,*This is an excerpt of a discussion I had with a BBC reporter immediately after Anthony Bourdain passed away.  I have extended this post because my site was down for a few days and I feel it is really worth reading and extending its emphasis.


"I have co-owned two restaurants in Canada.


More like they owned me.


What I found out about owning restaurants is that I was no good at owning restaurants.


The first restaurant we simply invested money. (Yep, I've yet to see a return on my investment.  Total newbie F-up.)


The second restaurant, we were all in. 


My partner and I were the investors.  He hosted, dealt with paperwork, ordering as per the chef's instructions, upkeep, et al.


I hosted, designed menus, picked out the organic wine (I DID have some knowledge there) and hired the entertainment.  Pretty basic stuff because I was a pretty basic restaurant owner.


Our partners were chefs and former restaurant owners.  We entrusted them as the experts.  (Another flippin' mistake, but that was because I didn't know enough to see the signs of a doomed partnership.)


I was a wet behind the ears, green, newbie, riding by the seat of my pants owner with what appeared to be money to burn (and burn it we did).  I take full responsibility for my choices.


Our chef, who was immensely talented and a total what-you-see-is-what-you-get person, handed me a book one day.


I will never forget what he said to me:

"KaZ, if you want to know and understand me, and what goes on in a restaurant, you need to read this book."


He handed me "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain.


I said "Thank you?"


It's not that I wasn't up to being schooled by my chef, I just had NO idea what I had gotten myself into and he knew it.


It was the one of the kindest things ANYONE has ever done for me.


I read the book from cover to cover.  Some chapters and paragraphs I read more than once or twice.


Some passages I just could NOT believe and some made complete sense to me.


After I "studied" the book it changed how I looked at my chef and at the restaurant business.


It helped me to look for the signs of theft of money and goods from the restaurant (there was both).


It helped me regard my chef as an artist, a humble but proud creator and a master of his art.


The book gave me insight into what I needed to do in the back and front of the house to insure my staff had what they needed.


I also learned the times to tighten the reins when things got out of hand.


Pointing out financial and operational issues did not make me popular with my staff or my partners, BUT it DID make me savvy.  


Were any of my staff on drugs, stealing from me or f'ing off? You bet they were.  


Were any of them busting their butts?  You bet they were.


Was my chef an adept and more than capable craftsperson?  YOU BET HE WAS.


Would I have recognized ANY of this without the book?


Probably, but it would have taken SO MUCH LONGER.


My son bussed tables at 8, 9 and 10 years old. He loved it. He loved being in the restaurant. The staff treated him like a valuable person, not just the owner's son.


His dream was to be a chef and as he pursued that dream Anthony was his hero and still is.  


Why Anthony and not other notable chefs?  I don't know, but I'll ask him.


We both cried when we heard of his death.


I owned a small bistro that was a blip on the world map,  but it WAS a blip, nonetheless.


My point is that Anthony did more for me and my son than he will ever know."  





If you or someone you know and love is suffering from mental health challenges, seek assistance.

National Suicide Prevention Line
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday

Crisis Text Line Text “home” to 741741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Help Line: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)




​As always, thanks for reading!

See you next week.

​Boy, this is the type of article I find exciting and difficult to write.


Exciting because I believe mental health is as important as physical health. 


I am thrilled we are having these conversations, getting it out in the open, and releasing stigmas.


Difficult because it comes on the heels of the deaths, by suicide, of (in my book) two brilliant creators and artists.  People who affected the lives of more individuals than they will ever know.


BUT we HAVE to have these conversations.  


We have to look at the statistics.


We have to be informed and unafraid to talk about it.


Some of us have to reach deep inside and reveal some intimate truths about ourselves FOR ourselves and for others.


It takes a village to raise EVERYONE!!!


Feeling heard and knowing that we have options is crucial.


Let's start with: 1 in 4 people are dealing with mental health challenges.


Stand in a group of 4 people and one of them is suffering.


Or is it you?
 

The more we say "I deal with mental health issues" the more it becomes a part of HEALTH.


An accepted, acknowledged part of health.


Chemical imbalances and neurological deficiencies are no different, in my eyes, than heart attacks or cancer. 

