In a recent post, I mentioned that Folk Legend Pete Seeger came to one of my trials. Some of you sent me emails asking what I was on trial for and I might add, "what does jail have to do with personal development?" My answer is that In some cases, a lot.
In my bio, I mention that I am a community activist. My core focus as such has been human rights and Youth issues. Unfortunately, sometimes those in power see your kids as the enemy, as criminals that do nothing but "hang out." I begged to differ. In my hometown of Peekskill, N.Y., I was arrested twice while trying to ask a question about money that was supposed to have been earmarked for the community that I lived in at that time to help get kids off the streets. Rather than answer where this money went, the mayor chose to have the police arrest me and drag me from the podium where I was taken straight to jail.
One moth later I was dragged out of the audience for "speaking out of turn" for attempting to ask the same question. Peekskill being Peekskill, decided to give me two trials on the same day. It was these trials that Pete came to too show his support.
For me, personal development is much more than just bettering your skills and increasing your value to make more money. It is about becoming a better person by helping others become better. It is about standing up and going places that fear would normally stop you from going but your convictions are more than your fears and you do it anyway. You have grown. Personal development!
I have been arrested five times in my life and put on trial three times, being found guilty all three times in a Peekskill court house. They were all political arrests and I am proud of each one. Was it stressful? Yes, but meditation helped me cope. Did it cost me financially? Yes but necessity taught me to earn more money. Do I think I am a better person because of these experiences? Yes. For lack of a better phrase, I call it Personal Development.
