Episode 3: Eldra Jackson III - Trauma as Unconscious Story, Transforming in Prison, Finding Our Shared Humanity
Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished - Nelson Mandela
Please note: This podcast contains discussion of childhood trauma and strong language. It doesn't go into detail of abuse, yet does explore the situation and its impact.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0imXjTETI7qgvIV1omc1ap
Quote from Eldra I'm Pondering
When people in power.. can recognize their own humanity.. when they can recognize they are imprisoned as well.. when they can look at their unconscious ways of showing up, that changes the game for everyone else. Then collectively we can look at folks we label as at-risk youth, justice system impacted, criminals, convicts — and we can begin to see them as human beings, not as those titles or labels. - Eldra Jackson III
Show Notes
Eldra Jackson III is a facilitator, author and speaker who shares his story of transformation while serving a life sentence in a prison. Since Eldra was released he’s been on a mission to transform the world, one circle at a time. He’s the co-executive director of Inside Circle and a lead facilitator in men’s work, primarily focusing on at-risk youth and supporting rehabilitation for former and current inmates. In addition Eldra is also a mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project.
I had the privilege of seeing Eldra’s serving from his gifts first hand, as he facilitated a piece of my work in San Francisco. I can attest not only to his skill and compassion in facilitating this kind of healing and transformational work, but I see him as an embodiment of the potential of doing this kind of work.
In our conversation we explore Eldra’s wounds from childhood that contributed to him earning a life sentence, his riveting story of transformation in prison, and discuss the work ahead to foster a culture of healing for people impacted by the criminal justice system and beyond.