Last week I visited the Nigerian Prison for a work-related event. I honestly didn’t know what to expect on my way there. But it would be my first time seeing a prison and I was looking forward to the experience.
Fast-forward to when we arrived, I realized I didn’t feel a special kind of way.
Was there compassion? Definitely! But beyond that- nothing. I had no goose-pimples, my heart didn’t beat any faster, and everything seemed normal. (At least so I thought.)
At the entrance, while we were being checked, there were saw some numbers on the wall I found interesting. It read; 32 -convicted, and 186 -awaiting trial, and the first thing that crossed my mind was ‘imagine being innocent and awaiting trial for God knows how long. Even worse is imagine being innocent and found guilty by a faulty judicial system- (God forbid o)
I was expecting to see hardened criminals and unfriendly faces as we stepped into the prison compound, but I was disappointed. I saw everyday women, young and old, regular women who seemed to be going about their lives as usual.
They were smiling, laughing, eating, fetching water, hanging around lazily in the quadrangle… living life as if nothing was wrong. For a second, I forgot they were probably criminals.
What could they have done so wrong to end up here? I thought to myself.
As we walked past, they smiled at us, greeted us, welcomed us with so much enthusiasm and I suddenly realized that I wasn’t that different from any of them. Neither are you!
Why?
Although we have the privilege of enjoying physical freedom, our minds are not that lucky.
Like these women, we have made mistakes in the past. We have said the wrong things, failed at different times and wronged people here and there.
Even though it looks nothing like the women in a physical prison, these events have caused many of us to be locked up in a mental prison; imprisoned by our unforgiveness, fear of failure, lack of trust and the fear of what people will say, just to mention a few.
So we go about, acting like all is well, when in reality, many of us are depressed, discontent, angry, stagnated, bitter, envious and largely unable to live our lives fully. We experience emotions that have held us bound and until we realize and come to terms with them, freedom remains a long walk.
The women at the prison seemed like they had come to terms with their reality, and I am certain it is largely because they are holding out hope for the day they will be set free.
This piece is not going to tell you how to break free from the mental prison we’re all in, because honestly, I don’t have the answer.
I know this much though, like Bob Marley said, that the only one who can free me, is me…….
Remember these lyrics from Redemption Song?
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery,
None but ourselves can free our minds.
For those who don’t, this is one classic song you should add to your playlist. Trust me it’s worth the listen. Listen Here
In conclusion, I am my own rescue. You are your own rescue.
Coming to terms with that is a good start from where I stand.
This quote below captures it so well…
We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is your only ruler, sovereign. The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind.
Marcus Garvey
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Mental slavery is the greatest damage we humans use in harming ourselves. Once the mind is free and without boundaries, you can do even the impossible.