Becoming a Reader in Prison

In this episode, Shaka Senghor discusses the power of choice, and how to break free from shame, anger, and grief, which can be the hardest prisons to escape. Shaka spent 19 years in prison and seven of those in solitary confinement. But he’ll tell you that he was imprisoned long before handcuffs, and that his freedom came long before his release. His new book, How to Be Free. A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Prisons, is about finding the doors we often don’t notice and walking through them.

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Key Takeaways:

• Shaka’s journey of transformation and healing after 19 years in prison.
• The concept of “hidden prisons,” including emotional and psychological struggles like shame, grief, and anger.
• The role of literacy and mentorship in personal growth
• The impact of grief, including the loss of his brother and his son’s health challenges
• The relationship between anger and unresolved emotional pain, and how it can hinder healing.
• The significance of accountability and self-forgiveness in overcoming past mistakes.
• The societal challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals and the need for systemic change.
• The complexity of personal agency and responsibility in the context of life choices and circumstances.
• The importance of embracing life’s messiness and the ongoing journey of healing and growth.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Shaka Senghor, check out these other episodes:

Dr. Tererai Trent on Incredible Perseverance

Improvising in Life with Stephen Nachmanovitch

Life Lessons with Dr. Edith Eger

For full show notes, click here!

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