We can accept a stroke, aneurysm or seizure in the brain but we can’t accept brain disorders that manifest as mental health illnesses?

The brain is an organ just like the lungs, heart and liver.


We need to look at the whole person.

Hiding our anxiety, depression, anger, bipolarism, or personality disorder results in the cataclysm of suicide.

Everywhere we go there are living testaments to quality of life with mental health issues.

It's the retail salesperson, hairdresser, bus driver, restaurant server, housekeeper, cable person, and, yes, even your doctor.

We can treat and even cure many diseases; mental health issues are among them.  

I come from generations and generations of mental health challenges.  From family members in the earlier 20th century who received electric shock therapy, to current family members, and close family friends, who thrive being on talk therapy, exercise, mindfulness, healthy eating, proper rest, supplementation, pharmaceuticals and/or medicinal marijuana.  

IT'S THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY, BABY!!!

If you FEEL something, say something.

SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOUR BACK!  

I'm one of them. 



As always, thanks for reading.

​If you enjoyed this or any of my articles PLEASE pass them on to help me grow my readership. 

See you again next week!

I interrupt the regularly scheduled Part Deux of the thread on "Imitation" to bring you this:



With everything happening in the world today; the upheavals in politics, religion and entertainment, I felt a bit "de-motivated" to write anything serious.



As a matter of fact, I'm feeling de-motivated to write anything very serious at all, ever.



Finding the funny is what gives us a break in life.  



A break from troubles, strife, trends, competition, the global economy, and the bombardment by the media of continual "breaking news" 24/7/365.



We are in a heightened state of alert at all times.  



We are apprised of anything and everything within a millisecond of its discovery.  



There is also very little filter in the news, or in people.



Say whatever comes to your mind.

​

Whenever.



Manners?  Meh.



Civility?  Nah.



Courtesy?  Huh?



Just let 'er rip.



We have a zillion outlets for our "expression" and we use them ad infinitum. (Or should I say ad nauseum?)



Wow, it's a lot to absorb.



We get some relief by putting the topics across in a humorous way.



Or do we?



When we point out the foibles of human existence should we do it with laughter?


​
Is laughter the best medicine?



I wholeheartedly believe there is truth in jest.



Does that jest have to be at the expense of anyone?



It appears lately that it does.



(You may have thought this article was going in one direction and I sent it in another.  I'm like that.)



We make fun of what we don't like, understand, or accept.



We take that kernel of truth and we wrap it in a "funny" moment and put it on display.



We have "roasted" people, places and things for centuries.



​So if we laugh about it, is it wrong or unkind?



Is it our right to package life in such a way that we get a laugh?



Does that makes it ok?



Does humor release us from responsibility?



I don't think it does.



That being said...



I love laughter.



Humor.



Poking fun.



Especially at myself.



I love taking my life moments and encasing them in humor.



It helps me accept the good and the not-so-good.



As Monty Python said "Always look on the bright side of life." (Dee Dum Dee Dum Dee Dum Dee Dum).



I couldn't agree more.



BUT if the bright side of life is to denigrate, bully, harass, insult, vilify, defame, humiliate, oppress, discriminate, slur or persecute ANYONE is it REALLY funny?



I say, no.



It's a thinly veiled punch in the gut.



(You may not agree with me, and I am totally OK with that.)



Much of the work in my life has revolved around humor.



Early in my career I chose musical comedy instead of drama or tragedy.



Even in the meditation I taught I infused classes with humor to lighten people's burdens.



Literally no one goes to meditation because they have it all together.



At the very least they need a boost. 



​Granted, there are days I meditate to enhance the peace in my life and there are days I meditate to bring me peace.



The latter is more frequent than the former.



As human beings in the world, life is nothing without ups and downs.



​They make us resilient and appreciative.



BUT I digress...



Does he who has the last laugh win?



Laugh together or cry alone?




Does hilarity have to be hurtful?



Facts ARE funny.



There is no doubt about that.



I love comedians who report the facts and how comical they are.



And ridiculous.



Truth is MUCH funnier than fiction.



I'm not talking about propaganda, hearsay, or opinion.




