Integrative Restoration is based on the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, which is said to have developed around 900 A.D. Shaivism says that five “kanchukas” or “sheaths” interfere with our inherent sense of psychological and spiritual well-being. By engaging in a practice of self-inquiry, we can begin to diminish our suffering and return to our true nature of well-being and balance.
The 5 kanchukas: When you are experiencing suffering, explore whether your attention is bound in one of these kanchukas, or misperceptions of reality.

  1. “I am a limited, separate and powerless doer.”  Do you feel you have to do something, or overcome something, in order to regain a sense of wholeness and happiness?  Say to yourself “I am a potent, unlimited Being” and connect with the effortless and unlimited being that you are.
  2. “I am confused and limited in knowledge.”  Do you feel you need to gain knowledge or understand something in order to regain a sense of wholeness and happiness?  Try to tap into that part of you that is beyond the conditioned mind and memories.  Experience yourself as the mystery that you and the universe are!  Say to yourself, “ I am an unlimited and omniscient being.”
  3. “I am lacking and incomplete.”  Do you feel you are imperfect or that there is something inherently wrong with you? Do you feel there is something you need to obtain (attachment) or move away from (aversion) to feel a sense of wholeness?  Connect with that part of you that is inherently whole and perfect beyond condition. This part lies beneath desire.  Say to yourself, “I am the perfection of Being.”
  4. “I am time-bound and aging.”  Are you too attached to the past or project too far into the future? Do you feel you need more time in order to accomplish what you need to feel a sense of wholeness? Try to connect with the unabiding, unconditioned pure being that is always present as the mind projects past, present and future.  Say to yourself, “I am timeless and eternal.”
  5. “I am contracted, limited in space.”  Do you feel constricted or contracted in your body or mind? Intend to engage in more activities that create a feeling of expansiveness and  spaciousness in your life.  Remember that you are this spacious presence where thoughts, emotions and sensations arise and pass.  Say to yourself, “ I am unlimited and expansive.”