What’s Happening At Folsom

Complied by Julie Heryet, El Dorado, California

Justin’s was a life of service, of sharing T’ai Chi Chih with as many people as possible. When he came to Folsom Prison in 1999, he spoke of transformation, of being part of the One, and that is what the men have experienced. Here are some of their experiences:

I’ve been at Folsom three years and time has gone by quickly. I have found a calmness and peace here in this class. Something is different about me. A burden is lifted and physical stress is less. On Thursdays I get two hours of quiet. When I concentrate on the movements, it slows down my mind and gives me an inner peace that I’m grateful for. – Steve R.

I work for the Sports Department, and one of my jobs is being a referee, which is really stressful. There are guys yelling at me all the time. This class is my sanctuary, where I get a sense of peace, calmness and harmony. I feel grounded, feeling the earth and sky, harmonizing, like music. I meditate and find my center. Here I can think clearly, without all the chaos. I take my time and now feel the energy in my hands. It’s been a slow process, but now I believe in myself. When I practice, I am free. – Robert C.

I feel tears of joy and gratitude today. This practice is hard to put into words. The change taking place in me is not happening in words. It feels like there is no longer an offensive or defensive part of me. I put myself in harmony with the energy of the universe and with other people without conflict. When I do the moves, it does something on a subliminal level, like magic. Life gets better and better the more I practice. I do TCC on the yard, on the tier, anywhere I can. I’m too big to do it in my cell though. In class, when we hit that right momentum, the universe stops – what’s in my head, the universe is taking care of me. Being in harmony with the energy, everything always works out. What a gift. – Lawrence H.

Franky Carrillo is the one who got me into this class. He was my cellie before he left here for good. I’ve been before the Board 10 times and denied parole each time. Before I didn’t really care, but this last time I was really upset. This practice helps me release my anger. It took my Dad 20 years to recognize the changes in me. I’m grateful for this class. – Sam S.

I’ve been taking other classes recently, but have been missing the TCC energy. Even after 10 years, this energy is still a mystery – how it moves around and through – it’s amazing. I have so many thoughts on my mind all the time, but when I leave here I leave transformed. I’m not the same Gilbert. I feel a lot of peace – I feel it in my gut. There is this complete transformation that’s hard to put into words. You just have to experience it. – Gilbert S.

I’ve been doing some kind of meditation all of my life. It’s good to be with people who are like-minded, centered and peaceful. This class is life transforming. Coming here and filling up on the energy is beautiful. Even when I can’t make it to class, I can feel the energy coming from this chapel. – Tabu S.