Enlightenment Behind Bars is a compilation of spiritual lessons written by nine men and one woman while incarcerated in prison.
With an accumulated total of nearly 200 years behind bars, their fortitude and ability to obtain spiritual growth while in the “Belly of the Beast” speaks volumes in and of itself.
Meet each author as they share their journey of awakening while behind bars. Each of them includes several lessons on spirituality to help expand your conscious awareness.
From their varied backgrounds and research, you will be introduced to nuggets of Truth gained from many religious outlets including but not limited to Christianity, Buddhism, Neterianism, Islam and Native American Spirituality.
Included are spiritual practices such as meditations and prayers that have helped them on their awakening path. Browse their recommended reading list to spur you onto more research along your Path as a Seeker.
Your support of Books 4 Inmates will place
spiritual books into the hands of incarcerated people who are seeking higher consciousness.
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Inmates Praise Enlightenment Behind Bars
Joe Kinney
At 19 years of age, Joe was hit with a sobering 36-72 year sentence. He is currently serving his 35th year.
Joe participates and often leads the Native American circle at his prison, which includes the sweat lodge and pipe ceremonies, dedicating his life to the “Red Road.”
After years as a carpenter and making license plates, he was happy to be part of the Canine Behavior Modification program.
TOPICS
Living in the Moment
The Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Red Road
Carl “Oooh Bay” Robinson
By the age of 42, Carl had spent 16 years behind bars. Much of the latter years of incarceration were spent in spiritual studies of several disciplines.
While in prison, Carl began to create unique jewelry relating to the client’s birth sign and other areas of interest. He also enjoyed participating in the “Paws for Life Prison Program” as a dog trainer.
Upon his release in 2019, Carl has created Sokul Body Wear: Hand-Crafted Designer Jewelry.
Check out his designs here. https://sokulbodywear.com
As a singer – songwriter, “the Sun returned home” pours out memories of life in a soul-stirring raspy voice, adding heart to any track he is on.
In the fall of 2020, he married the love of his life!
TOPICS
Self-Initiated
Visualization of Cleansing Elements
The What, The How and the Why of God
Anastazia
After serving 18 years, Anastazia was released in 2019, after making a positive impact on hundreds of women in and out of prison.
As she witnessed many injustices in the judicial and prison systems, Anastazia has become a voice for the voiceless.
An eloquent writer and speaker, dedicated to exposing the truth, Anastazia has the potential and drive to change laws, improving the lives of many. In 2020, she completed her graduate studies and began her PhD studies in the Fall of 2020.
TOPICS
Truth and Trauma
Return to the Goddess
Meditation for Invoking the Goddess Within
Click here to listen to Anastazia speak
on the topic of “Truth and Trauma.”
Marshal McWilliams
At 12 years of age, Marshal was sent to the local “Holy Man” and began his tutelage. When 16, he was presented to the Tribal Council and received his certificate, verifying him as a recognized “Holy Man.”
Two months, later, his beloved mentor crossed over, which sent Marshal into a downward spiral, setting aside the teachings he had acquired.
Falsely accused at age 31, he has been in prison since 1997. Yet, this became a blessing in disguise, for being forced from his family and freedom, he eventually began to see life with a more expanded lens.
In 2001, he turned his life over to Jesus and began studying the Bible. In 2002, he was accepted into the prison’s Native American Circle, where he soon became recognized as a leader.
TOPICS
Be Still
Warriors
Ritualism
Pemmican
The Feather
The Red Road
Trust and Faith
Peyote Dreams
The Medicine Wheel
What do you need if…?
What do you want or expect from this…?
Richard Francis
Richard began his awakening journey in 2016, four years after his current incarceration began.
During this time, he has become an avid Seeker of Truth and a prolific writer, creating several fictional manuscripts.
He has also created several “jail-house” spiritual booklets that he offers freely to his peers.
TOPICS
Resurrection
Stay Positive
Divine Timing
You Reap What you Sow
Thoughts Become Reality
Foundation: Key Element in Life
Forgiveness: Key to Inner Peace
Positive Actions = Positive Results
The Holy Spirit: A Powerful Blessing
Gratitude: Key Element for Blessings
Needles
Sewing was one of the “hustles” that Needles used to buy and barter what he needed and shared with others during his 7 years behind bars.
We share a common passion, getting spiritual reading material into the hands of those who are incarcerated.
While in prison, Needles encouraged dozens of inmates to write to me for a free copy of my book, Mayan Messages.
Released in 2019, Needles immediately hit the used bookstores, using what little money he had, on the hunt for books to gift to spiritual Seekers he had met in prison.
TOPICS
What is Karma?
Sin in Perspective
Is Reincarnation Real?
Manifesting Abundance
Do Angels and Devils Exist?
Be Careful what You Wish For!
Plus 13 more topics!
Damon Scott-Stout
Incarcerated at 19, Damon spent the next 24 years of his life behind bars.
He was released in the Fall of 2019.
Much of his prison time has been spent in spiritual studies.
As an artist and astrologist, he hand-made intricate astrology charts for his clients.
Damon is a Euro-Shaman, of Vanatru lineage and a self-practitioner of the Irminsuli tradition for over 15 years.
TOPICS
The Sacred Wheel
Five Degrees of Initiation
Divine Being and Existence
Introduction to the Kabbalah Tree of Life
Darris Drake, Jr.
At age 24, Darris was facing a 20 year sentence while recuperating from gunshot wounds that had him knocking on Death’s door. After 16 months of determination, he beat all odds and regained use of his legs.
Eight years into his incarceration, he regained his will to better himself. Thus, began his educational and spiritual awakening.
The first class he took was on the subject of “Chemical Dependency.”
The instructor encouraged him to keep a daily journal and to share his writings with others in the group. Before long, they began to open each group session with one of his thought-provoking journal entries.
Darris has found his purpose in life through expressing himself through his writings and helping others.
TOPICS
The Nature of Freedom
Self-Love
Perspective
Release
Mental Atrophy
Attachments
Purpose
Manifesting
Focused Visualization
Mark Robinson
After serving 23 years, Mark was released in 2018.
In less than two years after his release, Mark has received Reiki attunements, completed Barber school and married his high school sweetheart!
TOPICS
Zentangle
We are All Creators
Spiritual vs Material Based Life
Obtaining Peace Through Forgiveness
Tonglen Giving and Receiving Meditation
Unity Consciousness vs Separation Theology
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