I'm talking about pick up the newspaper and start reading.



Or watch a very unbiased, neutral newscast like BBC or the English version of Al-Jazeera.



Both sides of any story get representation.



I guarantee if you don't cry and if you look at the "fact's" with new eyes you will:

1) Face-Palm

2) Roll your eyes.

OR

3)Roll on the ground laughing.



Nobody wins if the purpose of humor or communication is hurtful.


Nobody.


Sooner than later this type of humor bestows a swift kick in the $?! 






As always thanks for reading.



See you again next week with Part Deux of "Imitation". 

This is an excerpt of a much longer essay I am writing on "Imitation and Originality":


We begin our lives imitating.


We imitate our parents for motor skills, gestures, language, emotions, beliefs and ideals.


We imitate things in our surroundings.


We imitate friends, and those we admire.


We imitate what we believe others want to see.


We imitate movement.


We adopt behavior we feel is pleasing or that will elicit what we desire.


We adopt expressions, old and new.


We adopt slang and colloquialisms.


We adopt others’ style, fashion and trends.



We are raised from birth to imitate.


To adapt.


To adopt.


To mimic.


To copy.


Is anyone TRULY unique and original?


Can we ever have an original thought, idea, or way of expressing ourselves?


We procreate and produce generation after generation and pass on our thoughts, beliefs, morés, standards, language, gesticulations and mannerisms.


We are wash, rinse and repeat.


In many ways this is a bitter pill to swallow.


A world of people doing their best to survive.


A species dedicated to "discovering" who we are as individuals.


Nonetheless, history repeats itself.


What goes around comes around.


Myriads of people asking “who am I?”.


We are millennia of mass-production.


We are the Xerox of humanity.


HOWEVER, don't lose heart. 


Although each of us may PHYSICALLY look different (save the occasional dopplegänger), we still resemble and carry the traits, looks, and behavior of ages of our predecessors.


Is that necessarily a BAD thing?  


Does it matter that you and I are simply expansions of our previous generations?


Why all the struggle to be unique, one-of-a-kind, original, unequaled?  


Is it insecurity, rebellion, or a cry to be acknowledged and valued?


Here's your weekly "FOOD FOR THOUGHT".


Let's explore the idea in the coming weeks.



​As always, thanks for reading!!


See you next week.

There is no such thing as being in balance.


WHAAAT???


This is in alignment with changes I've been experiencing in my outlook on some of life's lessons.


It may sound like a total contradiction to the meditation I have been teaching in the last 24 years.


Actually, it is directly in rhythm with experience, and exposure to new information.



"KaZ, Isn’t that what you teach, BALANCE?" 



"Finding balance?" 



"Maintaining balance?"



"Being in balance?"



Yes.



And no.


The wisest quote I have EVER read is from a character in the film Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.


“To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced
life.”


To lose balance in LIFE is part of LIVING a balanced life.


Let me take that a step further and say that being out of balance is part of life and a part of appreciating the balance IN life.


Emotional balance.


Spiritual balance.


Physical balance.


None of it is perfect.


EVER!


It's not perfect for world class athletes, prima ballerinas, diva opera singers, circus artists, life coaches, inspirational leaders, mental health practitioners, healing arts teachers, gurus, ascetics, monks, or nuns.


Not for ANYONE, all of the time.


Don't buy it.


Collective gasp!!



The ups and downs, ins and out, and highs and lows of life are navigable.


HOW we approach them, address them or bob and weave with them is THE KEY.


Anyone who says that complete balance is attainable or that being out of balance is a negative (overall), is selling you a bill of goods.


We measure ourselves with an impossible yard stick and always find ourselves lacking.


Many "professionals" we seek for advice have marketed their technique, idea, teachings, template and guidelines into a movement that says it brings you into balance or cures your ill. It works for some, doesn't work for others, or is flat out hogwash.  (Yes, I said HOGWASH!)



Many religious professionals are steeped in their religious philosophy and tenets 24/7 and can only speak from that view.



The view can be pretty stunning from the mountaintop.



But, HELLLOOO, we are down here on the ground.



If we can live within these parameters I imagine it's simpler to live a
balanced life.



