Christmas in February

Long before the tinsel was hung on Christmas trees, and carols were sung and gifts opened, TCC teachers in the Northern California Bay Area decided to “play Santa.” They wanted to do something tangible to support TCC classes being offered at Avenal Prison in the Central Valley. After consulting Judy Tretheway who started classes there, it was decided to start collecting money and items related to TCC to give to Avenal Prison.

The need was great. There was no budget to support these TCC classes at the prison, and there were many inmates to reach.

More than 20 teachers contributed to this project, donating many TCC videos, music CDs, over 50 tape cassettes of soft music, and a tape recorder and player, to be kept at the prison. Donations were also collected in TCC classes, and given by teachers and students. Several hundred dollars was collected for the purpose of defraying the cost of duplication of materials related to TCC for the inmates.

A special donation by eight teachers enabled us to put together six binders with plastic page covers attached to the book, so that the binders could be filled with information pertinent to the art of TCC. This would hopefully be distributed to the six locations inside the prison, and be available for inmates to check out and read.

Pages included the TCC movements, a description of the principles of TCC, pages on how to practice TCC, benefits of TCC, and articles written by Justin in the VFJ over the years. All of this information would be of practical use and inspiration to those interested in finding out more about TCC, its benefits, and the blessings of meditation.

The front page of the binders was dedicated to the residents of Avenal with this thought: “When you are doing your daily practice, remember that we are joining you in merging with the Vital Force. As Justin Stone reminds us, ‘We are all living one life.'”

We invite all TCC teachers to give their support to TCC at Avenal Prison and Folsom Prison. Donations will be gratefully accepted by Judy Tretheway and used for the duplication of materials and other expenses. Checks can be made out to: “Judy Tretheway” or to “Cash,” with a reminder of “Donation to Avenal/Folsom.” Checks can be sent to: Judy Tretheway. Her email is

The “joy of giving” and being a Santa for those less fortunate is a year-round opportunity. It need not be limited to the Holidays. For those of us so fortunate to be practicing “Joy Thru Movement,” the desire to share this joy travels far and wide. Let your joy be felt in a tangible way. Let your donation be expressed as a gift of serenity for those brothers “on the inside looking out.”