The Comienzos program is an ever growing and evolving program that serves men and woman incarcerated at the Bernalillo Metropolitan Detention Center. One of the core principle of the Comienzos Programing is grounded in ancient indigenous tradition of the Hopi Medicine Wheel.
The Medicine Wheel dates back 4,500 years. Many of the North American indigenous populations use this wheel for various rituals, healing, and teaching purposes. I respectfully uses this symbol as a teaching tool that honors the four bodies of a human. We are Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical beings and exercising practices in each of these areas are crucial part of our well being.
The idea is to take care of your body with a healthy food and consistent exercise. Develop emotional intelligence with classes in Nonviolent Communication, 12 Step, and Native Drum Circles. Get grounded in some form of Spiritual practice, whether it be meditation, prayer or some form of kindness practice. Finally I encourage everyone to have some sort of mental stimulation. This includes reading, writing, problem solving and critical thinking. Most activities have some sort of overlap and can fit into more than one of your bodies. Be sure to be mindful of honoring your self by honoring these aspects of your humanness.
Any social systems, institutes and cultural upbringing that doesn't honor these aspects of our existence is most likely operating out an oppressive consciousness(or life-alienating fashion).
Key Distinction: Life-connected vs. life-alienated