Yet, we are living life as employees, parents, employers, tax-payers, homeowners, siblings, you know, regular human beings. Clearly living in this world presents challenges on a daily basis. 



What challenges? 



Challenges that depart from our daily routine, throw us off of our center (if we have one to begin with), appear out of the blue, or are due to our chemical makeup



When we are bombarded with the message that we have to be balanced, find balance, or stay balanced ALL THE TIME that pressure is the antithesis to the idea of being in balance.



This pressure presents us with an open door on the road to "I'm not good enough.  What's wrong with me?  Why can't I get it together?"



What may be balance for me, may NOT be balance for you.


Balance is not generic. 


It is case by case.



If I tell you that you are out of balance, it's like telling someone to "CALM DOWN!".  Does that ever work?



It opens the door to self-recrimination, self-judgment, self-flagellation and disappointment for being a "big ol' mess" because we aren't good students or our lives aren't tied up neatly with a bow."



I am by no means advocating anyone be a slacker about their life or sitting back and acquiescing to life's trials.  Life doesn't' have to take you on a never-ending roller-coaster without a way to get off of it.


Absolutely not!



Just throwing up our hands and crying "Uncle" gives us permission to be victims.


We aren't victims,  we are voyagers.   Sometimes the voyage is rocky and sometimes it's as smooth as glass.


In my book, THAT is balance.





As always THANKS FOR READING.



See you next week.







​

​

You are about to read something extremely controversial and eye-opening for me.


This is NOT a 180° departure from my long term love affair with meditation, as a practitioner and master meditation instructor. HOWEVER, it IS a realization that has dogged me for the last few years in respect to the implicit values of meditation and mindfulness


My realization has put things into perspective where  meditation and mindfulness are concerned. It’s a crystal clear understanding for me. Realistic and pragmatic.


I recently found an article from the BBC. It expresses my feelings on the impact of mindfulness and meditation.  I have put a link at the end of this post. It is well worth reading.


I have been a meditation teacher for 24 years.


I taught mindfulness and meditation to veterans, seniors, those in  recovery, teens, tweens, juvenile justice, LGBTQ, business professional, and many others.


Despite the claims of these techniques, and the fact that meditation and mindfulness has become a billion dollar industry, I have to, in good conscience, debunk a few myths.


First, let me say these practices are helpful.  They induce calm and relaxation, and encourage feel-good hormones to be released bringing us more peace, or energizing us.


Here's the kicker:


On their own they are a panacea and a temporary respite from our ills.


They are NOT a curative.  


They won’t rid anyone of PTSD, bio-polar disorder, anxiety, depression, chemical imbalance, or physical or emotional pain.


They MUST be implemented with other therapies, techniques, medical intervention and activities.


I hear some groaning out there.  Hear me out.


Regardless of the hype, and the overuse of the buzz words meditation and mindfulness, they DO bring relief and release.


They help us transcend and navigate our issues in the short term. 


That is why they must be practiced regularly if we desire any continual peace.


Just as those with substance abuse challenges find solace in regularly attending AA or NA meetings mindfulness only works with regular practice.


In brain scans meditators exhibit a change in their brain structure. This occurs while they are meditating and for a short period afterwards.


As that wanes you have to revisit the technique.


There are so many ways to reach a meditative state other than sitting in silence, breathing exercises, repeating a mantra, chanting, visualization and guided exercises. 


I remind my students, who complain about the difficulty of maintaining a practice outside of the classroom, that a meditative state can be reached in many ways:  walking, time by the ocean, a lake, river or stream, in the mountains, with animals, playing an instrument, listening to music, dancing, exercising, and so forth.


Classroom work is successful because there is structure. The benefits are palpable immediately in class via a good teacher. 


Today teachers are riding the "miracle" wave of meditation and the press it receives. 


Still, my students complain that their practice is hit and miss. 


Short of watching a DVD or streaming a class - thank you, YouTube - maintaining a practice at home is difficult because of the  distractions.  Few people have their own meditation room where they can mimic class by closing out the world dedicating consistent time  to mindfulness.


At best meditation gives the practitioner relief or a temporary high.


