How do we balance the pursuit of individual, inner transformation with the need for collective, outer transformation?
Many philosophical and spiritual traditions have argued that meaningful social change begins with the transformation of the individual–that a more peaceful, compassionate, and attentive society can only emerge from people who have first cultivated those qualities within themselves.
Yet others argue that inward practice alone is insufficient, or perhaps unrealistic, to solve the structural problems that plague society. Organized political action, collective pressure, and direct engagement with systems of power are unavoidable in the pursuit of justice.
In this session, we’ll explore the relationship between mindfulness and activism. To what degree can personal transformation meaningfully contribute to broader social transformation? Where are the strengths and limitations of inward-focused approaches to change? And does the pursuit of detachment implicit in many mindfulness practices neuter our ability to engage with needed social activism?
Through guided discussion and reflection, we’ll consider how to best pursue both inner and outer forms of change in an age marked by polarization, distraction, and social fragmentation.
Inspired by the T&Q essay: The Laity Doth Protest
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