Manila, Philippines – Breath Water Sound workshops were conducted since July 2010 by Art of Living Philippines volunteers for the inmates of the Centre for Restorative Activities Development and Learning Experiences ( CRADLE ) in Camp Bagong Diwa, Manila.
CRADLE is a correctional facility which houses 72 boys, 16-19 years of age, who have ongoing criminal cases.Our dedicated volunteers go every week on Sundays at 8.30am to conduct BWS follow-up sessions for the boys.
The leader of AOL’s team is Madel Pajarillo. She sent this today: “I’m sharing with you a poem that was given to me by the juvenile delinquents at Camp Bagong Diwa last Sunday. This piece was composed by 72 young male adolescents ages 16-19 with ongoing criminal cases. It’s one of the most meaningful presents I’ve ever received. Let’s continue to be of help to these people who need the breathing technique the most. Art of Living is giving us an opportunity to reach out and be of service to others. We are so lucky to have been given this chance. A smile, a hug, or a precious poem from a participant gives an awesome and indescribable feeling knowing that you have helped someone feel loved and free.Madel”
The boys’ poem
Daily we wake up not knowing what happens next
With our everyday view were extremely feeling vex
But someone like you who earns and spend a dime
Exert some extra effort and for us wasted their time
We just want to thank you for goodness you have done
And for giving us hope not even saying that we’re gone
We are so thankful for giving us moral strengths
With our grateful hearts, we definitely want to give you thanks
Thank you for anything and everything you gave
Thank you for this knowledge for our spirit’s love
Thank you for the light that through you we find
Thank you for giving us something that enlightens our mind
They are just some words but those meant a lot
Please appreciate them because they’re all what we’ve got
Wherever we will be, inside the cell or within the pew
Thank God for this opportunity. I’ll seize the day to say thank you
Thank you for letting us feel that amount of mirth
Thank you for showing us that smile you already had since birth
Thank you for this blessing for taking away the strife
Thank you, lastly, thank you, for coming into my life .
