The Sunrise Beyond the Walls

By Shannon Kramolis

Four years ago, I walked into Walton Correctional Institution as a volunteer teacher, hoping I might have something meaningful to offer the men incarcerated there. I never imagined how much they would teach me.

Every week, I spend two and a half hours teaching Critical Thinking and Mindful Living. Together, we explore emotional intelligence, ego, communication, personal responsibility, and how our thoughts and beliefs shape our lives. We read books, challenge assumptions, examine old patterns, and ask difficult questions: What does it mean to take responsibility for our choices? How can we respond rather than react? Can we change the stories we tell ourselves?

These conversations require honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to look inward. The men do not always agree with one another—or with me. That is part of the work. We practice listening, questioning, and considering perspectives beyond our own.

As a yoga teacher, I often remind my students that yoga is much more than physical postures. It is a practice of awareness, self-examination, compassion, and learning to live more consciously. Some of the deepest expressions of that practice I have witnessed have happened in a prison classroom, without a yoga mat in sight.

One of my favorite moments came when one of the men shared that he had watched the sunrise that morning, his cell window faces the sunrise (it also faces the city dump) When another student teased him that he looked at the dump – without hesitation, he replied, “I may have been looking at the dump, but I saw the sunrise.”

I have carried those words ever since. He has no control over where his window faces, he has no control over what exists out there but he can absolutely choose what he sees.

The men in my classroom are more than their convictions. Recognizing their humanity does not excuse harmful choices or erase accountability. It means believing that reflection, responsibility, redemption and growth remain possible.

Recently, our community gathered for a yoga fundraiser supporting this educational work and books for the men. Before the event, I asked my students what they wanted me to tell those who came and their answer was simple: “Thank you.” Thank you for not forgetting us. For seeing us as human beings. For believing in us. Their words remind me that encouragement and human connection can reach beyond prison walls.

How can you help? 

Consider volunteering at Walton Correctional Institution. Volunteers can contribute through educational, mentoring, creative, and other approved programs.

https://www.fdc.myflorida.com/volunteer-services/volunteers-and-programs?utm_source=chatgp t.com.

Even if volunteering is not possible, we can all choose to look beyond someone’s circumstances and recognize their humanity.