| COURSES
A number of practical courses are offered to complement other services available to prisoners. Through such courses, prisoners are able to:
- re-evaluate their approach to life
- make meaningful and positive changes.
Prisoners can expect to:
- increase their awareness of the potential value of their contribution to the community in which they live,
- recognise and accept the responsibility they each have for their quality of thoughts and feelings,
- experience a higher degree of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stability when faced with challenging situations,
- identify and develop positive qualities and strengths,
- recognise the value of meditation in creating a calm mind
- increase self-reliance as a preparation for life outside the prison.
The courses:
Anger Management
Positive Thinking
Self esteem
Personal Values Development
Practical Meditation and the
Raja Yoga Philosophy Course
Meditation Classes Have a Place In Prison Regimes
“Raja Yoga Meditation classes have been held successfully at HMP Gartree for the last four years.
It is obvious, in many ways that a number of men have gained a great deal from attending the courses.
- An increase in self confidence and self esteem has been obvious in a number of participants.
- A mutual trust and respect has developed between students and teachers. Students have been observed to respond more positively in their relationships with other members of the prison establishment.
- Inmates have met and interacted with a number of individuals who have offered, by word and action, a living example of an alternative way of thinking and acting. Some inmates have sought to emulate their teachers.
- Inmates have taken the opportunity to contribute to a public programme for National Prisoners week entitled, `A Celebration of Human Dignity in Prison', organised in London by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Contributions ranged from poetry to a combined exhibition of woodwork, metalwork, needlework and fine art.
It is apparent that meditation has become more and more an accepted part of the life of the prison and a subject worthy of study. Prisoners are more open to "giving it a try".
I recommend that you try meditation classes in your prison - what have you got to gain? A great deal!”
John Whittington, Education Co-ordinator, HMP Gartree
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