrated Practice lies in the idea that while we are pursuing these alternative endeavors, we inadvertently find ourselves honing our skills and improving our abilities. To illustrate this concept more clearly, let’s consider a few simple yet relatable examples that demonstrate how Integrated Practice operates in everyday situations.
Going for a Walk
When we decide to go for a walk, our primary intention might be to enjoy the fresh air, clear our minds, or perhaps get some exercise. However, during this leisurely activity, we can simultaneously engage in practice. Taking from what we learn from Standing the State (Zhan Zhuang) we can activate the frame, lower our center of gravity, engage the six-surfaces feeling and take advantage of the half-step training to literally chain steps together with an integrated frame. Thus, the act of walking, while not explicitly a practice session, becomes a fertile ground for skill development.
Working on the Computer
Another common scenario is working on a computer. Many people associate computer use with productivity, whether it’s completing work tasks, engaging in creative projects, or browsing the internet. The primary purpose here might be to finish a report or communicate with colleagues, but within this context, we are often practicing various skills. For instance, switching out our cushy comfy chair for a Yoga ball forces us to sit with an activated frame, just like when we engage in StS (Zhan Zhuang) practice. You can even bring the connected feeling from position 7 into typing or go all in and get a standing desk. Even in this mundane activity we are actively practicing new concepts and techniques, further enriching our learning experience.
Waiting in Line at the Store
Even the simple task of waiting in line at a store can transform into a moment of Integrated Practice. While we might be preoccupied with impatience or boredom, we can use this time to practice activating our frame in a covert way, using our ability to change state to experiment with special awareness. Alternatively, we could take this opportunity to induce deep relaxation within our activated frame and turn the inconvenient task into a mini meditation/rejuvenation. Furthermore, if we observe the behavior of others around us, we can practice our awareness of sensing their intent/attitude in a nonconceptual way.
The Underlying Philosophy of Integrated Practice
The underlying philosophy of Integrated Practice emphasizes the seamless blending of practice into our daily routines. It challenges the traditional notion that practice must occur in a structured or formal setting. Instead, it encourages us to recognize that every moment holds potential for growth and skill enhancement, regardless of the specific activity we are engaged in. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate a more holistic approach to skill development. We begin to see practice not as a separate, isolated endeavor but as an integral part of our everyday lives. This perspective not only enriches our experiences but also fosters a sense of continuous learning and improvement.
The purpose of Integrated Practice transcends the act of practicing itself. It invites us to engage fully in our activities while simultaneously allowing for the organic development of our skills. By recognizing and embracing opportunities for practice in our daily lives, we can enhance our abilities in a more natural and enjoyable manner. This way we take what we learn from formal and freestyle practice out of the box and experiment with applying it in our daily lifestyle. This way the skill is not some special thing we only pull out when wearing fancy jammies but something that manifests spontaneously without the need for conscious thought.
Why would we do this? Well, there are a number of reasons:
There are just not enough hours in the day. In our fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity, often slipping away before we realize it. Casual Practice opens up countless hours dedicated to developing and refining your skills, provided those hours are utilized effectively. This approach allows individuals to integrate practice into their daily routines, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for growth. By consciously engaging in Casual Practice, one can find moments throughout the day—whether during a commute, waiting in line, or even while performing household chores—to enhance their abilities. This method not only maximizes the available time but also ensures that skill development becomes a seamless part of life.
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