Empower the Mind to Uplift the World: A PeaceJam Course in Mindful Activism

These new times demand a new kind of activism, one that understands that mind is chief. The biggest problems in the world are created by the human mind, and the power to solve all our problems arise from the human mind. Let us cultivate a mind that energizes us to heroically solve the major world problems no one has solved before.

Last week, PeaceJammers finished the final class in the special Empower the Mind to Uplift the World: A PeaceJam Course in Mindful Activism. The course was hosted by Billion Acts co-chair Chade-Meng Tan. Meng is also public advocate for the benefits of mindfulness and compassion-based practices within everyday life. He has developed groundbreaking mindfulness-based emotional intelligence courses such as ‘Search Inside Yourself” and has received praise from leaders such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Alongside Meng, youth activist Shaman Kirkland shared his reflections and inspirations as the youth host. 

The courses were taught by head teaccher Soryu Forall of the Monastic Academy in Vermont.  Forall has a decade of intensive monastic training, a degree in Economics from Williams College, and extensive experience in social and environmental justice. The course provided youth with a space to focus on growth amidst hardship, protection from burnout, the redefinition of success, and the tools to more fully embody the power and energy needed to heal the world. You can view the class recordings at (add link when available)!