« Merging into Wholeness | HomePage | State of the Ministry 06 »
Friday, May 11, 2007
Fundamental Questions
While I was traveling, I was unavailable for a magazine interview, so I sent the writer off to this Blog. She sent me a list of questions she was unable to find which were pretty basic. For the record I am including the questions and my answers here.
1. What year did you start with qigong at Folsom?
October of 1989
2) Do you still teach there?
Yes I teach still teach at Old Folsom every Thursday afternoon.
3) Do you teach at any other prisons? If so, where?
On the same “campus” is a separate prison called CSP – SAC, I teach programs in two different Yards there on Mondays and Wednesdays. I have also taught in the past at Avenal and Mule Creek State Prisons. I have no on-going programs at these prisons.
4) How often do you teach at Folsom?
Currently, it is three days a week, I teach 5 QiGong classes and facilitate 2 spiritual support circles.
5) Number of inmates in class? A range is good ie 1-20. What is the most common number in a class?
Most classes are between 10 and 20 students, I’d say 15 is the most common number. There are al lot of reasons student can’t get to class consistently. I am not allowed to supervise more than 25 students at a time.
6) How long do inmates stay in program on average? Shortest time? Longest time?
Shortest time is one session. Its not right for them. Not what they expected. My longest student has been with me for 8 years. In CSP-SAC I have students in each class that have been with me since I becan those programs in 2004 and 2005.
I suppose the average is 6 months, but it is out of their control, mostly they get transferred or given a conflicting work assignment.
7) What are the reasons you are aware of that inmates participate?
Seeking a little peace and quiet and relief from the stresses of prison life.
8) Have you seen any changes in participants that you attribute to Qigong?
Definitely. The longer term students, are able to surrender to the Qi flow, relax and operate their lived from a more centered position. They take a larger perspective on their situation and let down their barriers to support other men who are struggling with the conditions inside. Even those who come just a time of two who I have seen later have told me what a difference it made in their outlook and understanding of the possibilities availble to them. (See Testimonials section in the Blog)
9) Do you train participants to take over teaching qigong at Folsom? Does Folsom permit inmates to teach other inmates?
Not officially, this all happens as one friend to another. In each class I have senior students that help out with logistics, library materials, and fill in for me if I have to address administrative issues during class. They are eager to help new students or lead a practice if I need to divide the group into two.
10) If you stopped teaching, do you think inmates would continue practice?
Some of them Yes, many no. Much of the benefits are received through participating in an peace-generating activity with men of other races; in developing a mature relationship with a female; in learning to listen to their own energy, as well as that of the group; in experimenting with moving from their core integrity; in having an experiential relationship with the unconditional acceptance and availability of the Qi; in learning of their own capacity to feel and cultivate harmony within themselves and a group. Sometimes I think the actual form is the least of what I offer, and then again it is the vehicle for everything that happens.
11) What sort of security is provided, if any?
I wear a whistle and an alarm. On occasion a guard drops in the check on us. Official Prison chaplains are available for support if needed. The men in the class make sure it is safe for me and preempt situations without my involvement.
12) What sort of screening program did you have to go through when you applied to teach at Folsom?
Full security check run by the institution.
13) Do you receive any compensation from Folsom?
None. (Unless you want to count the headaches and hassles)
14) Why do you do it?
It’s a Holy Commission, a Calling, an honor to serve the Tao in bringing Harmony into extreme dis-harmony. It is a fertile field for my own spiritual and personal transformation. The men are grateful, eager and hungry. Our classes are the best thing that happens for them all week. Their appreciation is payment enough when my husband makes enough to care for our families financial needs. (See blog pieces under Reflections including: What changes? What motivates me? And How do I do what I do?)
15:05 Posted in Journal - Folsom Prison | Permalink | Email this