Changing prisoners’ minds with Vedic meditation at Rikers Island

Joh Jarvis was a high-flying boss when grief from a terrible loss began to overwhelm her. She tried therapy, exercise and healthy eating. Then she found Vedic meditation, and the experience was 'psychedelic'. (R)

Joh Jarvis is a Vedic meditation teacher in New York City.

On a regular basis Joh travels to the notorious Rikers Island Prison in the Bronx.

There, she teaches meditation to men waiting on remand.

Inside a prison which is often violent and chaotic, she aims to give them a new way of coping.

Joh grew up in Adelaide, and always wanted to live amidst the bright lights of New York.

After a stint as a bicycle courier, she worked her way up to management at the ABC.

As she approached 50, she had a well-paying job, a nice house, and strong connections with friends and family. 

But long-term grief had hollowed her out, and she asked herself, is this all there is?

Then she was introduced to Vedic meditation, and she says her first encounter was 'psychedelic'.

Read more about Joh's work at Rikers Island and other US prisons at her website The Light Inside.

And you can see Joh in action on ABC TV's Compass.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan. Executive Producer was Nicola Harrison.

It explores epic life stories, family dynamics, grief, loss, reflection, Vedic meditation, meditation, personal stories, origin stories, death, career, giving back, New York City, Rikers Island prison, incarceration, justice system, prison system, mindfulness, mantras, health and wellness, suicide.