Gratitude (November 2017)

“If you will be in the Sacramento area on a Thursday…” caught my attention at the 2017 teacher conference, when Julie Heryet invited us to visit the T’ai Chi Chih class at Folsom Prison. I was moved by the testimonials her students shared during the banquet last Spring so I arranged to attend Julie’s class during a planned trip to Northern California.

Brightly blooming crepe myrtle trees lined the streets of Folsom in the heat of July. The prison, a state historical site on a hill at the base of Lake Folsom, felt like a stone fortress. After some identification checks, sign-ins, and locked gates, we walked through a cellblock, stacked grids of tiny rectangular cells originally designed for one, but housing two prisoners each, with barely room for a top and bottom bunk, a small aisle, and a toilet and sink. We averted our eyes to offer what little privacy we could. Julie’s students often share that there isn’t enough room to practice TCC in their cells.

The TCC class met in the chapel, a separate building which houses resources and services for many religions. Julie and her assistant Mari keep a library of books, handouts, and materials about T’ai Chi Chih for students to use here. Some send copies of handouts to their families on the outside, to convey how meaningful this practice has become.

I was acutely aware of the privilege and luck that put me on my current path. I wasn’t afraid, but subconsciously braced for defensiveness from these inmates, posturing, anger at the world. Instead I was met with kindness, protectiveness and reassurance. We sat in a circle. I shared my journey with TCC and chronic illness, and they shared their TCC journeys and what it means to them. Many talked about the peace and calm they find (during class and permeating their lives) and the energy they feel. I often heard that TCC was life-changing. Our practice felt cohesive and connected, intentional and important. Meeting them had a strong impact on me: No matter where we are in our struggles, there is always a place where we are connected, and TCC can bring us to this place.

It’s courageous to be vulnerable, to open one’s heart in the face of constant adversity. To the class at Folsom, thank you for your openness and courage. I was with you in spirit from Colorado for the Circle of Lights practice, but I loved practicing with you in person. Thank you, and I’ll come back when I can.