Insight on the Inside

To inspire and empower by teaching mindfulness meditation to people in under-resourced communities, including those who are incarcerated or returning from incarceration, in substance abuse treatment, or affected by poverty, aging or illness.

We share mindfulness practices with people who are under-resourced for their self-empowerment, healing and community well–being. IOI volunteers serve the incarcerated, returning citizens, people transitioning from homelessness, and those in substance abuse treatment. These populations experience a high rate of trauma, addiction, and related health disorders but also have limited access to medical services. Mindfulness practices help our students gain clarity, insight, and compassion. We frame our classes as conversations and inquiries, drawing on the inherent wisdom of their experience. Insight on the Inside facilitators use sitting meditation and mindful movement, among other methods, to support engagement.

Mindfulness is a training in greater observation and less reactivity, away from “automatic pilot” and toward responding in a way that aligns with what we value for ourselves and our communities. We use the highly respected evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as our foundation.

We value diverse perspectives and value all individuals equally regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, socio-economic status or other dimension of diversity.