A PRISON EXPERIENCE - MEN AND EMOTIONS

Hello there,

This past weekend I was in Denver, CO, and was invited to a speaking event taking place in a prison. I was fortunate to witness the inmates sharing their "One Last Talk".

The concept of these talks that the men were sharing is based on the book "One Last Talk" by Phillip McKernan, who is a renowned speaker, author and coach and who has become a dear friend. He was leading the event, which was part of the correction/education program that men in prison are participating in so they can have an opportunity to heal and transform. 

As someone who works with men and advocates for men, it was extremely impactful for me to witness all the stories shared. 

And what I came to notice to be a common feature in all of the shares was that a lot of these men had a tremendously challenging childhood. Violence, hatred and aggression toward people, but most of all towards themselves, was something that was drilled into their little bodies from a very early age.  Most of the stories began with "When I was 5..." Some men had been incarcerated since they were 15 - with a life time sentencing.

Their truth was raw, extremely emotional and not something you would hear on a daily basis. 

I was fortunate to be present at that event, feeling gratitude and compassion for the men there. I did not feel judgment or like we were different from one another. I felt very connected to these inmates and cried my eyes out, seeing how they all were eager to be better, to heal and to transform. 

I invite you to connect to your truth right now and see where in your life you need healing, then go deeper into that. I believe that everyone has a deep soul calling for living an extraordinary life and thriving, but due to our childhood conditioning and belief systems, we are held back by fear and a lack of energy to do anything on our own.

Especially if you are a man, for whom it is often hard to admit that they need help. 

Much Love, Iryna