We're helping prisoners overcome addictions and violent tendencies and to apply yoga as a practical tool to their lives, whether incarcerated or out in society.
The prison population in the U.S. is 2.25 million. Few prisons have yoga and meditation programs, and few teachers are oriented or trained to teach to this special population. Prison is a breeding ground for mental, emotional and physical distress. Experiences of anxiety, depression, agitation, hopelessness, grief, fear and rage can be greatly increased under incarcerated conditions. Learning a practice in prison for mindful awareness and yoga and greatly support behavioral rehabilitation.
We're publishing and sending to 10,000 prisoners a book, "Yoga: A Path for Healing and Recovery," which has been requested by prisoners themselves.We're also establishing yoga programs at other prisons throughout the country.
At least 10,000 prisoners would be immediately affected. Rates of recidivism are likely to decline, which is being independently tested.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
