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Be free wherever you are! Prison is one of the worst human inventions. It is an alienating place and negative experience (better not tried first hand!), it's anti-human - it intervenes or restricts every movement you make, every choice you could make, intercepts the air you breathe, how much sky you can see ... Loosing one's liberty is indeed one of the most painful experiences and dear losses besides loosing life. At least to me. As well of robbing you of liberty, in prison you need to forget about privacy and things like proper rest. Your time and space are always interfered with or interrupted. In the face of all this, one has to search for and dig deep in and hold tight and firm to your inner freedom and dignity. Nothing and no one can take these away or compromise them no matter what. Respect yourself (and others) everywhere and always and everything will be better. Free your mind and spirit. Rise above and beyond your physical hardships and realities and a whole new world and possibilities open up. Always remember no one can stop the time and just as you came in to prison your day to come out must and will come. Prison will only he a chapter in your life, and no matter how long and hard it is, it's never all doom and gloom. You will encounter lots of human mediocrity and wickedness, selfishness, greed, arrogance and pettiness. But there is also kindness, humour, some friendship, some humanity. No matter how bad are your conditions and treatment, don't let anyone take away your humanity. Prison is a negative experience to be avoided! If you're in prison because of 'politics' then don't regret your commitment (but always review your actions!). Be prepared for a new struggle, new different serious sacrifices. No matter who you are there is a lot of daily 'wear and tear' and waste of energy and time. A lot of restrictions, crazy rules and contradictions etc. All the time something tests your patience or tolerance. Lots of frustrations, also lots of ignorance, cynicism and maybe some provocations if you're 'politically motivated'. But then you must 'fight back', learn to be patient, let go of a lot of worries, demands, expectations etc. Compromise but don't compromise your basic principles or yourself. Avoid unnecessary battles and arguments. Don't trust easily, let go your guard except in the fewer cases. Defend yourself and answer back, or fight them only on major important issues. Don't Set the system wear you out, use its strengths! We each have different circumstances and 'lines' to draw. At the same time prison can be a positive experience, an opportunity to 'win' and 'grow' despite 'the costs'. As I said you can learn to be patient and tolerant, let go of a lot-of worries- Learn about yourself and others. Reflect on your life, on your case, on your actions. Think about your future, and our future. Learn/try new things or do things you've always wanted to do. Try to concentrate on what you can do rather than can't do. Develop your own mini routine or program, e.g. read 1 book this week or month, do cell workouts etc, try hobbies, writing, reading etc. Go to the gym, get fresh air when possible. Do something creative like art, craft, music or writing. Try to maintain health and mind. Maintain relations through phone, letters, visits, live mind. Altogether continue life though a different one. Never give up faith and hope. Enjoy the little things, maximize use of whatever is possible and available, but keep an eye out for changes for the better and remember there is a world much bigger than prison and just as real. And keep some 'bridges' to that. One can find a lot of inspiration from prison writings (there are some anthologies) and books like Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom', poems like 'Reading Gaol' by Oscar Wilde, books by Steve Biko, and R. Lovelace. It's good to remember you're part of struggles and traditions worldwide defending humanity/ for justice. No matter why you're in prison remember you're not alone. You will always matter to your loved ones and they will always matter to you. If you were engaged in some struggle you remain so but in different ways. You can and should maintain dialogue and interaction about the issues and concerns with others. Use the time to review and reflect. If you're in prison for other reasons still prison is a phase of struggle and possible positive change. Issues about your family, friends and community are much the same. It's a social and psychological 'learning pot'. Indeed no matter why you end up behind bars, one needs to try to reconnect to our common humanity. Stay strong, be proud (but not arrogant or self-important). Be humble, learn to give and take from others. No matter how small your world becomes and limited your livelihood you can still broaden your horizons and keep your mind open and heart free. It's a victory to survive prison without too many scars or 'distortions'. You must and can do it - even though it does take its toll. It is also possible to emerge better and undiminished. That's a challenge!
What can people do outside? - Stay committed and connected - Maintain letters, visits, phoney remember each other - Send practical things: stamps, trainers, T-shirt, music, books, magazines, jokes, postal orders, some hobbies. Depending on local HMP rules - Promise each other to look after yourselves! -Support the case where appropriate - Help the family where needed, where possible What else? Don't know! That's all for now. *La Lutta Continua Samar Alami, Miscarriage of justice prisoner serving 20? years Samar Alami HMP Send Ripley Road Woking GU23 7LJ *The Struggle Continues |