Join Bernard Moss, Tommy Shakur Ross and Nina Gold for an evening introduction to the GRIP-Training Institute.
GRIP, Guiding Rage Into Power, is a year long program of personal transformation, healing and accountability offered in the California State prisons. It is rooted in restorative justice principals, with the understanding that “hurt people, hurt people and healed people, heal people."
This program began as a basic insight meditation program at San Quentin Prison some 25 years ago. Through real time experience and evidence based methodology, under the guidance of Jacques Verduin, the program evolved into a deep and comprehensive journey where the participants are able to understand their past traumas and transform their violent behavior. The program is guided by the principles of Stopping Violent Actions, Cultivating Mindfulness, Developing Emotional Intelligence and Understanding Victim Impact.
Join us for this evening of meditation and conversation.
The link for the weekly Sunday Zoom meeting is https://zoom.us/j/770594036?pwd=UVJwNmF0azdmTy9BcVpXd2p1N3dXQT09 or open the Zoom app and join Meeting ID 770 594 036, password SFISunday. To join by phone, call (669) 900-9128 and enter Meeting ID 770 594 036, password 272263.
Bios:
Bernard is a GRIP Facilitator, a peacemaker, and an expert in violence prevention, mindfulness, and emotional Intelligence. He currently resides in Pittsburg, California. Bernard was one of the first to go through and graduate the GRIP program at San Quentin. After he graduated he went on to facilitate three GRIP groups. He was granted parole after 28 years and currently facilitates GRIP at San Quentin and Mule Creek State Prison.
Tommy "Shakur" Ross paroled in 2022, after being imprisoned for over 36 years. In 2012, Shakur helped launch the radio program at San Quentin, producing stories for KALW 91.7 FM in San Francisco. In 2017, he received an award for Excellence in Journalism by the Northern California Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalism, of which he is a member; and in 2018 he co-founded the Podcast Uncuffed. Shakur also earned an AA degree in General Studies at Patten College, graduating as class valedictorian in 2019. He leads Uncuffed podcasting classes for formerly incarcerated individuals, and also works for GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) and RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth) in Oakland. Other achievements include training and experience as a Peer Health Educator, Circle Keeper, Group Facilitator, Mentor, Event Planner/Organizer and Restorative Justice Practitioner. In the future, he hopes to continue honoring the people he harmed, by being of service for the rest of his life.
Nina Gold (she/her) has been practicing Insight meditation since 2007. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program, with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, and was a member of Spirit Rock's CDL6 cohort. She is most energized and inspired by her work with the GRIP Training Institute’s restorative justice program. She is currently working with groups at San Quentin.
The link for the weekly Sunday Zoom meeting is https://zoom.us/j/770594036?pwd=UVJwNmF0azdmTy9BcVpXd2p1N3dXQT09 or open the Zoom app and join Meeting ID 770 594 036, password SFISunday. To join by phone, call (669) 900-9128 and enter Meeting ID 770 594 036, password 272263.
People of all experience levels are welcome to join our weekly sittings. Drop-in.
Posted In: Sunday Night Sit