Rays of Light: Finding Freedom Within Prison Walls

Even in the most locked-down places, the human spirit finds ways to heal and grow. Step inside prison walls, where transformation, trust, and newfound freedom are taking root in the unlikeliest of places.

“No matter what happens, there’s always another ray of light that will emerge to show you your next step on the journey.”

Behind the concrete walls and steel bars, I’ve seen transformation unfold in ways that continue to humble me. Week after week, in these small Path of Freedom classrooms with men serving time, we watch them reach for something deeper—something freer—within themselves. These classes remind us that even in the harshest, most controlled environments, human growth and wisdom can still take root.

Forgiveness comes up often in our discussions, and it’s always powerful to hear how people’s understanding of it evolves over time. After months of practice, one participant said,

“To me, forgiveness is about letting go of resentment so that you can use that energy to move forward in your life… to really fly.”

That image of flight—of rising above past mistakes—always makes me smile. Another man reflected,

“There’s no shame in forgiving yourself or anyone else. But if you don’t forgive yourself, you’re never gonna be able to move forward with anything.”

Then one day, another participant shared a realization that completely changed how he saw himself. He told us:

“I used to think that if I took responsibility for something, that was forgiveness. But I was wrong. It took this class for me to understand about unmet needs. Now, when I look at the negative things I’ve done in my life, I can see that I was trying to get my needs met. Even if I did it in a way that caused harm for myself and others, I see that I was trying to meet a need. From that perspective, I can connect the dots to forgiving myself. Then I can look at what it is I need to learn. Then I can look at anything that happened and turn it into a learning and an opportunity.”

Hearing the depth of self-understanding and honesty that can emerge in these settings is profound. It’s a kind of awakening that doesn’t come from theory—it comes from looking inward, from courage, and from the willingness to tell the truth about your own experience.

In a place where vulnerability can be dangerous, I’m always struck by how much trust builds within these POF groups. One man said,

“This class is so important. I can share anything that’s going on with me with any of these guys and I know they have my back. We can see it in each other’s faces.”

Another added,

“This class opens the door for people. It’s powerful to see guys really step up and grow in here.”

Week after week, we see that happening. Men who once stayed guarded start to open up. They listen to each other. They support one another. And little by little, something shifts.

The most moving moments are when we hear how these teachings show up in their daily lives. One man talked about an interaction with a correctional officer:

“I really got hot a few days ago when a cop called out ‘Time for count, mother fuckers.’ I think he meant it as a joke but he was new to this facility and we don’t have a rapport with him. If we knew him it might have been different but as it was, it was uncalled for. Boy was I mad. But I waited until I calmed down and then later that day I talked to him. Ever since it’s been ‘Time for count, fellows.’”

That small story captures so much—emotional regulation, patience, communication, and even leadership.

Another participant shared something equally powerful:

“I got a new cellmate I didn’t want and was about to work on switching him but I decided to wait because maybe there would be something to learn. As it turns out the guy is really interested in meditation and wants to take this class so we found some common ground.”

That’s what mindfulness looks like in real life—not just sitting on a cushion, but pausing before reacting, staying curious, and choosing connection over control.

Many of the men have taken other mandatory programs, and they often tell us how different this Path of Freedom class feels. One said,

“This class is so much better than the domestic violence and anger management classes here. In a way those classes just confirm a certain way of thinking and then how to manage better. They don’t teach you to look at what’s underneath why you’re pissed off or upset in the first place.”

That’s what mindfulness does—it invites you to look underneath, to see the roots of your anger, fear, and pain, rather than just trying to manage the symptoms.

Another man told me with a quiet smile,

“I used to be all agitated all the time but now I feel calm and I don’t let things get to me. I’m actually talking to a friend outside of here and I want her to find some kind of meditation because it really helps.”

When someone starts sharing what they’ve learned beyond the prison walls, that’s when we see the practice has truly landed.

Even during tough weeks, moments of grace emerge. One day, after a particularly heavy class, a participant looked around the room and said, almost like a prayer:

“No matter what happens, there’s always another ray of light that will emerge to show you your next step on the journey.”

That line—another ray of light—has stayed with me ever since. It captures the spirit I see over and over again: resilience, hope, and the deep understanding that freedom begins inside.

Every one of these men has taught me something about strength, humility, and the human heart’s capacity to heal. They remind me that freedom doesn’t start with the removal of bars—it starts with awareness, compassion, and the courage to turn toward what’s within.

Transformation really is possible anywhere, even behind prison walls.

---

Find out more about Prison Mindfulness Institute's life-changing work and how you can get involved.

Learn More