Decommissioning the State: Inner Alchemy as Political Abolition
The concept of “decommissioning the state” intertwines political abolition with a deeper, personal transformation often described as inner alchemy. While political efforts focus on dismantling institutions that perpetuate harm, such as the prison-industrial complex or militarized policing, inner alchemy speaks to the transformation of the individual’s consciousness, aligning personal liberation with societal change.
Inner Alchemy Explained
Inner alchemy, rooted in ancient philosophical traditions like Taoism, involves the transformative processes that cultivate one’s inner state toward harmony and balance. According to Gareth P. Jones, a scholar of Eastern philosophy, “Inner alchemy is the art of reaching into the spiritual…it transforms our mind, spirit, and worldview.” (source) This transformation can serve as a metaphor for decommissioning the structural frameworks of the state within the mind.
The Intersection of Inner and Outer Work
The notion of inner alchemy aligns closely with the political philosophy of abolition, which seeks a radical reimagining of current societal structures. Abolition is not just the end of punitive systems, but the active cultivation of alternatives rooted in care, support, and community: the essence of inner work applied outwardly.
“To build something new, we must dismantle the old, simultaneously within ourselves and in the world around us.” — Mariame Kaba, a prominent activist and thinker.
Practical Applications
- Meditative Practices: Engage in mindfulness and meditation to foster introspective understanding and self-regulation.
- Community Building: Participate in grassroots movements that emphasize healing justice, emphasizing practices that do not mirror oppressive systems.
- Education and Dialogue: Foster conversations around the intersection of personal transformation and systemic change. Read widely from abolitionist thinkers and implement this knowledge in daily life.
The path of inner alchemy as political abolition requires us to look beyond external structures and address our internalized beliefs and biases, transforming them into a force that seeks justice and equality. It is an ongoing process that challenges us to interrogate and dismantle the “state” that resides within us, the part that mirrors societal oppressions.
By integrating inner alchemy with abolitionist ideals, we can work towards a future that is not only devoid of oppressive systems but also enriched with empowered communities and individuals who embody the values of justice, equity, and peace.