EVIDENCE OF SAFETY

BY TRACY SCHLAPP

Creator has my back, Powwow is happening.
I make up to 35,000 decisions a day consciously & subconsciously.
The best that I do is working in evolution.
I am seeing things I didn’t see before.
I don’t really “Know” anything.
I appreciate myself when I show up.
I Am Safe Right Now free write, Matt Reyes, sub-chief Lakota Oyate-ki

In July, we ran a guided free write using affirmations that neurologists have found light up certain areas of the brain. To that, we added a concept put forth by Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist: Our brains are predictive muscles observing the world and gathering evidence to keep us safe. The writers were read each of the following statements and then, tasked with writing examples to make it true for them.

I AM SAFE RIGHT NOW. Activates your parasympathetic nervous system

I CAN CHANGE MY BRAIN. Boosts motivation through intentional activity + belief

I AM ENOUGH. Increases self-compassion + reduces negative default mode network activity

MISTAKES ARE HOW I GROW. Fuels growth mindset + strengthens neural learning circuits

MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS. Supports cognitive reappraisal + metacognition for better emotion regulation

MY PRESENCE MATTERS. Stimulates oxytocin + reward circuits tied to social bonding + purpose

The writing results were mixed. We think about our workshop as a creative lab. Writing prompts are little experiments to get us thinking. Each of us is asked to respond in five minutes and see what we discover. The idea of safety sparked a great deal of conversation, given the very nature of the carceral setting. We have gathered some writing that circles notions of safety.

The Exploration by Hugh Crow
I am safe right now. There are no enemies in sight, not a single man with ill intent or jealousy.

Answering the Call by Melissa Black
One where we can all relate, not to hesitate.
With Holy skin that is universal that radiates
and illuminates.
With all shades combined as one.

The Day I Counted by Jai
And I counted on you on a day
That I could not simply count coup.
I needed more than what one woman could bear,
More than life itself would spare.

Kryptonite by Teresa Whitesides
In the middle of the night they come crashing in the front door.
Tornados leaving destruction in their wake.
Too scared to sleep, I go into the kitchen relieved to no longer be alone.

Life Sometimes by Michael Wise
Loving someone who hurts you most of the time.
Memories of the better days,
When laughter turns to rage,
Feeling like you got played

The question I am most asked by people on the streets: Do you feel safe in prison? I generally respond by saying that I move through that space as a protected class. The prisoners want volunteers to come in and so they are very respectful. And the staff want to ensure that volunteers leave a prison without incident. Moreover, the dynamic in our workshops demands trust between everyone at the table. We need to provide a safe place to share our unrehearsed thoughts, our raw writing, our newly formed ideas and identities. And so, I am aware of my surroundings and I never take the time inside for granted. | TDS