At worst it is a proverbial Bandaid for deeper issues that require more and different therapies. 


Talk therapy, a change in diet, exercise, visits to a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health professional, and sometimes medication are all important components to a healthier life.


There was a wonderful Zen master teacher who in all outward appearances had it completely together. Unbeknownst to his students he suffered from some debilitating mental health challenges. He was under a doctor's care and medicated. He avidly pursued meditation and yoga for relief.


From here the story is all-too-familiar.


Once he began to feel better he stopped taking his medication. It happens frequently. Patients begin to feel better and, for whatever reason, feel medication is no longer necessary.


I’m not advocating pharmaceuticals or medication.


THAT BEING SAID, in some instances when conditions are acute nothing works like medication in conjunction with other treatments.


Once he began experiencing drastic symptoms without the medication  meditation, yoga and mindfulness did not alleviate those symptoms.  He turned to a facility for treatment.  He was rejected. Sadly, and out of desperation, he turned to street drugs for his pain. That resulted in an overdose and his death.


Even as an educated, beloved and very adept Zen master teacher he  succumbed to the belief that these techniques can cure our ills.


They cannot.


They are wonderful tools. Period.
  


I was deeply affected by this story.



It changed how I teach, what I teach, and why I teach.


It changed my outlook on how meditation and mindfulness are being presented.


I hate to burst anyone’s bubble - especially my own - but we must be informed when we pursue  meditation and mindfulness practices.


It's not a magic bullet, BUT it CAN be a valuable tool, along with other lifestyle interventions and support.


I'm in NO way trying to discourage ANYONE from participating in mindfulness or meditation. 


We must look at the mind and body as a whole, not individual parts.


It takes many techniques, practices and elements to live a more comprehensive life.



As always, thanks for reading.


See you next week!


Here's the link to the BBC article:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180502-does-mindfulness-really-improve-our-health

I was thinking (as I do with regularity) about HOW I want to move forward in my writing, teaching and speaking.


I am a voracious THINKER.  


Sometimes to distraction. 


SO HOW may I use that to my advantage instead of its driving me batty?


Meditation has been wonderful to calm the thoughts and to release the thoughts, however, I don't want to STOP the thoughts. Thoughts are important. Thoughts make us human. Thoughts can be malleable, and flexible.  We can also work WITH our thoughts, not have them work against us.   


As my "bio" to the right attests, I have had a VERY full, busy and
​adventurous life. A life that entails A LOT of thinking.


What came to me is that I am a "THOUGHT PROVOCATEUR".  Provoking thought about...whatever. 


This "provocation" is not to get into a confrontation, an argument, or to incite disagreement, just to contemplate subjects, then discuss them.  


Or to provoke people to think before and when they speak, act or react.
  

Is that possible?


I totally believe it is.


Here’s a question I received online after I posted my "Thought Provocateur" idea:


"KaZ, how can you effectively and efficiently get all those provocative thoughts into a form that can be shared with the universe??? A question I often ask myself...."


My answer:


"Prioritize. 

Once I realized that having a wickedly fast and active mind was NOT a detriment, I started allowing myself to USE it to my advantage. 


Instead of saying I only write this genre or that, I allow myself to write many.


One of the threads is humor.


I always have to have humor in it, even if it is dramatic writing.  There has to be some relief.


That is also a HUGE part of my personality, so it comes easily. 


I have folders with all my projects and as something strikes me I write it down and compartmentalize it, as it were.  That keeps me from having so much rattling around in my head. 


I write anywhere the inspiration strikes me.  I don't give myself boundaries on that. 


I don't necessarily sit down and say "now it's time to THINK". 


The thoughts and inspiration come to me when I am relaxed and doing other things most of the time.  I am not a writer who says "I am going to sit at the computer for 5 hours and write this or that". That is too confining for me.


I do sit at the computer and write but mostly it is things I have gathered and am transposing.


I'm a free-flow thinker and writer.  That works for me. It could be too unstructured for someone else. 


I always have my voice recording or Pages apps ready and waiting. OR a scrap of paper. Even a restaurant napkin. 


