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Fall 2006 | |
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Sole to Soul in a jail setting by Ellen Meuch, labyrinth facilitator and member of Veriditas Council
There are very different dynamics in these two facilities. Those in prison are struggling to accept their sentence, their guilt and the time they must spend behind bars. Toward the end of their sentence, they are preparing for life after incarceration. The men and women who are in jail are primarily anxious, fearful, and often, remorseful. The future is unknown and there are a lot of factors that they can not control in order to determine what lies ahead for them. Add addiction problems for 90% of this population, abuse for 80%, incomplete educations or illiteracy for many, alienation from friends and family and you begin to see how difficult it is for them to create positive solutions to their complex problems. Many inmates aren't even ready for constructive life plans, they first must find forgiveness (for themselves and often others), grace, and most importantly HOPE. When I offer the men and women labyrinth walks in our jail my goal is that they find these things one step at a time — literally.
What is the impact of the labyrinth on an inmate? I wish I had pages and pages to tell you my personal stories and the stories of others doing this work. First, taking the time to bring and explain the labyrinth to prisoners is impactful because voluntary efforts are immensely appreciated. Second, bringing an item of such beauty into a space that is usually void of color, or any sensory interest is breath taking and stimulating. Third, to give them a chance to be in a sacred space and experience a peaceful, sacred, safe event where they can drop their defenses and receive the gifts of the labyrinth offers them a moment to think clearly, focus, reflect, reconnect to the Divine and even cry. It is this awakening, or rediscovering, within an inmate's soul that never fails to amaze me each time I hold a walk. I have talked about the struggles inmates face. But the challenges of the human spirit are universal. They are more like you and me than you think. They are my friends. I believe we are better than the worst thing we have ever done. I also believe that a sacred space can be created ANYWHERE — especially with the help of the labyrinth. It is important to become aware of the underserved in our communities. Family shelters, homeless shelters, treatment centers, jails and prisons are only a few locations where healing is needed. Reaching out with the labyrinth can create hope and healing for those who feel forgotten in our communities. And the beacon of hope lights the path of a better future one sole (or soul) at a time. |
ost of my work with the labyrinth has been in the DuPage County jail outside of Chicago. It's important to note that there is a difference between jail and prison. Someone in jail is a "pretrial detainee" who may or may not be guilty of the crime they have been charged. They also could have received a sentence of one year or less or might just be too poor to post bail. Those in prison have been found guilty by trial or have pled their case.
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Journal Navigation Main - p. 2 - p. 3 - p. 4 - p. 5 |
in This Issue...
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Upcoming Events Quickening the Spirit, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, November 10-11, 2006 Winter Retreat 2007, IONS Retreat Center, Petaluma, January 19-21, 2007 Walking a Sacred Path, Chartres, France, May 2007 Books New books by Lauren Artress: Walking A Sacred Path (Revised) and The Sacred Path Companion |
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