Dear Reader,
Many of the people I've worked with did not know that they had a choice.
Do you?
Fats' Story
"I'm ashamed, MamaJ", Fats said at the start of the well-being group at the prison called HMP Onley.
Fifteen inmates sat in a circle on blue hard-backed chairs facing me. The cold December frost crept through the cracks of the barred windows, making a joke out of the warm air that spluttered from antiquated radiators. "What happened?" I said.
It turned out that one of the inmates on the wing where Fats lived was always 'nicking' stuff out of their cells. Fats had tried to protect him and teach him, to no avail.
Then the guy stole from Fats; it belonged to the kingpin on the wing. There was going to be trouble.
From the time they were locked in their cells (6 pm) until the time the doors were opened (8 am) Fats ruminated on the problem.
He went from anger to compassion to frustration to anger.
He knew he had to show strength.
He didn't think he had a choice.
"When they cracked the door, I came out found the guy and punched his lights out." Fats put his head in his hands; tears streamed down his face. "I thought I was better than that, MamaJ."
Do you see what happened?
Fats spent the night ruminating. This created feelings of anger. His ability to choose a different path disappeared as he stirred up his agitated thinking.
Advent to Peace
This time of year can lead to heightened emotions, pressure and unhappy conversations with relatives.
Don't be like Fats!
Come and join our Advent to Peace series.
Thirty minutes a day of reflection meditation to allow yourself space and capacity for inner peace.
Every day from 1st - 24th December 2024.
I'll post a daily quote to reflect on and link to the live event.
It will help you find a precious pocket of peace each day to:
- embrace joy - and avoid the pressure
- create space for you - and stop feeling rushed
- connect with your family - and stem the irritations
- open your heart - and prevent compassion fatigue
Click here for a calendar of Week 1 Times
PS If you'd prefer not to be part of this advent series, no problem; click Update your preferences below, and you can opt-out.