The Botanical Sanctuary at Mendocino County Jail
The idea of pairing a blue-collar sheriff in Mendocino County, a 33-year veteran of the force, with an ecologist who’s traveled to ninety countries studying large scale damaged ecosystems together in a prison education program might not look obvious at first sight.
Bone Broth
This month’s recipe is in honor of the spirit of a beautiful young woman I know, who has gone home to be with her family while her mother bravely battles with cancer. To me she represents the spirit of the mother, the spirit that is in all of us that nurtures, supports, and loves.
A Deeper Look: Through the Eyes of an Officer
This program allows officers to get their problems out in the open, guides them through trials and tribulations, lets officers know they are not alone and have someone they can turn to in times of need, and gives them a sense of security and hope.
Broken
Never think no one will help because they will. I’m glad it took years to put this puzzle together because what I see today is the puzzle I have come to love. It might have taken many years of waiting to see the results, and what I see today is beautiful.
From Violence to Creation
Jason Davis, head of the Harlem Bloods and now engaged with peace activity, talks about moving from violence to creation, how he brought his gang with him, and how he learned to use his influence in prison for good.
Our Attention: The Most Precious Commodity
Our freedom comes from consciously putting our attention on what we want to, not on where it’s drawn to or hijacked. We put our focus where we want. The economy, the media, the ex, whoever — they don’t get to draw our attention if we don’t want it to go there.
Cinnamon-Cardamom Filled Whole Grain Scones
When I was in my late teens I began reading cookbooks like novels. It turns out I have something called synesthesia where a stimulus that comes in through one sense gets transferred to another sense. For me, it meant that when I read a recipe, I could smell it and taste it.
Why Self-Kindness Is Essential and Five Ways to Practice It
Why is it essential to be kind to ourselves? It’s astonishing that this question would even come up, but it’s more astonishing how many of us don’t think we deserve kindness — a tragic tribute to demeaning childhood programming and trauma.
Art as Therapy: Releasing Complex Thought and Emotions into an Abstract Visual Image Painting: “The Revelation”
Give yourself to the process, inspiration, and promise. Let the poignancy of what you carry guide you in your expression and process, rather than letting your mind guide you. Let the mind follow.
Doin’ Life in Prison
If I had a single life sentence
I’d still be struggling though
Instead of seeking the Lord.
I’d be aiming for ‘dem milestones
Seeing what I could do for me, myself, and I
to get an out date soon.
Instead He gave me five
sentences well past my lifetime.
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