The Mindfulness Peace Project (MPP) offers several programs integrating mindfulness and meditation to people in very difficult situations. Its mission is to cultivate the fundamental sanity and dignity in individuals. This commitment manifests as an appreciation of the richness of every situation, even those that seem confused.
MPP oversees three distinct programs:
The Ratna Peace Initiative (RPI, 2004) works with incarcerated men and women nationwide. It offers a study of Buddhist texts and mindfulness. The introduction to mindfulness is usually from written instructions, however, where possible, an MPP educator will make an in person visit to teach the practice.
Veterans Peace of Mind (VPoM, 2009) acknowledging the needs of returning veterans, is comprised of several secular programs. VPoM teaches a study program integrated with mindfulness practice to incarcerated veterans in prisons throughout the United States. Fearless Victory (FV, 2011) works with veterans suffering military traumas, integrating mindfulness and equine therapy.
Solitary Confinement (SC, 2015) is a secular adaptation of our mindfulness meditation work being developed at the request of the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). Nationwide, solitary confinement has proven to have a terrible impact on even stable inmates, driving many individuals to psychosis and suicide. The average time in solitary for even minor infractions is 18 months. In the U.S. there are 80,000 people in solitary at any given time. CDOC has asked us to create a secular mindfulness program to be broadcast into all Colorado prisons that have an isolation unit. In addition, there will also be a book and study course conducted by MPP educators.
Collaborations
MPP believes that to help these large numbers of socially disenfranchised people, collaborations with fellow organizations and services is crucial. At this time we are working with the Colorado Department of Corrections, numerous prisons around the country, the Veterans Administration, Medicine Horse, and the Boulder Shambhala Center.
To the Point!
John Oliver comments that incarceration is so pervasive, even the Muppets on Sesame Street are explaining it to children. (This video contains adult language.)