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Changing prisoners' minds with Vedic meditation at Rikers Island

Oct 18, 2024

Joh Jarvis, a former ABC manager, shares her transformative journey teaching Vedic meditation to men at Rikers Island Prison. She discusses the challenges of navigating security procedures and the emotional barriers faced by inmates. Joh reflects on her own grief and recovery, revealing how meditation became a lifeline for both her and the incarcerated men. Through personal anecdotes, she highlights the profound impact of mindfulness in a place often filled with despair, showcasing the vulnerability and resilience found within these walls.

53:18

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Episode guests

Joh Jarvis

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Quick takeaways

Jo Jarvis's transition from a successful career to teaching meditation at Rikers Island reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in challenging environments.

The oppressive atmosphere of Rikers Island significantly affects inmates' mental health, yet meditation serves as a tool for emotional regulation and personal growth.

Through Vedic meditation techniques, Jo effectively helps incarcerated men navigate their trauma and stress, fostering resilience and emotional awareness.

Deep dives

Jo Jarvis's Journey to Rikers Island

Jo Jarvis teaches meditation to incarcerated men at Rikers Island, a notorious jail in New York City. Having left a successful journalism career in Australia in search of deeper meaning, she moved to New York City to ultimately fulfill her dream of making a difference. The physical journey to Rikers involves navigating layers of security and crossing a bridge that starkly reveals the prison's harsh environment. Jo's shift from a comfortable life to engaging with those facing serious charges demonstrates her commitment to bringing mindfulness and peace to a challenging setting.

Intro

2min

Meditation Behind Bars

16min

Journey of Identity and Adventure

8min

Navigating Grief and Recovery

7min

From Sydney to NYC: A Journey of Awakening

10min

A Cold Encounter and a New Beginning

5min

Meditation Behind Bars

5min

Joh Jarvis was a high-flying boss when grief from a terrible loss began to overwhelm her. She tried therapy, exercise and healthy eating. Then she found Vedic meditation, and the experience was 'psychedelic'.

Joh Jarvis is a Vedic meditation teacher.

Every week, she travels into Rikers Island Prison — a notorious jail in New York City — to teach meditation to hardened criminals.

Joh grew up in Adelaide and had always wanted to live amidst the bright lights of New York.

After a stint as a bicycle courier, she worked her way up to management at the ABC.

As she approached 50, she had a well-paying job, a nice house, and strong connections with friends and family.

But long-term grief had hollowed her out, and she asked herself, is this all there is?

Then she was introduced to Vedic meditation, and she says her first encounter was 'psychedelic'.

This episode touches on epic life stories, family dynamics, grief, loss, reflection, Vedic meditation, meditation, personal stories, origin stories, death, career, giving back, New York City, Rikers Island prison, incarceration, justice system, prison system, mindfulness and mantras.

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Conversations

Changing prisoners' minds with Vedic meditation at Rikers Island

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Jo Jarvis's Journey to Rikers Island

Life Inside Rikers and Its Challenges

Meditation Instruction and Its Impact

The Power of Vedic Meditation

Jo's Reflections on Hope and Connection

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts