The Monastic Life

People asking questions, lost in confusion; I tell them there's no problems, only solutions. They shake their heads and look at me as if I've lost my mind; I tell them there's no hurry, I'm just sitting here doing time.

-John Lennon,"Watching the Wheels"

I live the life of a monk, albeit a more dangerous and profoundly more depressing one ( the life, not monk). The majority of my days are spent in meditation and prayer. If I'm not contemplating my navel, I'm chanting or standing on my head. Not really, but you get the idea. There's really not a whole lot else to do: wake up, do yoga/workout, meditate, go to chow; read/study, meditate, go to chow; read/study, meditate, right, sleep; wake up... day after day after day for months, then years.

It might not seem so bad when looked at objectively, I suppose, but notice all that's missing : the love of a good woman (shoot, after nine years, I'd take a bad one right now ), good friends, music, laughter, being in nature, sunshine, animals, swimming, hiking, canoeing, meaningful work, culture, variety, choice, fun, freedom -- insert your favorite things here. Also, we haven't factored in, the constant noise, violence, filth, stench, lack of privacy, cruel and demoralizing guards, tear gas, handcuffs, strip searches, staph infections, etc.nor the anger, frustration, and hopelessness that permeates every cell.

Still, there's plenty of time to think. Each of us in prison spends countless hours contemplating our crimes and every other mistake we've made in our lives, no matter how small or inconsequential at the time. We relive them in painstaking detail and feel remorse for each one. Those scenes are replayed over and over, sometimes for many years, until we can finally forgive ourselves. We all do this, despite any outside appearance to the contrary. The younger "warrior" monks with energy to burn and things to prove, tend to have a harder time settling down, but they too, have plenty of time in their bunks to think and reflect, and before they leave(if ever), are better for it.

For many of us, the monastic life lends itself to studying: philosophy, scripture, science, history, literature, and anything else we can get our hands on. Those with the inclination become scholars. And although it will likely help in finding a job someday, it does make for a more interesting and well-rounded convict. Then again, my future work in hypnotherapy and counseling will be the result of all I've studied and learned while in prison, and, of course, there are the various trades learned here, like welding, carpentry, electrical work (is my choice) and diesel mechanics, even if it is just the basics.

But a monk's main aim is to develop spiritually. At some point, the time spent thinking and studying becomes time spent meditating and praying. And it does take time. There's a necessary process one must go through -- a profound quieting of the mind -- before being able to truly commune with the Divine. This is usually pretty difficult at first, sometimes requiring years of effort; but once a certain point is reached, the progress snowballs and a person makes leaps and bounds towards enlightenment. Enlightenment is personally experiencing the superconscious state where one connects with their higher, truly spiritual self. It's what it's all about.

For the prison monk, meditation is also a way to escape beyond the walls and razor wire, even if only for a short time. This is a nice bonus of sorts and the reason some inmates first get started. Plus, it can also be a better high than the than one could ever find otherwise; being connected with the Divine is a euphoric feeling, and there's no greater experience of Unity and Love possible on this physical plane. But the most tangible benefit is the insight gained into the true nature of reality: the oneness we all share and our existence as eternal, spiritual beings, currently having a physical adventure on Earth. Obtaining such knowledge seriously transforms lives and is the biggest reason of all to meditate.

Imagine if everyone had such an experience. What if each of us could gain first-hand knowledge of the existence of God/Creator/Source and the divine realm of angels, guides, and fellow spirits/souls by personally experiencing it in the superconscious state? Well, let me tell you: we would all treat each other better; we'd make the most of our short lives; we'd better understand and bear our suffering; and we wouldn't be at all afraid to die. Plus, the crime rates everywhere would drop like rocks and recidivism would be nil. Pretty cool, huh?

Those of us in prison fortunate enough to have so much time to meditate and who've been blessed with such an enlightening experience simply aren't capable of committing any further crime. We've literally seen the light and our lives are forever changed. We realize now that love would be the basis for every thought, word, and deed. And I., for one, intend to share my experiences and teach as many other people as possible -- within prison and without -- how to meditate and discover the divine for themselves. Hence, MysticMinistries.org. Check it out.

