Advanced Diploma in Vertical Coaching & Ken Wilber’s Five Ups
Two weeks ago, I returned to Bali for the final gathering of Harthill Consulting Ltd’s Advanced Diploma in Vertically Developmental Coaching (APAC) - the culmination of 9 months of deep practice, inquiry, and becoming.
This has been an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth:
As a coach: stepping into the developmental arc, continuing to grow my capacity to meet complexity with clarity, and supporting others to do the same.
And as a facilitator of somatic developmental experiences: translating that growth into rhythm, breath, and beat.
It was an absolute privilege to open the first retreat and close the last with a movement practice.
In our first gathering, I invited participants to feel their way into each of Bill Torbert's Action Logics - the seven stages of vertical development.
In our last retreat, we moved our way through Ken Wilber’s Five Ups.
About Ken Wilber’s Five Ups
The Five Ups is one way of describing the different dimensions of human development (cognitive, emotional, moral, spiritual, etc.) that need to grow together if someone wants to become a more whole, integrated person. Growth in any one dimension alone is not enough. You can be spiritually awakened but emotionally messy, intellectually advanced but blind to your triggers. Integrated growth leads to congruence, in thought, action and intention, which unlocks our fullest potential.
Opening Up
This is the early shift, where someone begins to notice their inner life more clearly. Instead of running on autopilot, you’ll become aware of emotions, reactions, and the idea that your viewpoint is just one way of seeing things.
Waking Up
This is an expanded awareness, stillness, or connection. People describe it in different ways: a sense of unity, clarity, or deep presence. You start to see yourself as one part of a much bigger whole.
Growing Up
This is a long-term maturing process where your perspective becomes more flexible and complex, and you expand your mental and emotional range. You start understanding that situations have layers, people have different realities, and your initial interpretation is not the whole picture. You begin to hold multiple viewpoints at once.
Cleaning Up
This is what is known as shadow work. You begin to notice and address old patterns that get in the way: defensiveness, triggers, unresolved hurts etc. It’s about becoming more honest with yourself, getting support where needed, and integrating the parts you've pushed deep down or away.
Showing Up
This is the outward expression of all the inner work. It’s where development becomes visible, not just something happening in your head or heart. It's how you engage in relationships, work, community, and leadership. Instead of reacting, you respond with intention. You consider impact. You act from alignment, not habit.
Somatic Development Practices
The combination of curated music, guided facilitation, and somatic invitation enabled us to explore these five foundational concepts both intellectually and viscerally. I’ve found this integration of the body to be a powerful, often under-explored portal to profound growth.
Somatic work can help us bypass overthinking that can happen with mental blocks and hard-wired habits. In order for true congruence, we need to work with and through the body.
My deepest gratitude goes to:
- Natalie Goni & Mac Lingfor leading this truly emergent program and creating space for me to experiment.
- Bradley Hastings & Rebecca Williamson for being such generous learning partners.
- Also to Ian Mitchell & Sian Lumsden from Harthill's UK chapter, who brought such energy and insight to the journey.
If you’re looking for an executive coach equipped with the tools of vertical development, who can help you “re-imagine what you know” and deepen perspective, let’s stoke the embers.