Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingMonth: April 2020
Ed Note 25.17/18
Welcome back to another double issue of The Beat Within! Though our world continues in a state of chaos and uncertainty, The Beat Within remains constant & committed to sharing your voice, your story, and your opinions about what matters most. We’ve been deeply humbled to hear what you have to say about COVID-19, the shelter in place order, isolation, and control – concerns that are impacting all of us, no matter where we are. The advice and encouragement our writers have to offer us readers is so valuable. You bring us the hope, perspective, and enthusiasm that our world
Continue ReadingSearching For Happiness?
by Thomas Sheen Dear Beat Within Readers, Deciding to change is not simple, but it’s something I knew I needed. At a certain point in my life, life seemed so empty and void of happiness that I doubted as to whether there was any hope for me of ever experiencing happiness again. To me it was obvious that something had to change. My initial thoughts were, “If only I were not locked up,” “If only I had a job,” “If only I could see my family.” I knew these things could add to my happiness, but they didn’t necessarily produce
Continue ReadingDear Beat, Thoughts on Lockdown
by Jesse Ayers Thanks for the letter and the prompt. I appreciate you reaching out. I’ll do my best to describe what “lockdown” is like for me, in a way that is relatable to anyone. Being locked down is a lot like being a tree that just got pruned. Trees receive nutrients from the sun through what is called photo-synthesis. When a tree loses its leaves and branches, its roots grow deeper into the soil to soak up nutrients from the earth in order to survive. When the tree’s branches grow back and its leaves return, it is finally rooted
Continue ReadingI Understand Why
by LC I understand why the governor wants everybody at home instead of outside. This Coronavirus is spreading faster and faster. A lot of people are taking it as a joke. They’re still doing what they want to do. A lot of families are struggling to find food and toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. People are buying everything they can get their hands on. The president is giving out Stimulus checks for $1200 plus $500 for every American child. This is because a lot of people are struggling to work and get hours to be able to pay for the rent. Only American
Continue ReadingDear Beat Within Community
This month we’ve experienced an unprecedented halt on the lives of people across the world. While our in-person workshops have temporarily and necessarily scaled back for the health and safety of our volunteers and the youth we serve, we remain committed to providing our magazines to as many incarcerated youth and adults as possible. In this difficult time, we ask for your support in printing and distributing extra Beat magazines to provide to the people we serve, who, due to the state of emergency, have very limited programming and access to the outside world. Our work could not be possible
Continue ReadingVolume 25.15/16
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 25.15/16
We welcome back our wonderful community of Beat readers and writers! We hope this issue finds you in good health and high spirits during these challenging times we are all facing. The Beat Within staff, volunteers, and community partners continue to work with extra diligence in the midst of this global pandemic to make sure that The Beat ends up in your hands. We are making the most of our social distancing and transition to alternate ways of learning and growing. You inspire us each and every day, and give us the strength to persevere! For this issue, we’d like
Continue ReadingForgiving My Father
by Joseph Weathington Dear Dad, I was really sad, hurt, and disappointed in you for not having being a father to and for me when I needed one the most. I don’t know if you were capable of being a father, and by father, I mean being there emotionally, being supportive, encouraging, guiding, loving, and all the rest that goes with being a dad. I’d like to think that you are sad about it as well. I thought something was wrong with me because of your leaving and abandonment. I took it upon myself to blame myself for your terrible inadequacies.
Continue ReadingHealing On Highway 99
by Jesus Cortez Growing up my relationship with my father was what a relationship was supposed to be between a father and a son. I felt safe, accepted, loved, and important. I felt this up until he left which was when I was 5 years old. From that point on I had no relationship with him until he returned when I was 8. In his absence, I really did miss him, and needed him in my life. I remember my family and I lived in some apartments right across the street from Highway 99 in McFarland, CA. I would regularly
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