The economic crisis that we are still weathering was brought about by a lack of integrity. The leaders of certain large corporations and banks have made choices that would enrich themselves at the expense of the law, their shareholders, their customers, and the common good. This is out of balance, and therefore, it is out of integrity. But corporate executives are hardly the only ones who have been out of integrity. We all bear responsibility for the state of our society and our world.

What is integrity? It is defined as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty." Another meaning is "the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished." In spiritual terms, when we act with integrity and live in integrity, we are being faithful to who we really are—our whole, Divine being. We are in alignment with our spirit and what God needs of us, whatever that looks like.

Most people believe that they are honest and ethical, and yet they may not live in integrity with themselves. What does this mean? We are encouraged to believe that things must be a certain way or look a certain way, and we will do our best to conform to what society expects of us. The problem is, if we're trying to inhabit a persona that "fits in" or "looks right," then we are not being true to ourselves. We are not in integrity with who we really are, and we are therefore not able to fulfill our divine purpose.

All systems naturally want to return to a state of balance, and when we are not being true to ourselves, we get messages that tell us so. Our feelings are barometers, and when we're anxious, unhappy, or depressed, this is a message that we are out of alignment in some way. We may need to make a change in our relationships. We may need to change jobs or our career, so that we are following our hearts. We may need to deal with emotions from our past so that we can heal them and move forward.

Messages also come in the form of persistent thoughts and ideas. If an idea keeps popping into your head, pay attention. Spirit is trying to tell you something.

When we choose to follow our own inner guidance, our own feelings and ideas, we are supported in whatever changes we need to make. When we take a step on the path of our true integrity, the next step will be illuminated. The path may feel unfamiliar or even downright scary, but each step brings us closer to our true selves, and to our true joy.

When we act with integrity toward ourselves and honor who we really are, it creates an energetic shift that impacts everything around us. It is not possible to act with true integrity and harm others. When you take your own power and own what is yours, there is no need to have power over others. Just the opposite occurs:  when you live in integrity, your abundance will overflow, and you will be able to share it with others. That sharing is returned to you ten-fold, and the circle of abundance continues to flow, affecting more and more people.

Our economy is in flux because it is returning to a state of balance. An economy that is in integrity does not benefit a small number of people alone. It benefits everyone:  from each according to his ability, to each according to his need. We all have something to contribute and share. We can all support one another as we live in integrity and find our joy. There is enough for everyone; there always has been.

Spiritual integrity means that we are connected with our spirit, we know and accept our authentic selves, and we discover who we are and why we are here. Everyone has a place, a purpose, and a gift. Integrity also means respect—for each other, for animals and ecosystems, and for the Earth. If you want to save the world, save yourself by remembering who you are.

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
—Native American proverb

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