For the past four years Path of Freedom graduate, Michel Engu Dobbs, has been facilitating a group at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead, New York. The group consists of segregated minors who meet once a week for 1 – 2 hours. Michel leads the men through a period of meditation and then facilitates a discussion – which is generally focused on how to be at ease with change and pain, as well as how to wisely communicate and process conflict. There is also a lot of talk about radical responsibility, which helps them understand how to be with the change, pain, difficult conversations, and conflict they may encounter on a daily basis.
Last December the group was visited by Venerable Kaizhao Fashi from Malaysia who is known for frequently sharing meditation instruction with those in prison. While he was at Suffolk County, he shared what is known as “Metta” practice instructions with the men. Metta is the Pali word for loving-kindness or good-will. The practice was incredibly moving for the group.
Michel continues to the lead the group weekly and looks forward to meeting the many men that pass through Suffolk County.