Meditation, Mantra & Malas

Meditation Project – We run meditation and mantra classes in the prison 3 days a week, where the residents engage in daily sadhana, chanting Om Namo Narayani and other mantras. They have learnt how to give energy healings and also practice the tools that are provided in class to start creating the lives they were born to live.  Our classes are focused specifically on healing trauma and the nervous system, guiding residents to connect and reclaim their inner child and create avenues of deep connection with their soul.

We also have an awesome mala (prayer beads) initiative , where our community on the outside raises money to buy our prison community blessed prayer beads that are brought over especially for them from India. The silk pouches they are kept in also have great significance. Indian women, who’s husbands are currently incarcerated sew the pouches and the money they make from selling them supports their family. So there are literally blessings all around! These malas allow the residents to practice their mantras and prayers in their cell after class. The beautiful thing about mantra is that it is not any particular religion, but instead a spiritual tool that can be practiced by anyone with any faith that will help the person connect more deeply with themselves and the divine through the positive vibrations they create! It’s literally like medicine for your soul! Yay!

The Mural Project.

The Mural Project - We are currently doing murals on B & C yards where members of the population create the most amazing images of San Diego landmarks and other nature scenes. These murals inspire, engage and uplift the population, the staff and everyone who visit the yards. It is SO important to have beauty and color to assist individuals to connect with their heart and move towards healing and wholeness. This initiative provides a conscious way for residents to use their creative energy in high vibrational ways. We are so lucky to be be supported by Steve Ross from Encore Paints who supplies us with all of our painting materials. God bless you Steve, thank you for your massive heart!   

The Grass Project.

The Grass Project - We are landscaping multiple yards in the prison with beautiful green grass and hopefully in the not too distant future, veggie gardens too! California has such beautiful weather and we want to utilize the space to support their rehabilitation and healing.  Beautifying the yard where each individual can connect with the earth energy and Mother Nature and be responsible for maintaining and caring for the grass (and hopefully gardens) will bring forth a whole new part of them. We have to be connected to Mother Nature, She helps us to heal!  Thank you to our grass donation sponsors! If it wasn’t for you none of this would be possible!!

Tattoo Removal Program.

Tattoo Removal Program - Group participants engage in weekly emotional rehabilitation to remove the inner scars that compelled them to seek out gangs in the first place. They also have tattoos removed periodically throughout their program from their face, neck and hands that would otherwise prevent them gaining employment and living fear free upon release.

The photo above was taken the day we finally got approval for tattoo removal in our prison. We all fought so hard for this day, we were all overjoyed and running around like little kids. I will never forget it. The power of Administration working with our amazing C yard Captain, correctional officers, residents and volunteers was unparalleled.