Unfortunately, I think a lot of people believe that meditation and enlightenment and God or the Divine realm is a bunch of baloney. I certainly did, before I became a scholar monk. They may dismiss my own accounts and all of those throughout history as mere fantasy, mental derangement, or New Age wackiness. However, besides experiencing it for oneself, the proof is there for anyone to study if they care to make the effort and aren't afraid of being wrong for once. See my recommended book list at MysticMinistries.org

And yes, granted, the number of prison inmates or anyone today for that matter, who've actually transcended the material world, however briefly, is relatively few. Still, what matters most is being on the path -- to being dedicated to a spiritual life. Those who make Love the basis of their every thought, word and deed can't go wrong. Easy to say, of course, but harder to do. And although we will slip up from time to time, our sincere effort and intent will keep us in grace and on the right track. So, even if one doesn't have the opportunity or desire to meditate that much, it's still possible to live as though enlightened. And many in prison have discovered this path and are walking it daily.

Penitentiary: 1. a place for penitents and spiritual reflection; 2. a warehouse for the living dead --

The point I'm trying to make and will keep trying to make, is that prison experience is conducive to spiritual growth and that they're a great many good, decent people rotting away needlessly in small cement boxes all over the country, who have more than atoned for their sins and deserve a second chance at life. Redemption is real. People can change; they can learn from their mistakes and become better people for them.

Our prisons are full of nonviolent first-time offenders who are being punished excessively. Instead of locking these people away forever or for too long, i.e. out of sight, out of mind, we need to acknowledge their commitment to self-improvement into a new, spiritual way of living and reduce their sentences as well is give them the opportunity to prove themselves by putting them back into society. In return, these parolees should be required to participate in local community service and public works projects as a way to repay society, as well as foster responsibility, purpose, and positive relationships in their lives. Some could be required to enlist in the armed forces for a while. These people could be real benefit to society rather than the burden they are.

Besides the moral and ethical reasons for commuting the sentences of role model prisoners, there are plenty of economic ones to consider. It costs taxpayers something like $40,000 per year to incarcerate someone. In Texas multiply that by about 170,000 souls. That's $6 billion per year -- each and every year.

Then again, the prison industry is supposedly a huge money maker for private industry utilizing slave labor, especially in Texas. Or maybe it's the prison personnel unions who have the most to gain. I really have no idea. The Sentencing Project.org is a good source for information about the prison industry as an big business. The Texas Department of Corrections is the state's largest agency with a budget to match.

One thing is certain: too many good people are suffering too long in prison while their families suffer with them. In too many cases, nonviolent first-time offenders are being punished too harshly and being denied parole for no good reason, specially in Texas. Currently in Texas, one person can be sentenced to five years in prison while another serves 99 years or life for the same crime. "Five to life" is hardly a sentencing guideline; it is unjust and immoral and does more harm than good. Also in Texas, during the sentencing phase of the trial, the prosecution is allowed to accuse a person of as many additional extraneous crimes as they'd like without the need for any evidence whatsoever. For example, I am serving a 50 year sentence for my first-ever offense, robbery, where no one was hurt. I was a suicidal alcoholic at the time and had sought psychiatric help, only days before. An overzealous prosecutor demanded a life sentence and was was within his legal rights to do so. He portrayed me as a violent career criminal based on nothing but speculation and his own wild imagination. There was no evidence of any such crimes. I have never hurt anyone in my life, nor ever before been in trouble with the law.

Why is Texas allowed to get away with this? Are there federal laws in place to prevent such a travesty of justice? Nope'fraid not. Apparently, Texas is a country unto itself and can do as it damn well pleases. Perhaps your state has a similar complex. I'd suggest we all contact your representatives, but I've completely lost all faith in government and the entire judicial system.

Anyway, bitching and moaning aside, I can thank God every day for my arrest, for it literally saved my life and allowed me to regain my sobriety, my sanity, my soul. Who knows how long I would've continued being the alcoholic ass I was. Everything is for a reason, I believe, and I doubt that I would ever become as spiritually aware and blessed as I am today, otherwise.

Which brings us back to the main point. My conclusion here. A timeout behind bars can be just what a person needs to get their life back on track. The public needs to recognize this and understand that there are many good, decent people in prison; they are not all to be feared and despised as tends to be the case. There are veritable saints inside who could be doing a world of good if given the chance. Also, once again too many of these people are being imprisoned for too long. Lengthy sentences need to be reconsidered and reduced, and qualified inmates need to be paroled.

However, the parole system in Texas and perhaps throughout the country is broken. Societiy is too afraid and unprepared to except former prisoners back into the fold. Large numbers of those who should be released are too daunting. But a much larger number of parolees can successfully reenter society if a comprehensive investment and effort is made in renovating the parole system. Rather than spend even more taxpayer dollars on prisons, we need to invest in reintegration services like transitional housing, education, work programs and drug and alcohol treatment that better serve and more directly affect society. As in medicine, prevention is paramount, of course, the treatment i.e. rehabilitation and reintegration, is just as important.

Anyway, final word before I go: regarding your attitude towards prisoners and parolees in general, please lose the fear. I can promise you that prison monks make role model citizens and great neighbors.

Thanks again for reading and caring. Bye for now, -- Eric

Club Clements

" Si non caste tamen cante.(If you can't be good, be careful.)"
_St. Paul.

Welcome to Club Clements! Don't want to work? -- Or pay rent? -- Bills? Want zero responsibilities? Then this is the place for you! Homosexual? Sadomasochist? Perfect, you'll never want to leave! To qualify for membership, simply smoke a joint in church, date a cop's wife, or steal a car (preferably with the owner inside). For deluxe accommodations at one of our facilities, just rob a bank.
Whether you're your a real-life "gangsta" or the average thug from the hood, you'll find plenty to do here. Hustlin's still the name of the game. Weed,tobacco, pills and cell phones are big sellers -- with an even bigger profit margin! And you pimps will find all the punks you can handle. For those of you riding solo(unaffiliated), we have a charming protective custody wing. Chess sets and dominoes are available at the commissary, and day room televisions are pre-tuned to all day Jerry Springer.

When packing for your visit, don't forget to leave everything behind.You won't need it here,- whatever it is. Remember: we take care of everything! All guests receive a pair of black, ass-kicking army boots, and each day you'll be issued a freshly laundered white shirt, white pants, white boxers, and a great pair of socks, along with a towel and sliver of soap. Fresh sheets are provided every week, as well as your very own roll of toilet paper, tooth powder, and razor. Then during the winter months, enjoy the comforts of a thin, scratchy faux-wool blanket and green nylon jacket. What more could you ask for?

And for the gourmet, we offer a plethora of tasty nutritious dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Are you currently starving on the streets? Get your fill here at Club Clements! Eating too much of that rich restaurant fare? The Clements Unit Diet will get you lean and mean! We have three scrumptious meals a day: for breakfast (3 AM), it's pancakes or eggs with oatmeal or grits: then for lunch and dinner, it's a magical combination of beans and rice or potatoes, corn and collard greens or squash, and either an all-purpose meat patty, hot dogs, chicken patty, pork patty, pork chop, pork loaf, shredded pork, pork and noodles, beef and noodles, baloney, tuna or peanut butter sandwich. Special desserts are offered twice! each week. No salads or fresh fruit. You get an apple or orange at Christmas. And guess who does the dishes? That's right, not you!

Reserve your suite today! Just imagine living in your bathroom, only smaller. But there will be an extra bunk, because we'll be matching you with the perfect roommate! Someone who's sure to drive you absolutely crazy, because after all, it's all about building character, right?

And Clements is such a wonderful place to make friends! Come to learn and grow with your peers. If you don't already know how to hotwire a car or cook up a batch of methamphetamine, you will before you leave. Never been in a fist fight? Practice daily! And for the majority of our guests who can't read or write, our " Gangsta Sign and Scribble"course is very popular. Plus, a shout out to all the future rap stars out there: here is where reps get made,ya dig? Develop and add beatbox skills 24/7! Holla-holla all night long! Learn from the pros!

Our caring and conscientious staff are waiting to greet you. Let us treat you with the respect you deserve. All our employees are specially trained to teach you lessons in humility, patience, and anger management -- because your personal growth is our greatest concern.

Special needs? No problem, we're here to please! Our medical facilities are state of the art, so we've got you covered. Stab wounds and staph infections are our specialties. No insurance necessary! Are you a bit loony? Criminally insane? Welcome to the Club! Create your own exotic medley of psych drugs and join our elite corps of walking zombies.

Registration is easy: simply confess your crime to a "friend" or neighbor who will receive $1000 for helping you enroll in the system. A friendly squad of uniform professionals will come to collect you. Your stay can be for as little or as long as you like. Our lucky winner may receive five years while another gets 99 years, for exactly the same crime! ( Texas residents only, see details). Regardless, extended stays are easily arranged.

So, say goodbye to all your worries and cares, to all those annoying friends and family members. Choose a future with Club Clements! After all, isn't it time you, too, live off the taxpayer's dime for change?

{This ad brought to you by the prison industry and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of this blog -- E.R.}

"They say the best men are molded out of faults, and, for the most, become much more the better for being a little bad."

-- Shakespeare,"Measure for Measure "

When I first came to prison, I wished a bomb would drop to wipe the whole place off the face of the earth -- one for every unit in the System. I'd gladly make the sacrifice. The world would be a much better place, I thought, without such trash -- such horrible, horrible people -- every being let out of here again to pollute society.

But now I know that hopeless cases are the exception rather than the rule. In fact, I truly believe that each and every person is salvageable. However, some are just so instantly unlikable and obviously evil that it seems impossible and certainly not worth the effort to change them.

Then again,"bad" and "evil" are relative terms. For the most part, it's simply a matter of ignorance and selfishness -- or insanity. Or it could just be a difference in culture and upbringing. For many of these guys, being a gangster or street thug is what everybody aspires to in their neighborhood. Seriously.

This gangster culture is a plague on society, and one reason why our prisons are busting at the seams. Drug and alcohol abuse, wanton sex and criminal behavior is glorified. Education and morality take a far back seat to being cool and tough and "respected". Goodness is associated with weakness. Violence in words or deeds, is part of everyday life. "Survival of the fittest" is the ruling philosophy and to hell with anyone else, especially those outside their pack. Racism is a given.

I've shared prison cells with Bloods, Crips, White Knights, Mandingo Warriors, Tongo Blasts, Banditos, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Aryan Brotherhood, and others; and they all boast about making easy money, doing drugs, getting laid, and raising hell; but when it comes to the deeper reasons for joining their gangs, it's always the same: they want friends and "family", they want to feel needed and appreciated, they want security and protection, they want to be part of something greater than themselves, and they all want meaning in their lives.

There will always be gangs, because there were always be youngsters and those of all ages who seek to belong and have purpose in their lives. And of course some will always have the desire to raise hell and make a fast buck.

Individual counseling has some success, but to really solve the problems of gang violence and crime there needs to be a huge change in ideology in their neighborhoods and culture. And that has to happen from within: they need to do something about it themselves, as any overt outside influence is seen as an insult or threat, or typically, "square". So it's up to the leaders of their own communities to effect the change needed.

As long as the gangsta life is promoted and glorified in popular music and the media, our prisons will continue to be inundated him and with ass holes and fools. As long as kids grow up believing that society holds them a living, that government exists to be taken advantage of and that an honest days work is for chumps, then generation after generation will continue to fuel the prison industry. As long as these" tough guys" remain clueless as to what life is really about, as long as they put a priority on "bling"and "ho's" and the material possessions, they'll continue down the same sorry road they think leads to riches.

More than anything else, they're ignorant(not necessarily stupid), which is the ultimate factor in their being" bad". For many, the "thug life" is all they know. They're either not aware of anything better, or they've been conditioned not to strive for anything better. They have an extremely limited worldview. However, although it is a reason, ignorance can't be excused, because as human beings(actually a spiritual beings), we all have an innate sense of right and wrong built-in.

It's selfishness -- self-centeredness -- that really corrupts us, that goes to the very core of being a bad person. And this, of course, is prevalent at every level of society. Having a total disregard for anyone but oneself is the hallmark of a criminal, whether in the hood or on Wall Street. In every drug addict and alcoholic is just as guilty of selfishness, if not the worst offender.

As obvious as this may seem to you, the concept of selfishness being the root of all evil, totally blew my mind when I was first introduced to it in Alcoholics Anonymous in my first year in prison. I had been a self-centered jerk for years without realizing it. I had the same attitude of "looking out for number one" and "every man for himself" as a typical street thug. But I was ignorant of my selfishness, as I think many people are. I had no idea what a problem I really had.

But why should anyone care whether they are selfish or not? That's the big question. And it's the ignorance of the answer to this that is the big problem. For too many people, there is the unanswered and unasked question: "why be good"?. And I believe it's our obligation, as those who know the answer, to share it with as many other people as possible, especially those in prison or in danger of going there someday.

Food for thought. Discuss it amongst yourselves, and drop me a line, please. Thanks again for listening and caring. Bye for now.

-- Eric

Introduction

What can I say? Prison sucks. This is the last place you ever want to be, even for one day. So, please, don't screw up.

However this blog isn't to bash the prison system or to complain about inhumane living conditions or being treated like garbage every minute of every day. It's not to rant and rave about Texas' criminal justice system, unscrupulous prosecutors, or uncaring public "defense" attorneys. Rather, it's meant to focus on the positive aspects of the prison experience.

In fact, I believe everyone should be locked up for a while. Everyone needs to spend a few years in a 5' x 9' cement box along with a 400 lb. flatulent lunatic who thinks you're just the cutest thing. Everyone needs to be beat down and humiliated each day by petty tyrants in uniform. Everyone needs to lose everything they own, their family and friends. And here's why:

The vast majority of people don't appreciate what they already have; they take their lives for granted. I know I sure did. We can all recognize the simple truths: that material things are overrated, that people/relationships are what matter most, that Love is the answer - and preach them vociferously, but until one is faced with real tragedy, real loss, they're just platitudes. Tragedy etches them onto your soul forever. And prison is one hell of a tragedy for everyone involved.

Once you've been in prison. your freedom is especially cherished; and, again, it's the simplest things that are missed most: the freedom to walk to the store, to drive across town to visit a friend, to wear what you want, eat what you want, speak what and when you want - even the freedom to be what you want. To be poor and homeless is preferable to being locked away and forgotten.

However, on the plus side, prison is a serious time out. It's an opportunity to re-adjust, re-assess, and get your priorities straight. It's a chance to recover from addiction and regain your sanity. It's a good time to look over your entire life, relive every mistake you have ever made, no matter how small, and feel remorse for each one. It's a time to meditate and pray.

"Perhaps some of us have to go through dark and
devious ways before we can find the river of Peace
or the Highroad to the souls destination."
-- Joseph Conrad

The result of all this contemplation and soul searching is a better person. However, timing is everything: sentences can be either too long or too short, and it depends on the person as well as the crime. For example, a chronic alcoholic or drug addict may need three years in prison to recover, even if they were arrested for something relatively minor. But, regardless, no one should have to spend more than ten years behind bars for their first ever offense, except for the most heinous crimes. Ten years in prison is infinitely longer than ten years in the free world. And too long a sentence can do much more harm than good. There's a point where the anger and frustration at the injustice of an excessive sentence or denial of parole may outweigh whatever positive strides are made. That's if there's an attempt to change in the first place, because someone facing 50 years or a life sentence may see no reason to become a better person. Also, spending too much time locked away makes it that much more difficult, if not impossible, to reintegrate back into society.

For the newcomer, it becomes immediately obvious that prison is a place of tremendous ignorance and violence; and it takes a real and sustained effort to rise above it all. It can easily kill the goodness in you, if you let it. Once someone makes the decision and is determined to overcome it all to become a better person in this hellhole, they are on the "fast track" of spiritual evolution. Few other situations/environments offer so many tests and challenges on a daily -- hourly! -- basis. The lessons are the same as anywhere else: forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, kindness, gratitude, patience, etc. -- but here they come at you fast and furious. To constantly forgive the unforgivable, and to someday lose your ego in a place so full of inflated ones, is a real accomplishment.

Fear is the first and most difficult thing to overcome. But, in time, you come to realize that some of the meanest, scariest characters you're ever likely to meet are actually good, decent people -- that everyone, no matter how twisted and cruel sometimes, wants to be a good person; it's just that some don't know how to go about it. And perhaps they, too, are afraid associating goodness with weakness; perhaps they're compensating for insecurities and self hatred.

Some may call the notion that all people are essentially good at their core naive or foolish. But spend enough time in a maximum-security prison and you'll meet the most hardened criminals, the so-called worst (if you're lucky you can even share a cell with them for a while), and you'll find that they are thinking, feeling human beings just like yourself, albeit with some "issues" and a certain lack of impulse control. They regret their mistakes, and they really do want and often try to be "good".

Unfortunately, many inmates are just plain crazy. The penitentiary can seem like a looney bin at times. The majorly whacko are medicated into oblivion, like shuffling zombies, which is pretty common as there isn't the staff or resources to properly treat them. These poor souls need to be institutionalized somewhere, I suppose, and this may be the only exception where prison is the better alternative to life on the streets. The moderately nuts are left to drive the rest of us crazy. My previous "cellie" is a pretty good example: He would pace like a tiger in a cage -- back and forth, back and forth -- occasionally flapping his arms as a particular thought crossed his mind. It was a bit nervewracking.

There are also a lot of former "meth heads" running about, and they're hard to discern from the usual looney-toons. Methamphetamine addiction ruins many so lives. Apparently, the damage done to the brain and other parts of the nervous system can be irreversible: they're permanently screwed up. When I was first arrested and in the county jail, it seemed like every other person was there for something meth-related. And so many still intend to smoke it, snort it, shoot it, or whatever again as soon as they are released. They're hooked for life. Not all, of course, but way too many. It breaks my heart. Please: Never do meth. Not even once, okay?

