Life.Understood.

The Inner Spark: Igniting Societal Transformation Through Intrinsic Motivation

Written by

Gerald Alba Daquila

in

A Multidisciplinary Exploration of the Cosmology of Change and Its Implications for Social Progress

Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate

ABSTRACT

This dissertation explores the concept that true change originates within the individual, driven by intrinsic motivation, and radiates outward to transform communities, organizations, and societies. Drawing on psychological, sociological, spiritual, and esoteric perspectives, it examines the “cosmology of change”—a framework for understanding how inner transformation, fueled by self-determination, agency, and spiritual connection, creates sustainable societal impact.

By integrating research on intrinsic motivation, spiritual and esoteric traditions, and interdisciplinary theories, this work highlights how inner-driven change is contagious, self-sustaining, and resistant to external coercion. The study proposes practical strategies for leveraging this knowledge to foster collective action, enhance well-being, and promote sustainable societal progress. Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, this dissertation bridges academic scholarship with practical applications for a broad audience.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Inside-Out Imperative
  2. The Psychology of Intrinsic Motivation
    • Self-Determination Theory and the Power of Autonomy
    • Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Why Inner Drive Lasts
  3. Spiritual and Esoteric Perspectives on Change
    • The Inner Flame: Spiritual Traditions on Transformation
    • Esoteric Cosmology: The Universal Laws of Change
  4. The Sociology of Contagious Change
    • How Inner Transformation Sparks Collective Action
    • The Role of Agency and Free Will in Social Movements
  5. A Multidisciplinary Cosmology of Change
    • Synthesizing Psychology, Spirituality, and Sociology
    • The Ripple Effect: From Individual to Societal Transformation
  6. Leveraging the Cosmology of Change for Society
    • Practical Applications for Communities and Organizations
    • Overcoming Resistance to Change
  7. Conclusion: Lighting the Spark for a Better World
  8. Glossary
  9. References

Introduction: The Inside-Out Imperative

We’ve all heard the call for change—whether it’s a better workplace, a stronger community, healthier family dynamics, or a more just government. Yet, too often, these efforts falter because they rely on external fixes: new policies, incentives, or top-down mandates. This dissertation argues that lasting change begins within the individual, ignited by an inner spark of intrinsic motivation. As the adage goes, “We cannot change our environment unless the fire and spark of change is lit inside our souls.” This inner-driven change is not only sustainable but also contagious, inspiring others to act through shared purpose and agency.

This work explores the cosmology of change—a holistic framework that integrates psychological theories of motivation, spiritual and esoteric wisdom, and sociological insights into collective action. By examining how inner transformation fuels societal progress, we uncover strategies to improve communities and institutions. The dissertation uses a multidisciplinary lens to make the case accessible to a wide audience, from scholars to practitioners, while maintaining academic rigor.

Glyph of the Master Builder

The One Who Lays the Pillars of Renewal

The Psychology of Intrinsic Motivation

Self-Determination Theory and the Power of Autonomy

At the heart of inner-driven change lies intrinsic motivation—the drive to act for the sake of personal fulfillment, curiosity, or mastery, rather than external rewards. Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by Deci and Ryan (1985), provides a robust framework for understanding this phenomenon. SDT posits that intrinsic motivation thrives when three psychological needs are met: autonomy (the sense of control over one’s actions), competence (the ability to master tasks), and relatedness (connection to others). When these needs are fulfilled, individuals engage in behaviors that align with their values, leading to sustained effort and well-being (Ryan & Deci, 2017).

For example, a community organizer motivated by a personal commitment to social justice (autonomy) and a sense of connection to their community (relatedness) is more likely to persist in their efforts than someone driven by external praise or funding. Research shows that intrinsic motivation predicts enhanced learning, creativity, and performance across educational and professional settings (Ryan & Deci, 2020). This suggests that fostering environments that support autonomy and connection can ignite the inner spark needed for lasting change.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Why Inner Drive Lasts

Extrinsic motivation—driven by rewards like money or status—often leads to fleeting change. Studies, such as Lepper et al. (1973), demonstrate the “overjustification effect,” where external rewards can undermine intrinsic interest, causing individuals to disengage once incentives disappear. In contrast, intrinsic motivation is self-sustaining because it aligns with one’s sense of purpose. For instance, Afsar et al. (2016) found that employees with high intrinsic motivation, fueled by spiritual values, exhibited greater pro-environmental behavior, suggesting a link between inner drive and societal good.

