Greetings From Northern California

At our 2016 teacher conference in Seattle, I shared about the class I teach at Folsom State Prison. I am still overwhelmed by the love and interest expressed by those in attendance. There was so much support, not only for the students at Folsom, but also for me, as I tried not to faint during my presentation. Thank you all for holding me up.

Being included in the conference last year through the presentation had an uplifting affect on my students at Folsom. As you can imagine, inmates (especially long-timers) often feel quite invisible. But the men at Folsom, through their membership in our large and loving community, have a sense of connection that reaches far beyond prison walls and the day-to-day challenges of confinement. Those who’ve been in the class awhile know that every time they practice, they are wrapped in a blanket of healing energy. It’s often tangible – they can feel it – especially during the annual Circles of Light event.

During our first post-conference class at Folsom, I shared with my student, L.H., that one of the first questions I was asked after my presentation was, “Where can I get a copy of his poem?” I have often referred to L.H. as our class poet, because of the amazing things he says when we go around our circle and take turns welcoming new students to the class. But when he heard this, a surprised and wonderful smile lit up his eyes. His classroom nickname had been officially confirmed. Here are his words, which I shared at conference:

T’ai Chi Chih – it’s like magic.

I don’t know how coming together

with others of so many diverse backgrounds

and doing these simple movements

brings about so much positive change in our lives.

It just does. There is something about being in the moment.

Something about now. You are always okay, now.

You may be hungry, but right now you’re okay.

There may have been a tragedy, but right now you’re okay.

T’ai Chi Chih keeps you in the now.

First, you are fitting the moment of now into your life.

After a while, something very (there is no word) happens,

And you fit your life into the now,

And in this moment, everything is okay.

Observations expressed by other inmates included: “TCC is what keeps me sane in here” … “Signing up for this class was the smartest decision I’ve made since my incarceration began 16 years ago” … “TCC has helped me to be more open; I now talk about myself in class, when I never would have before” … “During the course of the banquet we performed our TCC form at the same time as other free world TCC communities. Man was the Chi really flowing. ”

There’ve been many changes in the class at Folsom since last summer. The prison has gone from a Level Two to Level Three facility (on a scale of 1-4) with an entire, five-tier building of Level Two inmates being transferred to make room for Level Three transferees. We have lost five classmates (sometimes without the chance to say goodbye) and miss them terribly. New students are pouring in, however, and we are currently filled to capacity.

Should you decide to teach TCC in a correctional facility, I am available for support, as are other instructors who have experience teaching in jail or prison. You need only ask.

In early April the Folsom class will celebrate its fifth annual banquet and retreat, and our third annual (co-occuring) Circles of Light event. Your participation and donations are always appreciated. I am so grateful to Justin for TCC, for you, and for the special group of men at Folsom Prison.