Today was such an amazing day at Brandvlei Maximum Prison, truly touching, grapping everyone's heart in the session - not one eye was left dry! We were all reminded, right there, just how important this 'soul work' is, that we do. The sharing today took one of the guys on a journey to his past - a past of gang related activities and much brutality.....on his journey he found himself in great pain and totally lost....fearful.... a Self searching...
As we open our hearts and revisit the past, expressing and releasing every single emotion locked, we welcome healing and allow the journey of setting ourselves free. We can harvest the fruits of tremendous growth n learning... those seeds that we have planted have now turned into knowledge that has turned into wisdom... enabling us to share and care!
...A Self finding true Identity.
This is the second Wednesday back at Brandvlei after the February incident where several officials were stabbed by members of gangs (on February 14th). It has been some quite chaotic 45 days for the guys (the 5 Coach Students), who since January 2008 have been part of the SmilingOne Programme.
The challenge, that began with the February incident, ended up being a true gift for them. They were 'thrown' back into an environment that they only knew too well, yet hadn't been directly involved in or part of for quite a while. They had chosen a path of change through their involvement in Group of Hope and the SmilingOne ONE SOCIETY programme. We spoke about that the only way to know if we have truly changed is to go back in there, live in the 'old' environment and then choose YOU - live your authentic Self! Until then 'change' is merely a 'theory'. First when you manage to 'walk the talk' you will truly know how far you have come on your journey of change and responsible living....
Let me share some feedback from the guys and a bit about what they have been doing in midst of this great challenge:
Feedback from Sibabalo:
"I must say it, girl, it was bad and no one likes to experience that. Especially if you don't have any tools to handle the situation. Everyone wants to leave. They want to leave because of the change.... people fears the change.... through SmilingOne I have come to a point where I look at things in a way that I don't judge anyone, but I am looking for possible answers. So through this matter I spend my time trying to find the way forward... I wish all of these guys may go through the SmilingOne programme so that they can be responsible individuals. It is our time to share with them what we have! .... Talking about responsible individuals I must say that I am proud of myself right now because I can SEE both sides and not judge anyone. I believe in win/win situations....
(Sibabalo has the past 45 days managed to start his first coaching group with 3 test-clients and he daily seeks to inspire more of the inmates in his cell to join the programme)
Feedback from Luyanda around his clients processes the past 45 days:
My CIRCLE OF SHARING with clients. Firstly it was an honor for me to have these guys as my clients. Because the manner in which they entrusted me with their personal life is amazing. I think another reason that led them not to doubt me is because I became open about myself from the very on set I introduced the program to them.
I am having 4x clients on that section (3). All of them very much open about themselves and understanding the topics we discussed such as:
- The Responsible Individual
- Challenge
- Trust
- Sharing about life and oneself
- Also about personalising things
- Emotions and their importance.....
And the manner in which we adressed these issues was amazing. I came to learn a lot. They were very much eager to sit in sessions and the advantage was that we were sitting at least for 2 hours daily. It is a pity that I was transferred to another section (2) (after 45 days). I told them when the situation becomes normal again we will continue our sessions....
So for now - where I am (in section 2) - I didn't hesitate... one of the guys came to ask for my advice about an incident that occured between him and his friend - an actual misunderstanding and lack of communication. They were not talking to each other. I told him that honesty will be a good remedy as the first step and looking at the motive behind the fact that he wanted to go and talk to this guy. Then we made everything clear. I told him that a situation, such as this one, I am familiar with and the best solution is not to prove who was right and wrong; but to create a situation where they will understand each other, who they are, why they want to resolve the situation and then make a win/win. I am proud to inform you that they are talking today and they did express themselves to each other positively. They are both my clients now as well as one of their friends. So currently I have - here in section 2 - 3x clients and I am looking forward to working with them. Today I am going to give them their books.
I am still on the process, doing just well and gaining some knowledge and learning from these guys...
Feedback from Thando around his Art of Observing the past 45 days:
As a result, even though I am surrounded by all this frustration 'I have remained at peace' and I have shared and radiated this peace to these who surrounds me. From my observation I discovered that this is what everyone wants but they just don't know how to.
'I have been love' and I have shared and radiated this love to everyone. From my observation I discovered that everyone searches for this love everywhere else and from everyone else but not from within. Simply - because they don't know how.
'I have been mindful' about all that I do and say which naturally brings genuine consideration of all. From my observation I discovered that many enjoy my company and to be considered is what they appreciate most; but they don't know how to be considerate.
'I have been joyful', shared this feeling of happiness and gratification - even brought it on others that wished they could be like this. From my observation I discovered that all are pleased to bring joy on others and be joy; but do not know how to be in this state irrespective of the circumstances.
'I have been inspired and an inspiration' to and by all that surrounds me, my environment. From my observation I discovered that many are impressed and instigated to be inspired and inspiring; but not sure how to.
'I have continued to learn, equip and enrich myself' in every way possible and from my observation I discovered that many are curious to know more, hungry for any skill they can equip themselves with, thirsty for growth in all aspects of Self.
I have looked for good in people and realized how GREAT and wonderful everyone is, that I highly appreciate to be with and around them always.
I feel blessed to work closely with these guys, who each day are responsible about their own journey of learning and eager to inspire others on theirs.
It humbles me beyond the change they have managed to bring to their lives and the change they inspire in others. I am deeply touched!!
LOVE n GRATITUDE
Karina
