strength grows inside

credit – oakwillow

At Thursday’s group, we had a sweet gathering of writing inside VT team members and inmates. Conversation ranged from courage and bravery to the value of our group in creating safe space to examine our innermost lives. One of our team assistants reflected later:

“I was very impressed with the forthright comments of commitment by the inmates. I could feel the mission of the program working; the women inside feeling strength growing inside themselves because of their participation in the program. They felt like growing women, not prisoners.”

And in their writing, the women themselves proved the point. Two women’s writing spoke to the dichotomous ways in which a concept can be understood. One contrasted certainty and curiosity; the other, two sides of fear. Their words follow, words that show understanding and strength growing inside.

‘Treasure curiosity more than certainty’ – Margaret Wheatley, ‘Turning to One Another’

Certainty puts you at a standstill
Curiosity keeps you motivated and interested
Certainty is the same and boring
Curiosity is new and interesting
Certainty is repetitive and monotonous
Curiosity is full of ups and downs
Certainty is explored territory
Curiosity is a journey and adventure
Certainty is a slow smooth rhythm
Curiosity is a suspenseful tune
Certainty is a fear of emotion
Curiosity is brave and courageous
Certainty knows its limits
Curiosity knows no boundaries
Certainty is not achievable for nothing is for certain
Curiosity is an unwritten book
Certainty is to be closed off
Curiosity is an opportunist
Certainty plays by watch
Curiosity is when least expected
Certainty is very simple
Curiosity is broad and everlasting
Certainty has a damaged past
Curiosity has gotten over it
Certainty remembers
Curiosity forgives
Certainty seeks in vain for serenity
Curiosity is dancing in the rain
Dare to step outside your comfort zone
That is where possibilities begin