Contemplative practice and spiritual growth in prison

Selina Sasse (Director of The Prison Phoenix Trust)

Selina is an accredited yoga and mindfulness teacher. She is a Zen practitioner in the Sanbozen school with the Oxford Zen Centre.

Abstract

The Prison Phoenix Trust has over 35 years experience in supporting the spiritual growth of those in prison, through sharing the contemplative practices of meditation, yoga, mindfulness and breathwork. Testimonies of those whose lives have changed will illustrate the value and significance of rehabilitation. Evidence includes the evaluation of Prison Phoenix Trust programmes delivered in prison settings and the outcomes for participants. By exploring the components of prison mindfulness, meditation, yoga courses and the crucial skills of its teachers, it is clear how essential personal silent breath-based contemplative practice is as a critical foundation to draw upon. Selina’s reflections draw upon her personal experience of teaching prison groups, male, female and the youth estate and offering one-to-one guidance, through the work of the Trust.

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