Upaya priest Ray Olson challenges listeners to imagine what the life of a prisoner might be like, recognizing that it is our thoughts and attitudes, not just our physical circumstances, that can hinder our own freedom. Referencing his first-hand experience in working with prison outreach programs, he also includes a brief summary of the incarceration system and what can be done to help give hope and a new outlook on life to those behind bars.
Jimmy Santiago Baca begins with a variety of compelling stories related to his life in prison and the way in which writing and reading became an important part of his life at that time. He moves on to discuss his book “A Place to Stand”, and his present work teaching literacy in prisons. He ends by showing a short segment from his new documentary that explores the healing power of poetry.
Johnathan Schooler-UCSB; Stuart Eisendrath-UCSF; Lisa Lindeman-U.Wisconsin; Liz Wang-Changchi U. Taipei, Taiwan; Carmen Schooler-U. Maryland; Peta McAuley-Hong Kong
Spirit Rock Meditation Center 2009 Scientists Retreat- January 11-18, 2009