Like just now you helped me write another article about being a thought provocateur...through your question we started a meaningful dialogue and I imagine you are not the only person with a question like this!


Of course, as a caveat, it has to be something that interests me, appeals to me or I can speak to with some knowledge. 


I'm not wont to go off half-cocked about things solely for the sake of conversation, just to see my words in print, or to hear myself talk.   I will avoid that stuff like the plague."


So there you have it. 


Self-proclaimed "Thought Provocateur"  - when over-thinking is a good thing.


​As always, thanks for reading.

See you next week.

I have stopped doing some things.


Some of my teaching has started to feel like white noise. 


Do tell! 


I think I will save that for another post.


So I decided to dedicate myself to my first true love, which was even over and above being a performer or a meditation master.


I have made a real commitment to write again.


Just to write.


I absolutely, unashamedly, unabashedly, love to write.


When you write the world is at your feet. 


You can literally write about ANYTHING.


​You may be better at some writing than others.


I have discovered that with time.


What works for me to write and for others to read WORKS!


Not JUST because writing, for as long as it has existed, is still an incredibly impactful mode of communication.  


OR that no film, no play, no book, no article, no advertising, no teaching, no learning, no communication for that matter, exists without writing.


Even if you cannot read, someone can read TO you what has been written.



But because writing is every emotion.  


It is every genre, culture, race, religion, and lack thereof.


Writing is every age and stage of life.  


Writing is dictation, or eye movement, as in the case of Stephen Hawking.


It is innumerable mediums.


It touches the deepest recesses of our being in minute, small, medium and large ways.


It makes us laugh, cry, angry, motivated and all the other reactions in between.


Writing is the email, the letter, the check, the note, the greeting card, the postcard, and the order in a restaurant.


It is the business card, the brochure, the flyer, the website, the thesis, the suicide note, the eulogy, and the tombstone.


Writing is controversial, painful, hurtful, and bullying.


AND it is inspirational, elucidating, nurturing, testimony, praise, and  positive feedback or review.


One can get relief from pain, stress, or tension.


The  profound “Ah ha” moment can be brought to us via writing.


I can write ANYWHERE and on ANYTHING.


ANYTIME of the day or night.


One of the best things to do when you have something on your mind is to WRITE IT DOWN.  Keep a notepad by your bed and put down your thoughts, concerns or ideas.  It will be there when you wake up.


With the advent of the cellphone I record my writing to transpose it later.


I jot an idea in “Notes’ or on “Pages.


I even take a napkin, full sized or cocktail, when the inspiration strikes, and scribble away.


Whether it is an obsession, a pull, a need, a desire, a calling or simply expression, writing has remarkable diversity.


If you are drawn to write, like I have been professionally since the age of 15 , DO IT.


You don’t need to have the agenda to be a famous author, screenwriter, playwright, journalist or poet.


Sometimes writing is the ultimate therapy.


And sometimes it is where you return again and again.


It stays with you.


It's easy, hard, frustrating, scary, thrilling, cathartic, and pervasive.


You can’t shake it and you don’t want to shake it. 

​
​It becomes clear that your raison d’être is writing.


Get it write.

You’ve got the write stuff

Write on!

Write up my alley.

​Write this way.


Whatever CLICHÉ you can think of, it fits.


SO...



I’ll be write back!




As always, thanks for reading.

See you again next week

Welcome to my NEW site!

Actually, it's not new, it's just renamed.

I had a colleague ask me why I had taken myself out of the equation when I renamed my site two years ago?

Previously, my website was under my name.

She said "YOU are this work...make your writing and your teaching easier to find!  BE YOU!"

SO, "HELLO, IT'S ME."  (that may date me because that is an OLD song. BUT who cares?)

Here's my post for this week!

ENJOY!




I know, I said I was putting publishing this post on hold.


But life takes twists and turns and it turned towards me blogging about this today!


I couldn't wait to put it in the book. Actually, I decided not to put it in the book at all.  It revealed itself to be more for the blog.

I changed my mind. 

Isn't it GREAT that we can change our minds!

It's OK to change your mind.

I have more to say about that in a future post.  So, stayed tuned!!).



