A Letter from Death Row

"Mark taught me that."

Wayne Doty has been incarcerated since childhood. In this letter, he shares what meditation — and Mark's teaching — has meant to him as his appeals run out.

Wayne Doty

Florida Death Row · #375690

Wayne has been practicing wall meditation with Mark for several years. With all but one of his appeals extinguished, he shared the following letter in his own words.

Since meeting Mark several years ago, he's made a huge impact on death row. His meditation practice and presence in my life have changed everything. All but one of my appeals are extinguished, so inevitably my sentence will be carried out. After the appeal, my number could be called at any moment.

I have lived in a small cage for a very long time without the comforts most take for granted. I have been incarcerated since childhood. Despite my circumstances and the guilt I have for knowing I took and ruined many people's lives, I've found peace. Although by law I can't, I would gladly and genuinely apologize to my victims' families. Their feelings and needs are most important here. Not mine. Mark taught me that.

I was angry, aggressive, and cold before meeting him. Now I know it's OK to let my guard down and just be my natural self.

I use Mark's teachings as a tool and foundation to begin each day. I have his photo in front of me when I meditate. What I've learned from him is a true testament that anything is possible when a human puts their mind to it. I was angry, aggressive, and cold before meeting him. Now I know it's OK to let my guard down and just be my natural self.

Although it's a risk in prison, I show my warm, funny side and have given up that hard exterior as much as I can. When possible, I pass on many of his teachings and practices to other death row inmates. I do the best I can in the tough circumstances I put myself in.

I practice what Mark calls raw acceptance. In here, it's as raw as it gets.