This series features writing from inmates at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. The articles stem from weekly programming facilitated by the Colorado College Prison Project. Through contact between the CC community and Colorado Springs, this series aims to simultaneously broaden CC perception of incarceration issues and provide a platform for incarcerated writers. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office requires approval of written material prior to publication and the removal of authors’ last names. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the EPCSO or the Prison Project.
By DERRIC
The mind is a world where we’re all connected in mirrored dimensions in which we are reflected.
“Art is the path to the creator through his work.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
As I awaken from the edge of a dream, still somewhere in between astral streams of visions and scenes I find myself drifting in an endless procession of possibility it seems. As I swim through the tides of the dream’s wake, I realize we are what we make.
“If the doors of perception were cleansed, med would see things as they truly are … infinite.” – William Blake
“If you take any activity, any art, any discipline, any skill — take it and push it as far as it will go, push it beyond where it has ever been before, push it to the wildest edges of edges, then you force it into the realm of magic.” – Tom Robbins
I urge you to be like the moon and make waves. Disturb the water. Rattle the cage. Encompass perception to truly appreciate the totality of actuality. We have the power to do anything, be anything we can dream.
“When we fall asleep, where do we go?” – Billie Eilish
If you close your eyes and imagine a nation in your imagination, is your world at war, or is it at peace, or does it continually shift between these extremes?
We are never closer to changing the world than being where change is needed most and by being the change we wish to see in the world, we attain the profound effect of progress and inspire ambition.
“As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each one of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” –Albert Schweitzer
“Never let your light shine out.” – Collective Soul
“As below, so above; and as above, so below. With this knowledge alone you may work miracles.” – The Emerald Tablet
“Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” – St. Augustine
The great Oracle of Delphi and Socrates was the wisest being because he knew that true knowledge is accepting the fact that we truly know nothing. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Energy is neither created nor destroyed but can change form and as we rise from the ashes of adversity like the Phoenix, remember, your life is your song — sing it!