Here are some quotes gathered from facilitators teaching our Path of Freedom course curriculum in various a Men’s Medium Security Prison in Rhode Island. Participants share how aspects of this course can be beneficial not only in daily life, but when faced with major events, and life changes.
“I meditate for 20 minutes every morning and I love how it sets me up for the day– I’m just much more aware of what’s happening and better at avoiding trouble. It’s like I can see it before it’s going to happen and make a different choice. […] there’s one guy who has always got a problem with something or someone and I somehow am better at keeping things cool there too. I don’t know how I do it exactly– but the only thing that has changed in my life is the meditation so that must be it. And it’s not just me– I actually talked to that guy a bit about what we’re doing in this class and the other day he told me, “I was about to hit a guy but then I thought about what you said and I took a breath and then walked away.” So it’s not only helping me.”
“The most important thing I learned is that When you’re meditating, it’s alright to start over.”
From an Assistant facilitator regarding the rescuer position:
“I used to try to help people by giving them drugs. Now I practice just listening to them, trying to understand where they’re coming from and if I can help in some way.”
“I struggle with depression all the time but meditation has helped me deal with it in a better way than I have in the past. I don’t think I will ever stop meditation. I plan on bringing meditation to my loved ones as well. I just wanna say THANKS.”
“I went up for parole last week. I was SO nervous before hand that I told my lawyer to give me a minute — no, give me three minutes– so I could meditate. I went in much calmer and it worked out– I got parole.”
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