This distinction is critical for societal change. Externally imposed reforms, like government mandates, often face resistance because they bypass individual agency. People crave the freedom to choose their role in change, whether by initiating it or contributing to it. When change is internally motivated, it becomes a contagious force, spreading through shared inspiration rather than coercion.

Spiritual and Esoteric Perspectives on Change

The Inner Flame: Spiritual Traditions on Transformation

Spiritual traditions across cultures emphasize that change begins within. In Christianity, the concept of metanoia—a transformative change of heart—underscores the need for inner renewal before external action. Similarly, Buddhist teachings on mindfulness encourage individuals to cultivate awareness and compassion as a foundation for ethical behavior (Wamsler et al., 2021). These traditions view the “inner spark” as a connection to a higher purpose, whether divine, universal, or ecological.

For example, eco-spirituality—a growing field that merges spirituality with environmental concerns—suggests that inner transformation fosters a sense of interconnectedness with nature, motivating sustainable actions. A synthesis of 138 studies on eco-spirituality found that spiritual beliefs drive pro-environmental behavior by enhancing empathy and intrinsic motivation (Afsar et al., 2016). This aligns with the idea that inner change, rooted in spiritual values, creates a ripple effect that transforms communities.

Esoteric Cosmology: The Universal Laws of Change

Esoteric traditions, such as those in Western esotericism and Anthroposophy, offer a cosmological perspective on change. Rudolf Steiner’s Esoteric Cosmology (1906) describes transformation as a universal process governed by spiritual evolution, where individuals align with cosmic rhythms to effect change (Steiner, 2008). Similarly, Theosophical teachings, as articulated by Helena Blavatsky, view change as a movement toward greater consciousness, initiated by inner awakening (Blavatsky, 1888).

These traditions suggest that change follows a universal law: inner alignment with higher truths creates harmony that manifests outwardly. For instance, the Hermetic principle of “as within, so without” posits that inner transformation shapes external reality. This cosmology implies that societal progress depends on individuals cultivating self-awareness and spiritual insight, which then inspire collective action.

The Sociology of Contagious Change

How Inner Transformation Sparks Collective Action

Sociological research supports the idea that inner-driven change is contagious. Social contagion theory suggests that behaviors and attitudes spread through networks, much like a virus (Christakis & Fowler, 2009). When individuals act from intrinsic motivation, their passion and authenticity inspire others. For example, studies on social movements, such as the civil rights movement, show that leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. galvanized change by embodying deeply held values, which resonated with others and built momentum (Garrow, 1986).

In organizational settings, spiritual leadership—integrating ethical and spiritual values—enhances intrinsic motivation and fosters collective commitment. Research by Piwowar-Sulej and Iqbal (2024) found that spiritual leadership mediates positive outcomes like organizational commitment and innovative behavior, creating a culture of shared purpose. This suggests that inner transformation in leaders can ignite broader change within groups.

The Role of Agency and Free Will in Social Movements

People’s desire for agency is a cornerstone of sustainable change. When individuals feel they have a choice in how they contribute, they are more likely to engage. SDT research confirms that autonomy enhances motivation, while external control stifles it (Ryan & Deci, 2017). In social movements, this manifests as grassroots participation, where individuals join because they feel personally invested, not coerced. For example, the environmental movement thrives when people act from a sense of personal responsibility rather than external mandates (Afsar et al., 2016).

However, resistance to change often arises when agency is threatened. Externally imposed reforms, such as top-down policy changes, can provoke pushback because they undermine free will. Jalagat (2017) notes that blending human and spiritual dimensions of change—emphasizing individual agency and higher purpose—reduces resistance and fosters collaboration.

A Multidisciplinary Cosmology of Change

Synthesizing Psychology, Spirituality, and Sociology

The cosmology of change integrates three key disciplines:

  1. Psychology: Intrinsic motivation, as explained by SDT, provides the energy for self-sustaining change. When individuals act from autonomy, competence, and relatedness, their efforts endure and inspire others.
  2. Spirituality: Spiritual and esoteric traditions view change as an inner alignment with universal truths, whether divine, ecological, or cosmic. This alignment fosters compassion and purpose, driving actions that benefit society.
  3. Sociology: Social contagion and collective action theories explain how inner transformation spreads, creating movements that reshape communities and institutions.

Together, these perspectives form a holistic model where change begins with an inner spark, aligns with universal principles, and spreads through social networks. This model emphasizes that sustainable change is not linear but cyclical, with inner and outer transformations reinforcing each other.