Drug and alcohol addiction is by far the worst problem facing America and many other countries today. A hard statement to back up with facts, perhaps, but one look at our prison system should be enough to convince you. Drugs and alcohol are the reason most every one of us are in this place. It's either selling drugs, abusing them, or both. I myself was a chronic alcoholic and eventually lost my mind for a time. There's a reason why they call it "dope". People lose their ability to reason or even think straight, and in a short time this affects their character. They do things drunk and stoned that they would never even consider doing sober. And although there can be no excuse for their bevaviour, there is a reason for it. So, instead of immediately labeling someone a criminal and throwing them in prison forever, we really need to treat their addiction. After all, is the goal to fix the symptom or the cause of the problem? I say we can do both.

The solution, I believe, is converting the majority of our prisons into rehabilitation centers as well. Then once an addict convicted of a crime is fully treated and on the road to recovery, they should be required to repay society by doing some legitimate community service work, rather than live off the public's tax dollars for too many years in prison. Incarceration should be a part of, but not the whole solution.

Having said that, it seems that prison, by itself, has worked wonders for me, and I was a mess. I can thank God for my arrest because it literally saved my life as I was a suicidal alcoholic at the time. The first few months in jail were spent going through such horrific alcohol withdrawals that I honestly thought I was going to die some days. It took about three years to finally get my head on straight, though if asked any time before then, I would have said I was fine and ready to go(people who are really screwed up have a hard time realizing they're screwed up). But after five years behind bars, I would have been an excellent candidate for comunity service work while being on parole for another five to ten more years, instead of just rotting away as I am now of no real use to anybody and only a burden to society.

To make the most of my own experience with drug and alcohol addiction, I have been studying for years to become a rehabilitation counselor myself. There is no one better to advise an addict than someone who's been through it themselves. What I've learned and discovered personally is that, after first treating the physical aspects of addiction, what's most important is instilling a sense of purpose and meaning in one's life. Because, besides thrill seeking and simple ignorance, feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness are the underlying cause of drug and alcohol abuse. Also, because addicts will use any excuse to rationalize their behaviour, they need a powerful reason to abstain; they need to be convinced that there is a better option available: something that will make them feel even better than the drugs and alcohol they use. And that something, believe it or not, is "service to others". We all have the innate desire for worth, to contribute in some way; and the feelings one gets from helping someone else -- being needed, wanted, appreciated -- beats any other "high", hands down. Having such a reason to get up in the morning is a sure long term cure for addiction. And of course, having a support group of some kind is pretty essential.

However, I believe the ultimate solution lies in an understanding of the true nature of reality, the universe, and our place in it. Call it spirituality or a belief in God, or the Divine. Though, for me, better than mere belief is knowing. I've found that it's possible to personally experience the Divine realm and prove to one's self the existence of a "higher", spiritual source of which we are all a part. Once a person realizes this as well as their souls ultimate purpose on earth, the desire to drink, do drugs, or otherwise self destruct goes right out the window. And this goes the same for any kind of criminal behaviour.

To teach people how to personally experience the Divine for themselves, and to help as best as I know how from this prison cell, I've created MysticMinistries.org. The goal is to educate and enlighten people as to their true nature as spiritual beings. I recommend a number of excellent books and resources and basically just try to spark people's curiosity and interest to learn more. Please check out the site and refer your friends.

"What is to give light must endure burning."
-- Viktor Frankl

The main purpose of this blog is to show that redemption is real. People really can change for the better. Our prisons are full of those who are proof of this. Some are veritable saints. Unfortunately, though, much due to excessive sentences and the denial of parole, many of these good, decent people who have atoned for their sins are languishing needlessly in overcrowded and underfunded prisons everywhere. I hope to bring greater awareness to this problem. With your help, perhaps together we can make a difference in the system.

Over the coming months and probably years, I'll be your intrepid reporter with the "inside" scoop on life in prison. At times I'll probably go off on wild tangents or digress a bit from the main point, as tends to happen, but I'll always keep it real. There's a lot to discuss.

Your feedback is really appreciated. Feel free to contact me anytime at ericremerowski@gmail.com or, better yet, please write to me at:

Eric Remerowski
1145256 Clements
9601 Spur 591
Amarillo, TX 79107

Thanks for listening and caring. Bye for now. -- Eric