Seattle Update: (AKA my 1st workshop in prison) Id really like to process more and give a deeper update, but I want to share how deeply inspired, soul-sustained, and CONNECTED I felt today and yesterday co-participating in a weekend-long Nonviolent Communication workshop with the men in Monroe, Washingtons prison. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a tool that helps folks engage in empathy, and learn how to more deeply and compassionately listen to the feelings and needs behind every message we hear or say. The environment this workshop created led me (and I dare say: EVERYONE) to feel SO deeply connected to each other, as a result of being so vulnerable and open -- both with SHARING their feelings, and compassionately RECEIVING others feelings. The comradery and support the men gave each other in discussion and small groups was deeply touching, and having participated myself in the exercises, and personally having received empathy from the men about my own conflicts left me feeling SO SEEN and just utterly connected -- they were SO giving. One man even wrote me a two-page list of ways to develop courage within myself to speak my Truth more (something I told him Im working on) -- and so many others gave me advice. Another man gave me his 16-page business plan to read during lunch for his vision after hes released: a yoga and fitness center based on developing the same sense of community and connection that NVC creates between people of all economic backgrounds. The energy was flying through the roof and everyone spoke of the sense of deep community felt as a result of letting themselves be open, vulnerable, heard. I felt the true equality between each of us -- the roles of inmate and volunteer were thrown off immediately; the refreshingly DEEP engagement and passion amongst the men to participate -- how PASSIONATE and GRATEFUL they are for growth/change/learning/programming was so present; as was their willingness to share so much of themselves and be so vulnerable and open. **I was also really grateful that the workshops are formatted so that the men who are more experienced in NVC are themselves able to facilitate a LOT of the workshop for their fellow inmates. Mentoring one another is built into this model. I cant say enough... I also led them in singing two uplifting songs, and even after telling them it was voluntary, it was such an inspiring gift to see each man stand up with a HUGE grin on their face, singing along -- and during the care ride home, to read the feedback forms, one of the quietest men in the group wrote: My highlight? Jenny bringing songs of freedom, peace, and understanding. It was a nice change. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And I say thank YOU to the men of Monroe Prison for inspiration and meaning, and making it possible. And Freedom Project Seattle for opening the door for these kinds of connections and support to be made. Heres to Connection. Growth. Sincerity. Openness. Community. LOVE
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:28:00 +0000
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