In The Power of Change, Patrick Middleton shows with clear and convincing evidence that the antidote to self destructive behavior is discovering and cultivating self awareness, which leads to self understanding, ego control and the gradual end to impulsive decision-making. To help readers better understand the concept of self awareness, he provides simple, but profound insight into the workings of the "unaware" mind, drawing on personal experiences and vignettes collected over his 49 years of incarceration. A refreshing aspect of The Power of Change is Middleton's ability to empower and inspire the reader without placating, sugar coating or using psychological jargon that only a therapist would understand. With both humility and optimism, he readily acknowledges that life ⎯ especially life in prison ⎯ is difficult, demanding and often an uphill challenge. And he does so neither in a condescending nor self aggrandizing manner. Nor does he claim the suggestions in his book will make all problems go away, but, he writes, "once you become aware that you are aware, you will have the confidence to know that the power of change is in your hands."
Each of the book's 28 chapters presents a different life situation that is designed to connect readers to practical ways to discover and cultivate self awareness, and to learn to Be in the present. Chapter titles reflect the wealth of wisdom and practicality of this well-written book; for example, "Be Honest with Yourself," "Become Aware of What You're Thinking," "Resolve Your Bitterness," "Here's What You Have to Feel if You're Truly Sorry," "Discover the Present and Be in It," "Raise Your Self Standards," "Practice Empathy," "Develop a Support Team," "Acknowledge Your Success," "Live Every Day With a Purpose." Included in each chapter are carefully crafted exercises for incorporating the chapter lessons into one's everyday life.
The Power of Change is a must-read for every prisoner who desires the mental tools and knowledge to bring about responsible, lasting change in their lives. An inspiration, this book is a gift to humankind, easily read and one that will be dog-eared, underlined, and revisited by readers time and again. Every friend and family member of an incarcerated person will want their loved one to have this book.
About the Author: Patrick Middleton has been incarcerated in Pennsylvania since 1975. From 1978 to 1990, he was a full-time student in the University of Pittsburgh's in-house college program at Western Penitentiary on the North Side of Pittsburgh, achieving scholarship status throughout his 12 year student tenure. In 1990, he earned his Ph.D. in Instruction and Learning, becoming the first and only prisoner in America to earn a Ph.D. in a classroom setting. He has taught undergraduate and graduate students in both the University of Pittsburgh and Villanova University's in-house prison college programs. He is the author of two instructor's manuals in psychology; a memoir, Incorrigible; and a literary novel, Eureka Man.
