The Light Inside: Empowering Incarcerated People Through Meditation
Vedic Worldview
Introduction
This chapter features a panel discussion on incarceration and compassion, featuring Tom Knolls, Reverend Michelle Simmons, and the host, Robert Hammond. The discussion starts with a video by the Compassion Prison Project, showcasing the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals.
Jai Guru Deva.
We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.
These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.
Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.
Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.
Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!
Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.
In October 2023, Thom Knoles participated in a panel discussion at a fundraiser event for The Light Inside, an organization providing Vedic Meditation courses for inmates in prisons in the United States, with plans to operate internationally.
Other panelists included: Joh Jarvis, a Vedic Meditation Initiator and the founder of The Light Inside; Rev. Dr. Michelle Anne Simmons, founder of Why Not Prosper, an organization that provides support for women after they exit the prison system, and a board member of The Light Inside; and Robert Hammond, also a Vedic Meditation Initiator and a board member of The Light Inside, facilitated the discussion.
This episode is a slightly truncated recording of that event, with a short introduction from Joh Jarvis. As well as reflections on Thom’s own experiences working in prisons, we hear about the impact The Light Inside is having on prisoners and everyone else whose lives they touch.
The Light Inside website: www.the-lightinside.org
Why Not Prosper website: https://www.why-not-prosper.org/
The Compassion Prison Project website: https://compassionprisonproject.org/
Episode Highlights
[00:45] Setting the Context
[03:25] Step Inside the Circle
[04:52] Introductions
[06:12] Collective Responsibility for Change
[08:09] Unlocking Baseline Happiness for World Peace
[09:26] From Incarceration to Inner Peace
[11:06] Starting The Light Inside
[12:35] Teaching in Rikers Island
[13:57] Purpose and Vision of The Light Inside
[14:59] Meditation in Rikers Island
[16:29] Spiritual Alignment of Reverend Michelle to The Light Inside
[17:41] Transformative Experience in Jail
[18:50] From Resentment to Revelation
[19:53] Meditation as a Tool for Recovery and Personal Growth
[21:09] Beyond Therapies: The Impact of Self-Forgiveness and Meditation
[22:14] Teaching Tools for a New Path
[23:58] Teaching Meditation in the Toughest Jails
[25:47] Passing the Test
[28:52] Freedom Behind Bars
[30:26] Transforming Lives in San Quentin
[32:06] Meditation's Impact on Rival Gangs
[33:25] Changes in Inmates Doing Meditation
[34:41] Challenges and Transformations in Rikers Island
[35:45] "I Sound Less Angry."
[37:11] Power of Leadership in Culture Change
[39:27] Culture Change in the Prison
[40:50] Strategic Teaching: Engaging Prison Guards to Impact Inmates
[43:15] Mental Health in Prisons
[45:02] Meditation as a Coping Mechanism
[46:06] Supporting The Light Inside
[47:24] Spreading the Light
[48:36] A Different Workplace
[50:19] Tenderness Amongst Violence and Chaos
Useful Links
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