| Abstract | The subject of this project is flourishing in prison, with a focus on how mindfulness practice can help make that accessible to this particularly vulnerable population of people. I am very concerned about the harsh and unjust treatment of people in prison that not only works against a human being's innate capacity for transformation, but also compromises the well-being of both the incarcerated and those who work in prisons. More generally, the treatment of people in prison compromises our communities since most people in prison eventually transition back into civil society. Those individuals who experience positive and healthy transformation while incarcerated are much more likely to be supportive members of healthy communities. As part of this project, I explore the notions of flourishing, self, and interdependence as well as the transformational capacity of mindfulness practice in promoting well-being and flourishing. I integrate valuable perspectives of those who have worked with the incarcerated or have some experience with them and experiential practices. |
