Breaking Out of Prison

It wasn’t when the prisoners came into the big room, milling around, wondering how long they’d have to listen to some man speaking. It wasn’t when the guards locked the doors and, with bored looks, stood by the exits waiting. It wasn’t when the podium was set up and the microphone turned on, causing men to feel anxious, longing to be back out in the “yard” in fresh air. It wasn’t when Justin Stone entered the hall that day in 1998, and quietly started talking to the inmates.

It all changed at Folsom Prison when Justin said these simple words: “We are all living one life; your joy is my joy, your pain is my pain” This created a great sense of kinship between the men and Justin. “I am here to tell you how a simple practice could change your life!” He talked to the inmates for an hour about T’ai Chi Chih (TCC), a moving meditation, mesmerizing even the hardened criminals and prison guards.

In 2023, the practice of TCC is still alive and well in this California prison, with weekly classes offered by teachers coming in to instruct and share this gentle meditative form. Inmates in class boast of many positive changes in their life, the great change in their view of life, and how they want to help others when they get out. We know this from the many oral testimonies that shared at the banquet each spring. Several inmates have become accredited teachers while in prison. Now paroled, they are living back with family and community.

For many men, breaking out of prison actually happens before they are paroled. They learn to value their life and the meditative practice of TCC.