QiGong Prison Ministry

Today was a big day for New Folsom C Yard.  The long awaited Michael Franti and Spearhead concert thrilled maybe 50 inmates and many staff and visitors from the media and KVMR the radio station that had coordinated and broadcasted the effort.   Joanne and I were drawn into the excitement.

I wanted to be two places at once, at the concert on C Yard and to offer a Thanksgiving program for the men on B Yard. Fortunately the yard sergeant allowed me to combine my two morning programs.  So we had one large group, nearly 25, and while my smaller groups seem to drop down quicker, we still got there.  A thanksgiving focus was kept light, but present.  The holidays are hard for the men.  Many programs are cancelled because volunteers are spending time with their families.  And of course they are missing their families.

The Protestant Chaplain had a speaker and wanted to use the Gym in the afternoon, so I let the men know I wasn’t coming in.  I shared with them all the Thanksgiving message Jim had written in 2000 that inspired me so.  Nothing to be thankful for...  Experiment with a pause in your breathing, ah...thank you for the air...experiment with a pause in your eating for a day, ah...thank you for food... Maybe someday I will type it in so you all can read it, but not tonight.

Then Joanne and I were privileged guests at the Michael Franti concert.  I just couldn’t sit still, but the other free people were, so I go up and went back into my little side room where I teach and boogied out of sight.  Some of the other women who had sung earlier opening the concert joined me there and we had a fun time moving to the music.  The  whole thing was a real energetic high, I hope they do a CD with photos on it!!

Joanne and I came back in a little later and lead the Circle of Life group.  Some powerful stories of the men’s progress in manifesting their deep intentions to upgrade special relationships in their lives.  Its amazing what  a little focusing on your deepest desires does to get the energy flowing into fulfillment.

When asked what one person can do to change the world, Michael Franti replied, " I don't know what one person can do except connect with other people. In doing that, each of us play our role. My role is a story teller and song writer. I 'm sonebody who is trying to keep the spirits of other people strong despite all the chas and fear around us." Thank you Michael for coming in today! And coming into our hearts and souls each time we hear your music. May the songs of Love continue to pur through you!

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