Eastern Correctional Facility

Recently, an inmate walked up to me before we began a meditation program at a maximum security prison in upstate New York. He reached out to shake my hand and said: Hi, Alan, don't you remember me? I was here when you first showed up in 1980, with 15 years to Life. I had 40 to Life at the time. I enrolled in your meditation class and have never looked back. You got out and I'm still here. It's been 30 years. I know that I probably will never get out again but it no longer matters. I'm happy, happier than I've ever been before. Meditation completely and utterly changed my life. I'm no longer afraid."

The wonder of terrible things

A wise sage once said, "Things that are terrible have wonderful results. Things that are pleasurable have painful results." We live in a mind-set that wants things to be good all the time. In a changing universe, where everything is ephemeral, this is impossible. A moment's pleasure is here, then it is gone. Frustration, disappointment and unhappiness lives on in its wake. But things that are terrible, things that ultimately can't be avoided or escaped from, finally catch up to us, and in those moments we learn of our strength, our courage and our ability to move through them. In essence, we "wake-up," we become more conscious, so that we can we look back and realize that we are stronger, more confident and happier than ever before. Waking up, becoming more and more aware of who we are---This is meditation and this is the path to Freedom.

Blessings and love,
Alan

People You Should Meet/Link

Dear Friends,

Thank you to everyone who tuned into the "People You Should Meet" teleseminar last week with Damien Senn.

If you missed the broadcast, here is the link so you can listen and download the interview for yourself:

Click here for the recording of the "People You Should Meet" Interview with Alan Gompers

If you were on the call, I'd love to hear from you. Your feedback is always welcome.

Blessings and Love,

Alan Gompers
Author, Maximum Security: The True Meaning of Freedom
www.alangompers.com