How the Model of Heart-Centered
Life-leadership Came Into Being
Developed over the span of twenty-five years of dedicated research by Chris Saade (and with contributions from Barry Sherman and Casey Robertson) the Model of Heart-centered Life-leadership/Intentional Living is an existential model of integral self-development that has been greatly influenced by the work of Carl Jung and Mahatma Gandhi.
Chris studied on three different continents: the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. This influenced his thinking related to the need for an inclusive approach that brings together various philosophical, psychological and spiritual traditions.
Through the development of the model, Saade has sought to understand the rich possibilities for being an impassioned partner and citizen emanating from the Existential-Jungian dialogue, as well as Gandhi's legacy. He has also pursued an understanding of some of the very important underlying principles of psychological growth theories and spiritual discipline from Western, Middle Eastern and Eastern traditions.
In addition to the many years of research that have been devoted to the development of this model, its strength is greatly bolstered by personal experience. As a war survivor from Lebanon, Chris experienced the suffering in much of his homeland. Living through six years of war and being involved in peacemaking activities, he came to a much deeper understanding of the basic issues of authenticity, intentionality and creative diversity. Thus, although the ideas and concepts presented through the Model of Heart-centered Life-leadership stand upon rich theoretical and intellectual ground, the most important aspect of this work is the strong creative impact it has had on Chris himself, the ILC staff and those individuals who have participated over the years in ILC programs, dialogues and community building explorations