Below, Piero Falci discusses the inner work that drives us to make the world a better place. Our Soul Force Retreat on December 12 offers the opportunity to join a beloved community of people in nourishing our soul force, and cultivating a sense of purpose, intention, and potential together.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi

The diligent inner work that transforms us into gentler human beings is a powerful form of activism for justice and peace.

When we become more mindful, we reduce our sense of self and experience a feeling of unity and connection with all sentient beings that propels us to engage in the work of alleviating other people's suffering, and that of preserving the planet and all life in it. We become less selfish, more attuned with the suffering in the world, and more devoted to promoting the welfare of others, not thinking as much as we did before about “me,” but thinking much more in terms of “we.”

As we go about doing this inner work—that, by the way, has no end—we feel drawn to stand side by side with the poor, the weak, the exploited, and the oppressed. This alignment is natural and inescapable. Once we reach a deeper understanding of the inter-beingness of all, we find ourselves naturally engaged in the work of promoting social justice, defending the powerless, and speaking truth to power. And we choose to do all this through nonviolent means because nonviolence germinates spontaneously in the hearts of the mindful.

Once we go through this deep personal transformation, our increased peace, kindness, patience, and generosity will not only touch other people's lives, but will also be noticed, and this will attract more people to engage in the work that transforms from the inside out, that brings about an expanded consciousness, and that affects the entire world in a positive way. And once a large number of human beings on this planet take on this transformative work, reach this broader understanding of life, and embrace this gentler way of being, we will reach a tipping point that will bring about a stupendous shift in the world, with the emergence of a new culture of solidarity and cooperation, unity, and peace.

“I don’t trust prayers that don’t lead to action. I don’t trust tears that don’t lead to action. I don’t trust action that doesn’t come from prayers and tears.” ~ Marshall Rosenberg

The truth is that every little thing we do to become more peaceful adds to the culture of peace that one day shall prevail on Earth. Working on our own selves to cultivate mindfulness, and inspiring and helping others to do the same, is a form of activism. Our inner work and personal transformation is not, by any means, a selfish endeavor. We don't do this for ourselves alone. Our dedicated inner work benefits the entire creation. Believe it, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

Piero Falci teaches Mindfulness Meditation and Mindful Living and the acclaimed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. He leads Insight Meditation Silent Retreats and organizes Silent Peace Walks. Piero is an educator who believes that the inner work that leads to personal awakening and transformation is indispensable to create a wholesome world. He is a promoter of peace who believes in advancing the idea that Heaven is here if we want it to be. "A Better Life in a Better World: Can Mindfulness Save Us from Ourselves?" is his latest book. For more information, visit his website www.pierofalci.com