The Ripple Effect: From Individual to Societal Transformation

The cosmology of change operates like a ripple effect. An individual’s inner transformation—ignited by intrinsic motivation or spiritual awakening—creates actions that resonate with others. For example, eco-spirituality research shows that individuals who feel a spiritual connection to nature inspire community-wide environmental initiatives (Afsar et al., 2016). Similarly, organizational studies demonstrate that intrinsically motivated employees foster collaborative cultures, improving performance and innovation (Piwowar-Sulej & Iqbal, 2024).

This ripple effect counters the fleeting nature of externally driven change. By prioritizing inner motivation, societies can cultivate self-sustaining progress that respects individual agency and collective goals.

Leveraging the Cosmology of Change for Society

Practical Applications for Communities and Organizations

To improve society, we can apply the cosmology of change in several ways:

  1. Fostering Intrinsic Motivation: Organizations and communities should create environments that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness. For example, schools can encourage student-led projects to spark intrinsic motivation, while workplaces can empower employees through flexible roles (Ryan & Deci, 2020).
  2. Integrating Spiritual Values: Programs that incorporate mindfulness, eco-spirituality, or ethical leadership can align individual actions with societal goals. Community initiatives, like urban gardening projects, can draw on spiritual connections to nature to motivate participation (Wamsler et al., 2021).
  3. Building Contagious Movements: Leaders should model intrinsic motivation and authenticity to inspire others. Social media campaigns, like #FridaysForFuture, demonstrate how individual passion can spark global movements (Christakis & Fowler, 2009).

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Resistance often stems from a lack of agency or misalignment with values. To overcome this:

  • Engage Stakeholders: Involve communities in decision-making to ensure changes reflect their values and needs.
  • Communicate Purpose: Frame change as an opportunity for personal and collective growth, drawing on spiritual or ethical narratives.
  • Model Transformation: Leaders who embody inner change—through authenticity and compassion—can reduce skepticism and build trust (Jalagat, 2017).

Conclusion: Lighting the Spark for a Better World

True change begins within, fueled by the fire of intrinsic motivation and guided by spiritual and universal principles. By understanding the cosmology of change—its psychological roots, spiritual dimensions, and sociological impact—we can create societies that are more just, sustainable, and connected. This dissertation calls for a shift from external fixes to inner transformation, emphasizing that when individuals ignite their inner spark, they light the way for others. By fostering autonomy, purpose, and community, we can build a world where change is not only possible but contagious.

Crosslinks

Glossary

  • Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to act for internal satisfaction, such as curiosity or personal growth, rather than external rewards.
  • Self-Determination Theory (SDT): A psychological framework that explains motivation through the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
  • Eco-Spirituality: A belief system that integrates spiritual values with environmental consciousness, emphasizing interconnectedness with nature.
  • Esoteric Cosmology: A spiritual framework that views change as part of universal laws, often tied to inner awakening and cosmic harmony.
  • Social Contagion: The spread of behaviors, attitudes, or emotions through social networks, driven by shared values or inspiration.

References

Afsar, B., Badir, Y., & Kiani, U. S. (2016). Linking spiritual leadership and employee pro-environmental behavior: The influence of workplace spirituality, intrinsic motivation, and environmental passion. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 45, 79–88.

Blavatsky, H. P. (1888). The Secret Doctrine. Theosophical Publishing House.

Christakis, N. A., & Fowler, J. H. (2009). Connected: The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives. Little, Brown Spark.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum.

Garrow, D. J. (1986). Bearing the cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. William Morrow.

Jalagat, R. (2017). Reflecting change in a changing world: The human and spiritual dimension. European Business & Management, 4(3-1), 1–5.

Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children’s intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the “overjustification” hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28(1), 129–137.

Piwowar-Sulej, K., & Iqbal, Q. (2024). A systematic literature review on spiritual leadership: Antecedents, mechanism, moderators and outcomes. Journal of Organizational Change Management.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860.

Steiner, R. (2008). Esoteric cosmology: Evolution, Christ & modern spirituality (CW 94). SteinerBooks.

Wamsler, C., et al. (2021). The rising culture and worldview of contemporary spirituality: A sociological study of potentials and pitfalls for sustainable development. Sustainability Science.

Attribution

This writing is offered in attunement with the Akashic Records and in service to planetary remembrance. It is carried through the Oversoul stream of SHEYALOTH and anchored within the Living Archives of the New Earth. May it serve as a bridge for seekers, guiding them from the first stirrings of awakening toward the higher codices of sovereignty, stewardship, and overflow.

© 2025 by Gerald Alba Daquila. Sole Flameholder of the SHEYALOTH Oversoul Stream.

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