Without further ado:



"This week we are going to look at the third of my overriding principles for teaching in juvenile justice and for my life.


3). Go with the Flow


The central tenet in Taoism and Buddhism.

For me, it has become the central tenet of life, regardless of any philosophy.  

You don't need a philosophy to sign up for this one!


What I have learned teaching in juvenile justice and,  fortunately, what being a Buddhist, studying Taoism and Confucianism have taught me is:

Every day, every class is GO WITH THE FLOW. (Bold, underlined!!!)


You can spend hours preparing a lesson plan to throw it right out of the window when you get to class. 

You never know what kind of week any of the residents have experienced.

This applies to any justice facility.

If you teach or coach in a jail or prison this lesson is also for YOU!



You have to go into it every class with the attitude that I will just let it evolve.


You have to know the material inside and out to go through your databanks and fly by the seat of your pants sometimes. 

Many times.  

More times than not.


Within the framework of my technique, I can move elements around. 

Some of it only works on an A, B, C basis and some can be interchanged with different exercises added or removed.

Why is this necessary?



Predominately, the young men have some mental health challenges. 

Many are on medication.

Many deal with bipolarism,  ADD or ADHD, depression, anxiety or anger management issues.

Some are fathers or deal with substance abuse.


One thing that REALLY works is to read an anecdote from an inspirational leader every week.

They particularly like Thich Nhat Hanh. 

They love the “HOW TO” series.

How to Walk.

How to Sit. 

How to Eat.

Simple ideologies, but very effective.

Plus, simple WORKS!

One of their favorites is about an incarcerated and persecuted Vietnamese Nun.  

She says her persecutors would prevent her from meditating. They would beat her or withhold food.

She then chose to meditate at night.

She taught other inmates to meditate at night.

She said she felt freer in prison than some people feel outside the walls because she found a way to maintain her practice and help others.

You can see how that would resonate with the residents.



I also wanted the staff to be included. 


The staff is with the residents full time.


The residents trust and like them, for the most part.

There are incidents of rebellion, but that is expected, given the circumstances.



The staff is their reminder of what is expected of them in the facility.


I was convinced that introducing what I teach my students to them would help reinforce the teachings.

And in the meantime, give the staff tools to release stress.



I was asked to go to a staff meeting and give them a sampling of what I teach to the students.



Allow them to look at juvenile justice as more than punitive.


Introducing the staff to my moving meditation was met with enthusiasm, support, doubt, and resistance.


This did not surprise me one bit.


But imagine standing in front of the staff and at least one-third of them have their hands crossed across their chests and are looking down.



Well, I love a challenge. And I am one of those who feels if anyone in the group gets anything I say, it's successful.


Let’s fast forward about 5 months.


The staff got used to seeing me "float" around.


They all say hello.

They ask me about particular residents and recommend residents for the class.  They also talk to my students about class and the students share exercises with them.

They are the “boots on the ground”, so to speak. Who better to reinforce the work than someone who knows these residents?



This is not just those who were receptive to my teachings in the beginning, it's nearly all the staff I encountered.


I’m writing a supplemental book to my teachings, about my technique and the exercises.  My desire is to pass the technique on so others can teach it from the inside, or after a resident leaves the facility, and goes back into the world, they can have a guide.

It's a tool.  

They have to take the initiative, and have the motivation.



Let me share with you a few things that the students have said about my program:


“Helped me to control my anger. I started being calm."
"I'm spending time with myself more."
"It helps me control my impulses.

"I got so mad one time, I couldn't go to sleep so I just tried to breathe, and then I fell asleep."
"I'm more mature."
"My thought processes have changed."
"I learned breathing can do something if you pay attention to your breathing."

"It made me wiser, more mature, more mindful.”
"I know I have to do the work.  Things aren't just going to come to me."

“Ms. KaZ is a big-hearted person she loves all of us. She takes the time out of her life to do it. She has hope for all of us.”


As for the volunteer teachers (did I mention that those who teach classes are, for the most part, volunteers?  You may clap now.)



“If nobody cares, they care. They love doing what they do.”


If that isn’t a positive mental attitude, and growth, I don’t know what is.


As always, THANKS FOR READING!

See you next week.