Testimonials

The CIT program was the most thought-provoking class I have taken.  It not only taught me how to think, it taught me why I think.  These two outcomes are very helpful when a man wants to change his own thought and behaviors.

One of the most interesting topics was neuroplasticity (I think the Second Fundamental Shift).  In this I learned that the circuitry of my brain can be ‘rewired’, that my go-to response/reactions to certain stimuli do not have to remain the way they are.  We did not get to use the portable EEG Muse band, but I could see how useful that would be to effect change in a response/reaction .  It was a comfort to know, though, that I can change, by being aware, and learning to breath 4-7-8 and calm myself down.

Ultimately, the one thing that I learned that will – and already is - having the most profound impact in my life is Skill 2 – Ethical Mindfulness.  Becoming aware of my thoughts and self-dialogue has caused an explosive behavioral awakening.  It has made me aware of how my perception of an event and how I process that event contributes to my response to that event.  That awareness has also given me the ability to “think” about my response/reaction to an event more slowly.  The power that this has give me over my outward behaviors has been phenomenal.

The goal of the CIT program was to give us the tools to become more thoughtful and compassionate men.  In me - and my classmates- this has already borne fruit. As I move on from the CIT program, it is my hope that this program expands it outreach to more inmates, our officers, and the administration.  CIT can change the experience of prison into a truly world altering, world enhancing experience that will make society a safer, better place for all of us.

What did the class mean to me? It meant a whole new beginning. It means
that I learned so much about people, but most of all I learned who I was,
who I am and who I want to be! I have learned why I looked at people that
I did not know and not care who they were or why they mattered. I learned
that all world religions have the golden rule to treat others like I want to be
treated. I am learning above all else, to love my neighbor as myself. I
never really could understand how to actually practice and believe loving
my neighbor until I took the CIT course. This is a program that I will
treasure all my life and one that I will share will my friends and family. One
of the practices we did was to ask and answer the question “who are you?”
over and over again. I had many answers to this, and I now know one
more for sure: I am a better man than I was! Progress not perfection.
Sincerely, Antonio.

Throughout the duration of the course, the Contemplative Journal
questions and the exercises I invested a lot of time and thought. By Series
2- Forgiveness and Gratitude, I realized my first fundamental shift had
taken place within me. The Naikan practice of calculating hours, weeks,
years of the little things that caregivers spent doing for me allowed me to
reflect on the hours, weeks, and years that I spent doing things for myself.
Then, the facilitators challenged me to practice Naikan even for the
Correctional Staff and other inmates that I had experienced conflict with. In
Series 3, skill 9 and 10, I was challenged to practice it again with the
people who make up the system. I would like to thank Life University for
acknowledging and recognizing that human life exists in prisons and is of
equal value. I am so thankful for the development that took place among
many of us attending CIT. Most of all I am thankful to know that there are
people who believe in us and value our lives. With peace and love, Adrian.